Charles P. Stearns (1844-1935) was born in Maine and came to Rushville, New York with his parents Mr. and Mrs. George Washington Stearns. Charles P. Stearns enlisted in Co. "G" 8th New York Cavalry in 1861. He served three years with the Army of the Potomac under General Grant. He was mustered out in 1864. In 1865 he was married to Dorcas Norton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Washington Horton. It is a coincidence that both parents had the George Washington name. It was no doubt because of the respect held for the great leader of our country. The Charles Stearns made their home in Rushville, New York until they came to Dakota Territory in 1886. Mr. Stearns was foreman on the Nester farm, north of (Valley City). They moved from the Nester farm to a farm east of Rogers, above where the Baldhill Dam is now and lived there until 1903 when they moved into Rogers. They had been members of the Methodist Church in New York and helped to organize the Methodist Church in Rogers. They were very active in the community. Mr. Stearns was a member of the John F. Reynolds G.A.R. Post # 1 of Fargo and served as State Commander of the North Dakota, G.A.R. in 19211922. He attended all the National G.A.R. conventions possible. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in the Rogers Methodist church with family and friends in 1915. Their children are: George - married Addie Parker; Frank married Mary McFadgen; Mattie married James McFadgen; Jessie married George Ecker; Nellie died in infancy; Fred married Laura Maresh.

Mrs. Stearns died in 1921 and in 1922

Mr. Stearns married Mrs. Hattie Durfey of Fargo, North Dakota, whom he had met at G.A.R. Conventions. They made their home in Valley City until his death in 1935.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 234