George Luther Stearns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Luther Stearns
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| Born | January 8, 1809 |
| Died | April 9, 1867 (aged 58) New York City, New York
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| Occupation | Merchant |
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George Luther Stearns (January 8, 1809 – April 9, 1867) was an important American businessman. He lived in Medford, Massachusetts. Stearns was also a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist. He helped recruit many black soldiers for the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Contents
Who Was George Luther Stearns?
Early Life and Family History
George L. Stearns was born in Medford, Massachusetts, on January 8, 1809. He was the oldest son of Luther and Mary (Hall) Stearns. His family came to America from England in 1630. For many years, men in his family were farmers, teachers, or church leaders.
George's father, Luther Stearns, was born in 1770. He fought as a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. Luther went to college and later became a doctor who helped deliver babies. In 1799, Luther married Mary Hall. They settled in Medford, Massachusetts. They had three children: Elizabeth, George, and Henry. Luther Stearns also started a private school for boys in Medford.
When George was eleven years old, his father died in 1820. To help his family, young George sometimes worked by tending the locks on the Middlesex Canal. At age 15, he started working full-time to support his mother and sisters.
His Career and Fight Against Slavery
When he was young, Stearns worked in the ship supply business. Later, he became successful making sheet and pipe-lead. His business was in Boston, and he lived in Medford.
He married Mary Elizabeth Preston on October 12, 1843. They met through friends, including Lydia Maria Child, who was also an abolitionist.
George Stearns strongly believed that slavery should end. He became a "Free-soiler" in 1848. This meant he opposed slavery spreading into new territories. He was a main supporter of the New England Emigrant Aid Company. This group helped people who were against slavery move to Kansas. They wanted Kansas to become a free state.
Stearns also set up a station for the Underground Railroad in Medford. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Some even continued their journey to Canada. Stearns was one of the "Secret Six" who helped John Brown. John Brown was a famous abolitionist who fought against slavery. Stearns gave money and weapons to John Brown for his raid on Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. After the raid, Stearns briefly went to Canada. But he returned to Medford to answer questions about his support for Brown.
Supporting Black Soldiers in the Civil War
Soon after the Civil War began, Stearns argued that African Americans should be allowed to join the Union Army. The governor of Massachusetts, John Albion Andrew, asked Stearns to help recruit the first black infantry regiments in the North. Stearns played a huge role in getting soldiers for the 54th and 55th Massachusetts regiments. He also helped recruit for the 5th cavalry.
Stearns was made a major in the army. This was recommended by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Later, Stearns also recruited black soldiers for the United States Colored Troops from other states. He is credited with recruiting more than 13,000 African American soldiers. He also started schools for their children. He found jobs for their families while the men were fighting in the army.
Stearns started newspapers like Nation and Right Way. He used these papers to share his ideas about freedom and equality.
After President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Stearns worked even harder for the civil rights of African Americans. He had many friends who admired him, including Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, and Frederick Douglass. He also helped create the Freedmen's Bureau. This was a government group that helped newly freed African Americans after the war.
Death and Lasting Impact
George Luther Stearns died in New York City on April 9, 1867. He passed away from pneumonia. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous writer, gave a speech at his funeral.
In 1897, a monument was built in Boston to honor Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts regiment. At the dedication, Booker T. Washington spoke. He said that the work of organizing and recruiting the black troops was thanks to George L. Stearns. Washington noted that Stearns "freely gave service, fortune and life itself" to the cause.
After this, a veteran of the 54th regiment, Joseph H. Smith, worked to have a special plaque placed in the Statehouse in Boston. This plaque would honor Major Stearns' important work. The resolution was passed in 1897 and again in 1901.
The tablet is called "In Memoriam George Luther Stearns."
Images for kids
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George Luther Stearns' signature
See also
In Spanish: George Luther Stearns para niños
