WILLIAM THEODORE STEARNS

William Theodore Stearns, an honored and representative citizen of Lucas county, who died at his home in Russell on the 7^th of February, 1911, was born at Ashland, Ashland county, Ohio, in December, 1833. He grew to manhood in his native county, remaining there until 1852, when he came overland to Iowa, settling in Cedar county, where he followed carpentering. Afterward he went back to Ohio and made a journey down the Ohio river to St. Louis, thence to Muscatine, and from there to Cedar county. Mr. Stearns engaged in carpentering for some time, eventually moving to Missouri, where he was residing at the outbreak of the Civil war. He enlisted in the Third Missouri Calvalry, serving three years and seven months, after which he received his honorable discharge with the rank of sergeant. He returned after the war to Missouri, where he followed the carpenter’s trade until he moved to Russell, remaining an honored and respected resident of Lucas county to the time of his death, which occurred on the 7^th of February, 1911.

At Mechanicsville, Iowa, on the 1^st of January, 1868, Mr. Stearns was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Comstock, who was born in Cedar county, November 19, 1846, and who grew to womanhood there, attending the common schools. Her parents, Daniel F. and Lavina (Robinson) Comstock, were early settlers in Cedar county. The father was born in New York, March 24, 1824, and died in Russell, October 5, 1885. His wife, who was born in Ohio, May 28, 1826, died at Mechanicsville, Iowa, August 11, 1865. Eight children were born of their union, as follows: Lorano, whose birth occurred August 19,1845, and who died in infancy; Mrs. Stearns, wife of the subject of this review; Daniel Allen, who was born January 31, 1849, and who resides at Walla Walla, Washington; Mrs. Celesta Elizabeth Sears, who was born June 12, 1852, and who resides in Forest Grove, Oregon; Mrs. Hannah Morgan, who was born October 5, 1854, and who died at Forest Grove, Oregon; and Maybelle, who was born November 22, 1862, and who died in infancy. Two other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Comstock passed away in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns had three children: Clarence Mannie, who was born at Monticello, Missouri, November 6, 1868, and who resides at Phoenix, Arizona; Mrs. Katie Elizabeth Kauffman, who was born May 4, 1876, and who resides at Stratford, Hamilton county, Iowa; and George Clayton, who was born August 5, 1886, and who resides at Grass Valley, Oregon. Mrs. Stearns survives her husband. She is a member of the Presbyterian church of Russell and exemplifies its teachings in her life, holding the esteem and confidence of many friends.

Mr. Stearns was a member of the Russell Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus kept in touch with his comrades of fifty years ago. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party but he never sought nor desired public office. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, he won the regard and respect of those with whom he came in contact and his death was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends.

Return to biography list