USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Bedford > History of the town of Bedford, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to the year of Our Lord 1891 > Part 32
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Mr. Stearns resides at Central Falls, R.I. He has filled many important positions of trust in the place of his resi- dence, represented the town of Lincoln in both branches of the General Assembly, and was elected lieutenant-gov- ernor of Rhode Island in I891. He is one of the trustees of the Franklin Savings Bank of Pawtucket, and was for two years president of the Pawtucket Business Men's Asso- ciation. Ile is the largest stockholder in the Kilby Manu- facturing Company of Cleveland, O., the business being the manufacture of sugar-mills, paper-mills, steam engines, etc .; and he has a cattle ranch in New Mexico. Reli- giously, he followed in the footsteps of his parents, who were honored members of the Trinitarian Church of Bed- ford, and is a member of the Central Falls Congregational Church, of which he is a liberal supporter.
He m. June 26, 1856, Kate Falconer, of Hamilton, O. Ch. Deshler Falconer,8 b. Aug. 7, 1857. George Russell,8 b. Jan. 19, 1860. Walter Henry,8 b. Jan. 3, 1862, mn. June 5, 1890, Abbie Harris Razee. Kate Russell, b. July 21, 1864. Charles Falconer,8 b. July 27, 1866, graduated from Amherst College in ISSS. Henry Foster,8 b. Mar. 3, 1868. Anna Russell, b. Jan. 4, 1873, d. Feb. 7, 1874. Caroline Cranston, b. Jan. 18, 1875.
It is noticeable in the family record of the last three sons of Capt. Abner Stearns and Anna Russell, that each had three daughters, and one of each trio was named Anna
Russell ; and that each namesake of the grandmother died in infancy. Anna, dau. of Josiah Dwight and Helen Stearns, and gr .- dau. of George S. Stearns, d. May 1, 1891, while our MSS. was in the hands of the printer.
Isaac5 (Hon.), a soldier in the French war, magistrate and distinguished citizen of Billerica, became so generally identified with Bedford through his marriage, and that of his children, that he is introduced here. He m. Feb. 11, 1743, Sarah, dau. of Obed and Elizabeth Abbott of Bed- ford. He d. Mar. 23, 1808 ; she d. Jan. 9, 1815.
William,6 son of Isacc5 and Elizabeth (Abbott), b. Aug. 4, 1752, m. Sept. 25, 1777, Betsey Davis of Bedford.
William,7 son of William,6 b. June 19, 1778, m. Feb. 12, ISO1, Betsey, dan. of Thaddeus and Sarah Davis. He d. Sept. 19, 1823. She d. July 27, 1844. Ch. Horatio Davis,8 b. Jan. 19, 1803. Selinda, b. Sept. 18, 1804, d. April 27, IS60. Matilda Caroline, d. young. h William Albert,8 b. Oct. 12, 1809. Elizabeth Caroline, b. Dec. 9, 1811, d. June 8, ISSS. Charles Blucher,8 b. Aug. 16, 1814. Isaac Davis,8 b. July 21, 1821, m. Sept. 16, 1857, Catherine L. Knight of Woburn, d. Oct. 30, 1882. Ch. Mary Kilburn, b. June 12, 1859, d. Nov. 1, 1877. Fannie Davis, b. May 5, 1867, m. Sept. 11, 1890. Frank E. Soles.
William Albert,8 son of William,7 m. April 3, 1834, Clarissa Tarbell. He d. Mar. 22, 1871; she d. Oct. 20, 1877. Ch. Henry Augustus,9 b. Feb. 26, 1836, mn. Sept. 3, 1857, Mary F. Williams, d. May 29, 1863. Emily Ann, b. Oct. 28, 1838, m. July 4, 1872, George A. Fuller. Samuel Wirt,9 b. Sept. 28, 1841, d. in the Civil War (see p. 69). William Frederick,9 b. Mar. 19, 1846, m. June 3, 1891, Helen A. White.
William Albert Stearns was a shoemaker by trade, and a man of prominence in town and church. (See town officers.) He was deacon of the Church of Christ, and clerk of the Trinitarian Congregational society connected with it, at the time of his death, which occurred at Lowell, in March, 1871, while he was serving as juror in the supe- rior court.
