Alexander McCormick Sturm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander McCormick Sturm
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William Batterman Ruger and Sturm (with beard) in 1950. Together they founded Sturm, Ruger & Co., with Ruger providing the gun expertise, and Sturm providing the eagle logo and financial backing
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| Born | June 23, 1923 Westport, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Died | November 16, 1951 (aged 28) Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Yale University |
| Occupation | artist, author, entrepreneur |
| Employer | Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| Spouse(s) | Paulina Longworth (m. 1944–1951; his death) |
| Children | Joanna Sturm |
| Parent(s) | Justin Sturm Katherine McCormick |
| Relatives | Alexander Agnew McCormick, Jr. (uncle) |
Alexander McCormick Sturm (born June 23, 1923 – died November 16, 1951) was an American artist, writer, and businessman. He helped start a famous gun company called Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 1949. Alexander Sturm gave the company its first money. He also designed the cool eagle logo you see on Ruger guns.
He came from a well-known family in Connecticut. His mother was from the rich McCormick family. Alexander went to Yale University. He sadly passed away from a sickness called viral hepatitis when he was only 28.
Early Life and Education
Alexander Sturm was born in Westport, Connecticut. His father, Justin Sturm, was a sculptor and writer. His mother was Katherine McCormick. Alexander had a younger brother named Justin Jr.
As a young artist and writer, Alexander became known for his two illustrated children's books. These books were titled The Problem Fox and From Ambush to Zig-zag. Both were published before he finished college at Yale. A reviewer from The New York Times called The Problem Fox "marvelous" and "a little masterpiece."
While studying at Yale, Sturm enjoyed eating at fancy hotels. Other students usually ate in the school dining hall. One of his classmates remembered him as a very talented person. They said he often went to New York City on weekends. He wore custom-made clothes. His classmate also said he was a "Renaissance man" type. This means he had many different talents. He had a great artistic sense and was very smart. Alex loved collecting things. He collected guns, canes, swords, and items related to heraldry. Even though he preferred staying indoors, he was a good polo player.
Co-founding Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Alexander Sturm is best known today for helping to start Sturm, Ruger & Co.. He invested $50,000 to begin the company in 1949. His interest in guns and his friendship with William B. Ruger led to this partnership.
William Ruger was a skilled gunsmith. He provided the technical knowledge and business ideas. Alexander Sturm provided all the money needed to start the new company. He also designed the company's red eagle logo. This eagle was based on Germanic heraldry.
William Ruger once shared a memory about Sturm. He said, "I remember Sturm and I going to New York." They met Warren Page from Field & Stream magazine for lunch. They wanted to tell him about their new pistol. Page was excited to meet Alex. He expected an impressive person, which Alex was. But Alex was impressive in an unexpected way.
Ruger described Alex as "an odd fish in those days." He had a beard and wore unique green suits. These suits had special details like cuffed sleeves. Ruger said Alex had a "marvelous manner." He gave the impression of being a "prewar German baronial type." Ruger added that Alex was artistic and sensitive. He also looked strong, like a bull.
Marriage
During World War II, Sturm worked as an officer. He was part of the Office of Strategic Services in Washington D.C. While there, he met Paulina Longworth. Paulina was the daughter of Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
Sturm and Longworth got married in 1944. His brother, Dusty, was the best man. They had one daughter, Joanna Mercedes Alessandra Sturm, born in 1946. Paulina helped launch Sturm, Ruger & Co. She would stuff envelopes with Sturm on Sunday afternoons. She also gave moral support to both business partners. The couple lived in Sturm's home in Westport. This house was near his parents' home on family property.
Death
In 1951, Alexander Sturm became very sick. He had viral hepatitis. He died after staying in the hospital for ten days. He was only 28 years old.
After his death, his friend Bill Ruger changed the company's trademark. The Sturm, Ruger eagle logo had been red. Bill Ruger changed it to a black eagle. This was to show respect and mourn the death of his business partner.
Sturm's wife, Paulina, passed away in January 1957. She was 31 years old. Their daughter, Joanna, was then raised by Paulina's mother, Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
