Decatur County Journal
September 4, l902

ALFRED B. STEARNS was born near Melmore, Seneca County, Ohio, September
6th, l830, and died at his home in Garden Grove, Iowa September 5th,
l902.

He resided in the county of his birth until the year l852, when he in
company with two of his brothers, JOHN and DANIEL, went to California to
try their fortunes in the gold fields of that state. They worked a
claim for two years quite successfully, returning to Ohio about the
first of the year l854 with quite a competency.

In the spring of l854, ALFRED and his brother DANIEL came to Garden
Grove and purchasing the only store in the town, embarked in the
mercantile business under the firm name of D. & A.B. STEARNS, which
co-partnership was destined in after years to become celebrated in
southern Iowa, and northern Missouri, as one that was not only strong
financially but for honorable dealing and high integrity. After
purchasing the store as stated above, he returned to Seneca County and
was married September l9th, l854, to MISS NANCY E. SLOAT, who is left
sadly bereaved of a dear one who has been her companion for nearly
forty-eight years. There were two children born as a result of this
union: GEORGE and LEWIS A., both of whom survive their father.

The deceased until within the past two or three years when his health
began to fail, was a very active energetic business man. Besides
sharing with his brother the care and management of a large private
business as merchants and bankers, he bore his share in the business of
his county and town, having served for several years as a member of the
Board of Supervisors and was several years member of the Board of
Education, and served the town both in capacity of mayor and
councilman. In whatever capacity he served he received the hearty
commendation of his fellow citizens, as being faithful to his trust. He
was a public spirited man, loyal to the interests of the town and
neighborhood; always in the forefront in every enterprize which had for
its object the weal and betterment of the community where he lived. As
a husband and father he was most kind and affectionate; a great lover of
his home, which is made cheerful and bright by the sunshine of his
presence.

He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in the spring of l90l; he had,
however, been closely associated with that church for a great many years
before he united with it as an active member, having been one of the
trustees and having contributed liberally to its support. His life was
an exemplary one, honest, moral and upright coming down to its close
full of good deeds, so that he was loved and respected by all who knew
him. He has left a record that all might well emulate.

We cannot know all the good deeds that he has done in his life of 72
years, as his ears were ever open to the cry of distress, and his
sympathies were ever readily excited by the wail of sorrow; but his
deeds of love and charity were done quietly and without ostentation.
This we do know, that they are all recorded over yonder, whither he has
gone, and each is as a gem giving its radiance to the crown that was
awaiting him at the portal of that Heavenly World.

The funeral was from the M.E. Church, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock,
conducted by his pastor, Rev. E.C. Newland, and assisted by Rev. Allen
Judd. There was a very large attendance of people present at the church
and that followed him to his last resting place. There were many
elegant floral offerings, fitting tributes of the love and high esteem
felt for the deceased.

Thus another one of Garden Grove's old settlers has passed away leaving
behind him the record of a well spent life.
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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
July 25, 200l
 

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