Timothy,6 son of Isaac,5 b. Sept. 25, 1763, m. Nov. I, 1787, Sarah, dau. of Jonathan Lane of Bedford. Ife d. Aug. 8, 1816; she d. June 13, 1849. Of his ch., Obed,7 b. Mar. 21, ISO1, m. May 27, 1827, Mehitable Carleton, and settled on a farm in the south part of the town. They had Josiah Obed,8 b. Oct. 17, 1830; Amos,8 b. 1831, m. Oct. 1856, Mary A. Hartwell; Eckley.8
Eckley Stearns8 was deacon of the Congregational church in Woburn. He gave one of the Kose windows in Amherst College church as a memorial.
Samnel6 (Rev.), the fourth minister of Bedford, was the fourth son of Rev. Josiah5 of Epping, N.H., and grandson of John of Billerica and Esther Johnson of Woburn. He was b. at Epping, N.H., April 8, 1770, and m. May 9, 1797, Abigail, dau. of Rev. Jonathan French of Andover. Ch. Abigail F. b. and d. 1798. Abigail F. b. Jan. 7, 1800, m. Jonas Monroe, d. Jan. 1833. h Samuel Horatio,7 b. Sept. 12, 1801, d. in Paris, France, July 15, 1837. Sarah Caroline, b. April 15, 1803, m. Sept. 27, 1827, Rev. Forest Jefferds. h William Augustus,7 b. Mar. 17, 1805, d. June 8, 1876. Maria H. b. Nov. 14, 1806, d. June 8, 1881. h Jonathan French,7 b. Sept. 4, 1808, d. Nov. 11, 1889, Elizabeth W. b. July 29, 1810, m. Dec. 8, 1831, Dea. Charles James. Josiah Atherton? and George Washington,7 twins, b. Sept.
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1, 1812; Josiah d. Sept. 8, 1883; George d. in infancy. Charlotte Esther, b. Sept. 17, 1814, m. Rev. Jonathan Leav- itt, q.v. Ann Catherine, b. Oct. 10, 1816. h Ebenezer S .? b. Dec. 23, 1819, d. April, 1887.
The public life of Rev. Samuel Stearns has received extended comment in the ecclesiastical and general chap- ters, and the following biographical notice is in part the same as found in the appendix to Shattuck's history of Concord, published soon after the death of Mr. Stearns. It was gathered from the sermon delivered by Rev. Sam- uel Sewall at the funeral of his honored friend and brother in the ministry.
Rev. Samuel Stearns was born at Epping, N.H., April S, 1770, fitted for college, after his father's death, at Exeter Academy, under the patronage of Hon John Phillips, its founder, and graduated at Ilarvard College in 1794. Ilis theological studies were pursued under the direction of Rev. Jonathan French of Andover. He was ordained over the Church and Society in Bedford, April 27, 1796. A new religions society having been legally formed, Nov. 9, 1832, by the name of the "Trinitarian Congregational Society," and the church having voted, at a meeting, May 9, 1833, to dissolve its connection with the First Parish, and to accept an invitation given it to unite with the new society, Rev. Mr. Stearns was solemnly constituted the minister of that society, June 5, 1833. He died Dec. 26, IS34. It is worthy of remark, that, during the whole of his protracted ministry, almost thirty-nine years, he was never absent from his people at any communion season but one, - viz., that which occurred about two weeks before his death.
Samuel Horatio was the oldest son, and second child that survived infancy, of Rev. Samuel Stearns and Abigail French. He was a feeble child, of a serious, thoughtful mind. Ilis early education was obtained in the village school, under the careful direction of his thoughtful pa- rents. He entered Phillips Academy, Andover, Decem- ber, 1816, then a little more than fifteen years of age. He united with the church in Bedford, of which his father was pastor, June 1, 1817. He entered the freshman class in Harvard University in the autumn of 1819, and taught school at times during his course, which was pursued with difficulty, because of physical weakness, graduating in August, 1823. Ilis part in the commencement exercises was the Latin salutatory. "On taking his second degree, three years after, he delivered the master's valedictory in Latin." Mr. Stearns spent some months as teacher in Phillips Academy, and joined the junior class in the Theo- logical Seminary, at Andover, in December, 1825, complet- ing his course there in the autumn of 1828. He preached in Philadelphia during the following winter, as an assistant to Rev. Dr. Skinner, and paid much attention to recruit-
ing his health. After seasons of preaching in the Federal Street Church of Newburyport, Park Street Church of Boston, and elsewhere, he was ordained as pastor of the Old South Church and Society of Boston, April 16, 1834. His health, which at that time seemed to be well estab- lished, soon began to fail, and he was able to preach but two Sabbaths and one sermon. He returned to Bedford, spent some months journeying by carriage through New England and elsewhere, and in all ways endeavoring to renew his strength so as to be able to resume his pastoral work, but received no permanent benefit. He asked a dismission from the church and society where his beauti- ful spirit and brilliant talents had been manifested so short a time. Being persuaded of the recuperating influence of a sea voyage, and a journey abroad, he sailed for London, June 8, 1836. He spent months journeying through the mild latitudes of the continent, during which time strength and weakness were alternating, and was on his homeward journey, having reached Paris, when strength failed, and he passed away July 15, 1837. His remains were brought to this country, and deposited in Mount Auburn, Dec. 26, 1837, the fourth anniversary of his father's death.
