Kearns, William B.

KEARNS, DOSTILE, STAFFORD

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 5/19/2009 at 18:43:38

History of Hamilton County Iowa,1912, Vol.II, p.58

WILLIAM B. KEARNS

William B. Kearns, a wholesale and retail dealer in cigars at No. 707 Des Moines avenue in Webster City, has been engaged in business at his present location for the past twelve years. His birth occurred in Vinton, Iowa, in 1869, his parents being John V. and Mary J. (Dostile) Kearns. It was in 1855 that the father accompanied his parents on their removal to Benton County, this state. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Thirteenth United States Infantry and lost his arm at the battle of Vicksburg. In 1871 he came to Hamilton County and embarked in the grocery business at Webster City, having here successfully conducted an establishment of that character to the present time or for more than four decades. He has served as county recorder for twelve years and is well known as a representative and esteemed citizen.

William B. Kearns obtained his education in the schools of Webster City and when seventeen years of age began clerking in a dry-goods store. He worked in a clerical capacity in various other establishments until 1892 and then embarked in the cigar business on his own account in the Willson House. In 1900 he opened a store at No. 707 Des Moines avenue, where he has remained continuously since, carrying on a general jobbing business and enjoying an extensive patronage as a wholesale and retail dealer in cigars. He also takes an active interest in baseball, being owner of the team and park in Webster City as well as manager of the team.

In 1893 Mr. Kearns was united in marriage to Miss Anna Stafford, her father being C. W. Stafford, a carpenter and contractor of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Our subject and his wife have one daughter, Arline, who was born in 1898. The family residence is at No. 907 First street in Webster City.

Fraternally Mr. Kearns is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being a member of Lodge No. 302, of which he is a past exalted ruler. He was the representative to the grand lodge at Salt Lake City and Atlantic City. The local organization of the Modern Woodmen of America also numbers him among its valued members. He has spent practically his entire life in Webster City and enjoys an enviable reputation as one of its alert, enterprising and progressive business men, while in social circles his pleasing personality has made him popular.