George Luther Stearns

George Luther Stearns was a merchant born in Medford, Massachusetts on January 8th 1809 and died in New York on April 9th, 1867. His father died when he was nine years old and at the age of 15, he entered the work force to support his family.

Related Topics:
Merchant - Medford, Massachusetts - 1809 - New York - 1867

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In early life he engaged in the business of ship-chandlery, and after a prosperous career undertook the manufacture of sheet and pipe-lead, doing business in Boston and residing in Medford. He identified himself with the antislavery cause, became a Free-soiler in 1848, aided John Brown in Kansas, and supported him till his death. Soon after the opening of the civil war, Stearns advocated the enlistment of African-Americans in the national army. The 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments and the 5th cavalry, were largely recruited through his instrumentality. He was commissioned major through the recommendation of Sec. Stanton, and was of great service to the National cause by enlisting negroes for the volunteer service in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee. He was the founder of the "Nation" "Commonwealth" and "Right of Way" newspapers for the dissemination of his ideas.

Related Topics:
Ship-chandlery - Boston - 1848 - John Brown - Kansas - African-American - Massachusetts - Major - Pennsylvania - Maryland - Tennessee

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Ralph Waldo Emerson gave the eulogy at his funeral at the First Parish Church in Medford (Unitarian).

Related Topics:
Ralph Waldo Emerson - Unitarian

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