William Augustus, D.D., LL.D., was the second son of Rev. Samuel Stearns and Abigail French. He was taken to the parish church and baptized on the day of his birth, which was a cold Sabbath in March. The custom then prevailing of baptizing an infant on the first Sabbath after its birth was rigidly adhered to by the pastor of the town. The luxury of a fire was never known in the first meeting-house. Such an act of religious form when viewed from present custom seems presumptuous, but no harm More than a half century has passed since Rev. Samuel befell the infant. William Augustus was a precocious Stearns entered into rest, and but few remain who received , scholar. At the age of six years he recited the Assembly's early instruction from him ; yet his influence for good is still active. Shorter Catechism entire at one lesson, in the church, and agreeable to rule was afterwards allowed to occupy the When the church was repaired and newly furnished, in ISS6, a memorial window was consecrated to his memory. In this, the extended hand, holding the uplifted cross, is artistically represented, and the following inscription is seen : "spectators' seat " during recitation, and see companions of twice his years struggle with this ancient compendium of religious instruction. At fourteen years of age he com- mitted the entire Gospel of Luke in one week, working in the hay-field with the men the while through the day. He IN MEMORIAM. Rev. Samuel Stearns 1796-1834. carried his Testament in his pocket, and stole a verse now and then as opportunity was afforded. He was equally forward in the study of the Latin language. He seized the opportunity one afternoon, when the book which served several of the brothers was not in use, learned his first Latin lesson, and presented himself before his astonished father for recitation.
William A. Stearns, looked upon as so saintly in after life, was a boy among boys, as were the others of the par- sonage. They were forbidden to engage in fights with companions. This family rule became known to others, and a stout, swaggering fellow, of twice the size of Wil- liam, took advantage of it, and began to bully and torment him beyond endurance. He went home to his mother with the grievance, and declared that he could not stand it any longer, and that his companions would regard it cowardly in him not to stand up in self-defence. After listening to his impassioned story, the mother asked, "Do you think you can handle him?" "Yes!" was the boy's positive reply. "Well," she rejoined, " I do not like to have boys fight." This did not veto his plan, and the next time he was attacked in the company of his mates he caught the big fellow, thrashed him thoroughly, and threw him over the nearest stone wall.
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He received the same course of training that his brother Samuel enjoyed, and was obliged to practice the most rigid economy while pursuing his studies at Andover and at Cambridge, as were his brothers. He graduated from Harvard College in 1827. During his college course he never hired a conveyance in all of his journeys between his native town and Cambridge. He taught school each winter, earning thereby some twenty or twenty-five dollars a month. He spent the year after his graduation in teach- ing, as principal at the Duxbury Academy, and there formed the acquaintance of the lady who afterwards became his wife. His course of theology was taken at Andover. Of his class, six have been editors, eight professors in colleges or theological seminaries, two presidents of colleges; sev- enteen have been made doctors of divinity, or of law, or of both.
He was ordained and installed pastor of the First Evan- gelical Congregational Church, in Cambridgeport, Dec. 14, 1831, and remained in the position twenty-three years, lack- ing only a few days. He saw his church grow from an unpopular remnant to a strong, influential, and popular church, and his annual salary increased from $700 to $1,500.
Mr. Stearns left this flourishing position with much reluctance, to enter upon a broader field of labor as presi- dent of Amherst College, in November, 1854, where he remained until his useful life was terminated by death, June 8, 1876. The growth and general prosperity of the college, during the twenty-two years of Dr. Stearns' presi- dency, is sufficient proof of his ability and faithfulness. Shortly after he entered upon the presidency, he was appointed a member of the Massachusetts Board of Edu- cation, and was an active member for eight consecutive years. He was a leading light among the members of the corporation of Phillips Academy and the Theological Sem- inary at Andover. In 1853 the honorary degree of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by Harvard College. In 1862 the College of New Jersey added to his honors the title of doctor of laws.
