Person:Josiah Stearns (5)

J. H. STEARNS. This prominent and prosperous farmer of Perry township is a member of the well-known family of that name in the county, and of which a sketch appears on a preceding page. Our subject was born in Perry township, November 8, 1851, the eldest child of Justus and Mary (Hall) Stearns. His education was obtained in the district schools of his locality, and he was brought up on the same farm which he now owns and resides on. On September 17, 1871, he was married to Miss Ella, daughter of Adam and Mary Wininger, who was born in Loudon township, Seneca Co., Ohio, October 9, 1853. The young couple went to housekeeping on the farm of Mr. Stearns' father. The T. & O. C. railroad was then in progress of construction, and Mr. Stearns, Sr., had a contract for grading which he sub-let to our subject, on the completion of which the latter received in pay eighty acres of land in Jackson township, this county. About 1874 or 1875, soon after the B. & O. R. R. was put through to Deshler, Mr. Stearns bought land extensively near that place, eighty acres of which he platted in town lots, and sold to an advantage. During his residence at Deshler, which was about three years, he was engaged in filling contracts for ditching, timber, etc., and at the end of this time he returned to Perry township, and bought 120 acres of the farm on which he now resides. His various investments had brought in a large amount of money, but owing to his kindness in going security and bail for people who left him to pay their indebtedness, he lost a considerable portion of his property. He now, however, is the owner of 210 acres of as good land as can be found in Wood county, and is prospering as a man of his indomitable courage and perseverance is bound to do. In spite of his adverse fortune at times, he has known no such word as discouragement, and has at once set about remedying any disaster that might overtake him. In an expressive Western phrase he is a "hustler," and has not a superior in the township for ability to succeed in what he undertakes. "Cy," as he is familiarly known, is popular throughout his community, and has many warm friends, who admire his industry, go-aheadativeness and cheerful disposition. In politics Mr. Stearns is a Republican, and has served his township three terms as assessor. He has also been the treasurer of the township, but has refused a re-election. He is a member of the Evangelical Church at Salem, in which he has held offices of trust and honor. He is a - liberal contributor, not only to his own Church,, but to other religious denominations, and has assisted in the organization and building of various religious and other institutions. Socially he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, at Fostoria. To Mr. Stearns and his wife came five children, namely: Emma J., born December 29, 1874; John A., born June 23, 1878; Wilber H., born October 11, 1880; Alice E., born April 14, 1884; and Justus, born September 4, 1886. The beloved wife and mother passed to her final rest October 2, 1894, and was buried in the cemetery at Fostoria. She was a most estimable woman, and a consistent member of the Evangelical Church. Her departure was deeply mourned by her family, but Mr. Stearns is devoted to his children, and endeavors to fill the place of the departed one by unremitting attention to their comfort and interest in their welfare. 1