|
a.
|
Note: JOHN P STEARNS Death of a Well-Know Barbareno Who was Builder of the Stearns Wharf One by one, the men who were towers of strength in the early days when our city was transforming from a Mexican pueblo into the American city she is today, leave us. The firm, erect men who walked our streets but yesterday, full of life and the attributes of determined manhood are each year growing fewer in numbers. We regret their departure, but their works are finished, their span of earthly existence rounded out.
It was yesterday that news was received by Assessor Frank Smith that our long time friend, John Peck Stearns had gone on the long journey that all mortals must take. He had been in ill health for a number of years and it was known the end was likely at any time. He died at St. Helena on Tuesday, March 4.
John P. Stearns was no ordinary man. He came from a stock that produced such men as made New England the tower of strength in the nation she has ever been. Inflexible in will, self-reliant, sturdy and true, this man was in truth an oak tree good and safe to lean upon. We doubt if John P. Stearns ever broke, even in part, his word once given; ever forgot an injury once nourished, for our friend was a wonderfully "good hater."
Tall, erect, with the head of a lion, a rather stern countenance, that man had a woman's heart before suffering and misfortune. Rather harsh and strident in voice, he would empty his pockots for another on the slightest pretext.
John P. Stearns was a man that was always of known quantity. He never straddled. If he liked all he had was yours; if he disliked - hated - keep away from him. In a word, he was a man that could be "put" and stay "put."
The first time the writer ever saw Mr Stearns was on coming to this city for the first time, some seventeen years ago. The Santa Rosia had trouble in making the landing. She bumped menacingly the wharf repeatedly - and yet did not succed in getting into the position desired. John P. became enraged, and the way served up that Captain was typical of the man.
Fear was an unknown quantity in that man's make-up. We doubt if he could even write the word, if applied to himself. He really feared no one, nothing unless it was his party's success at the pools.
John P. Stearns was born in Newport, Vermont, August 18, 1828, making his age nearing his 74th year. He went to Illinois when 22, studied law and kept school. Like many another of his mettle he came over the plains to California, arriving in 1853. Admitted to the bar, he served Sana Cruz county as district attorney. Later he served as assistent U. S. assessor for Monterey and Santa Crux counties. He came to Santa Barbara in 1868. He was in the lumber business for ten years after which he built the wharf which bears his name. He was mayor of Santa Barbara for two years.
Mr. Stearns was an ardent Republican and was probably the best political organizer the party ever had here. As a speaker he was a power and never failed to draw a crowd if it was known he was to make an address. Eight times he represented his county in state conventions.
Mr. Stearns leaves a widow, very much beloved in this city, and one daughter, a very talented and highly educated lady, the wife of Mr. Duhring a prominent attorney in Sonoma.
NEWS: SANTA BARBARA, FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1902.
|