During the war Dr. Stearns was wise in his counsel to the young men of the college who felt called upon to enter the army. Among the members of the college who gave up their lives for the Union was his own son, who fell fighting within the enemy's lines at Newbern. "One of the guns which he and his comrades captured, and near which he fell, presented to the college for that purpose by the commanding general [A. E. Burnside], is an expressive trophy at once of the bravery of Adjutant Stearns and of the patriotic devotion of his father." Among the many published works of Dr. Stearns was that inspiring book for youth, " The Life of Adjutant Stearns." The Amherst College Church, or Memorial Chapel, was erected during the presidency of Dr. Stearns. The three rose windows were given as testimonials of regard for the president. The donors were Dea. Eckley Stearns of Woburn, Gov. Onslow Stearns of New Hampshire, and the Church of Christ at Bedford.
Dr. Stearns was president of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society for seventeen years, 1859 to 1876.
The history of his native town, and of others in the im- mediate vicinity, was of much interest to him. He inaugu- rated the centennial celebration of the battle of Lexington, by preaching an admirable sermon in Hancock Church on the Sabbath and day preceding the great convocation. He
gave an historical address, in July, 1868, at the half-century celebration of the organizing of the first Sabbath school in Bedford, of which he was an original member and his father the founder. The people of Bedford who were the associates of William A. Stearns in their youth, with their children and grandchildren, have each in turn delighted to honor this distinguished son of the town, and rejoice that he found here a birthplace and early home; that he loved to turn his steps to this town when active service permit- ted, and that the cherished hope of his declining years was to complete his life where it began. But this was not so ordered; death met him in the midst of activity, with his baccalaureate sermon partly finished.
Jonathan French, D.D., was the seventh child and third son of Rev. Samuel Stearns and Abigail French. Rev. David R. Frazer, D.D., said of the subject of this sketch, in a memorial sermon delivered in Newark, N.J., Dec. 1, ISS9: " Although character is a growth, the quali- ties which underlie character are received by inheritance ; hence there is much in every man's life that is directly traceable to his ancestry. In this respect Dr. Stearns was peculiarly favored."
He fitted for college at Phillips Academy. While there, he, in conjunction with Horatio B. Hackett, Ray Palmer, and others, organized the Philomathean Society. His pre- paratory education was chiefly obtained through his own efforts; he boasted that he earned with his own hands the money that paid for his first Latin grammar. He entered Harvard College in 1826, and there had the aid and com - panionship of his two older brothers, who had preceded him in classical study. The Hon. Charles Sumner was his classmate, and for a time his room-mate. The friendship then formed lasted until the death of the statesman. In order to meet his own expenses while at college, he taught country schools, and served as tutor to students needing such help; among those thus aided was Amos Lawrence, his lifelong friend. He assisted William H. Prescott in the preparation of his life of Ferdinand and Isabella, by translating Spanish manuscripts. He and Charles Sum- ner were founders of "The Nine," a literary society con- nected with the college. Ilis theological studies were pur- sued at Andover Seminary, and under the direction of his father and older brother, William.
Ile was licensed to preach in October, 1834, and was ordained and installed pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Newburyport, Sept. 16, 1835. He remained here fourteen years, and secured for himself a well-deserved and enviable reputation in the profession. He accepted a unanimous call from the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, N.J , and was installed as pastor of that church on Dec. 13, 1849. He compiled the history of the First Church in that city in the early years of his second pas- torate. This has proved to be invaluable, both to the church and city; upon it all subsequent works of local history have been based. In IS50 he was made a director in Union Theological Seminary. In the same year the honorary title of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by Princeton College, and in 1864 he was made a trustee of that institution. Drs. Stearns and Poor were instru- mental in forming the German Theological Seminary, at Bloomfield; the former was president of the board of directors for many years.
In 1879 Dr. Stearns was selected by the people of his native town to deliver an historical address, on the occa-
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sion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town. This service required many months of careful preparation, and was given as a labor of love. It was published in connection with a detailed account of the celebration, and is treasured as a lasting memorial of this honored son of Bedford.
Dr. Stearns was relieved from active duty after thirty- three years of faithful service in this his second charge. He was made pastor emeritus April 1, 1882, and given a liberal support for life.
He died Nov. 11, 1889, having been in the pastoral office fifty-four years, which, with the exception of seven and a half years, were full of the most active service. In 1843 Dr. Stearns was united in marriage with Miss Anna Pren- tiss of Portland, Me. She died Jan. 2, 1869. Children who have inherited grand qualities from both parents are doing valuable service in the world.
