Charles H. Stearns


Charles Henry Stearns was a businessman and politician who served as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont for one term.

Early life

Charles Henry Stearns was born in Johnson, Vermont on February 7, 1854. He was educated in Johnson and graduated from the State Normal School and Vermont Seminary in Montpelier.

Business career

Stearns joined his family's business manufacturing butter tubs and other wood products, and eventually expanded the company into other areas of the lumber business, including logging lands in Canada. He also became active in other enterprises, including a dry goods store and a granite quarry and stone products business. He also served as a Director and President of the Union Bank and Trust Company of Morrisville.

Political career

Stearns was active in government and politics, including service as Chairman of the Lamoille County Republican Committee, and Johnson Town Treasurer. He was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives from 1886 to 1888 and the Vermont Senate from 1898 to 1890. In 1904 he was elected Lieutenant Governor, serving until 1906.

Death and burial

Stearns died in Medfield, Massachusetts on October 12, 1936. He was buried in Johnson's Lamoille View Cemetery.

Family

In 1876, Stearns married Viola A. Hall of Johnson. They were the parents of a son, C. Arthur Stearns.

Legacy

C. H. Stearns Company is still active in Johnson as a convenience store and gas station, and one of his partnerships, Parker and Stearns, still operates as a construction supply and equipment business.
Stearns Hall at Johnson State College is named for him.