CHESTER E. STEARNS, dealer in furniture, Fremont, is a son of Daniel and Sallie (Coburn) Stearns, and was born May 28, 1824; his father was a native of Brattleboro, Vt., and his mother of Massachusetts. They settled in New York. Chester E. attended the common schools of that State until 16 years of age, when he was apprenticed three years to learn the cabinet-maker's trade; at the expiration of his time, he engaged in business with his father for several years; was then employed by Norman Bonny four years; afterward worked at his trade until the fall of 1853; at this time he went to Connecticut, where he was engaged two years in the manufacture of hubs and felloes. In the spring of 1856 he came to Newaygo County, worked at his trade two years, and then settled on a farm of 160 acres, in what was then known as the township of Fremont. He lived on this farm until December, 1880, when he sold out and moved into the village of Fremont, soon afterward opening a furniture store, where he is now conducting a succesful trade.
Mr. Stearns was first married to Freelove Bemis, daughter of Benjamin and Marilla Bemis, and they had one child, Henry E. Mrs. S. died on Nov. 19, 1856, in Newaygo. Mr. S. married Anna (Bezent) Hammond, a native of England. The children by this marriage are: Lettie E., Libbie L., Lafore C. and Olive L. George died in infancy. Mr. S. has been Highway Commissioner eight years, Township Clerk nearly eight years, and Justice of the Peace six years. He is a Freemason, and in politics is neutral, but sympathizes with the Republican party.