Josiah Atherton, A.M., Ph.D., was the ninth child of Rev. Samuel Stearns and Abigail French (a twin mate died in infancy). His advantages for early education were the same as those of his older brothers, but he did not take a collegiate course ; yet in advanced life he received the honor of the title of Master of Arts from Harvard Col- lege, and is erroneously credited in the ecclesiastical sec- tion of this work, and in other publications, as having taken the same course of classical study that his brothers did. The absence of this training was an occasion for regret to himself, but seldom noticed by others. After his academic course Mr. Stearns entered upon the life of a bookseller and publisher; but this was neither in accord- ance with his taste, nor a financial success. He soon found employment, more in the line of his early training and inherited tendency, in the public schools of Boston, where he spent the remainder of his active life, retiring from service in 1882, one year before his death. He was honored near the close of his school service with the title of Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Nashville, Tenn., of which his younger brother was the chancellor.
A notice of the death of Mr. Stearns, published in "The Boston Journal," Sept. 8, 1883, contained the following : " Josiah A. Stearns, A. M., Ph.D., was one of the veteran schoolmasters of Boston, whose intelligence, conscientious and untiring, though perchance not conspicuous, efforts, have done so much to build up and perpetuate the excel- lency of our common school system." He was for thirty- nine years in the service of the city of Boston, as usher in the Adams and head-master of the Mather, Lawrence, and Norcross schools. (See epitaph.) The system which pre- vailed at one time gave him the additional responsibility of ten primary schools and a boys' grammar school of eight hundred pupils. His former pupils, numbering tens of thousands, remember him as a careful, thorough teacher, and a genuine, open-hearted friend. The testimony of many is that of one involuntarily uttered while leaving the village church at Bedford, where the funeral services were held : " I owe all that I am as a successful business man to the one whose body rests in the casket yonder."
The following memorial is self explaining : -
CITY OF BOSTON.
IN SCHOOL COMMITTEE, Sept. 26, 1882.
Resolved, That in accepting the resignation of Josiah A. Stearns, master of the Norcross School, this committee is glad to place upon the records a recognition of the many admirable qualities with which Mr. Stearos has advanced his office through a teaching service in the employ- ment of the city of more than thirty-nine years.
Resolved, That his most fitting memorial is in the love and veneration of the hundreds of men and women whose youth he helped 10 train in high and noble ways, and who in his old age will continue to call him blessed.
Resolved, That we extend to him most cordial wishes that he may live long to enjoy the satisfaction of honor, love, obedience, and troops of friends, which he has earned in his public work and private worth.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the records of the board, and a copy thereof, properly engrossed, be sent to Mr. Stearns. Adopted unanimously.
Attest : PHINEAS BATES, JR., Secretary.
BY E. BENTLEY YOUNG OF BOSTON.
Josiah A. Stearns was actively identified with the Ma- sonic fraternity for more than twenty-nine years. He served his brethren in important and influential positions, and always with a deep sense of the responsibility of office. As chaplain of several bodies he was best known. For years he presided at the altars of the lodge, chapter, and commandery. In prayer he was especially gifted; his words were happily chosen, and his thoughts appropriate. Seldom absent from the meetings, genial in manner, wise in council, eloquent in speech, he was greatly heloved by his associates; his companionship was delightful. His services were gratefully appreciated by his brethren, who, in two of the bodies with which he was connected, unani- mously elected him an honorary member.
He was proposed for the degrees in Columbian Lodge, March 2, 1854, by Bro. J. W. Barton, was initiated May 4, 1854, and raised a Master Mason, Oct. 26, 1854. Within three or four years from that date his brethren learned of his peculiar fitness to serve the lodge as chaplain, and by 1860 he was duly installed in that position. In 1863 he had gained the confidence of his brethren so fully as to be elected junior warden, from which position he was regu- larly advanced till he became master of the lodge in 1866-7. Having served the body faithfully and efficiently, he again became its chaplain, and continued to hold that position till the day of his deatlı.
He was also chaplain of Abourdour Lodge from its organization till his death. Of this body he was an hono- rary member.
He was exalted in St. Paul's Royal Arch Chapter, May 11, 1859, and was made a member of that hody April 20, I874. In this body he also officiated as chaplain for sev- eral years.
On June 7, 1869, he received the order of the red cross in Joseph Warren Commandery, that of the temple June 22, 1869, and the Malta in the following September. Here again he was called to the important office of chaplain or prelate as early as 1871, which position he retained till Nov. 1, ISS2, failing health compelling him to withdraw from further activity, much to the regret of his brother sir knights. His attendance upon the meetings of the com- mandery, during the twelve years he served the body as prelate, was constant and uninterrupted; so say the rec- ords of the body to-day.
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