Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1883-06-08


That Samuel Stearns was a remarkable man
for his time, and that he experienced life's
vicissitudes in their most aggravated form, is
I think, demonstrated in the few fragmentary
accounts Of his life that are left to US II is
dificult with the slight amount OF material
at hand to arrive a. an estimate of this mans
character. so as to partially at least, account
for the multiplicity OF his misfortunes and
discover the reason why be was pursued with
such pertnacity by TO use a quotation "the
shafts and arrows Of outrageous fortune" He
had, think, an over confidence in his intel
lectusl ability, and as a result was possessed
Of an egotism that must have rendered him
obnoxious to many with whom be came in
contact. In his writings he frequently refers
to himself as Doctor Of Canc nical and Civil
Law, speaks of his extensive travels in Eu-
rope, Of his numerous astronomical publca-
tions, and is constantly auuding to prior events
in his own life in such a manner as to give
the reader an impression that he loved to mag
Nifty his own achievements. He was born in
Bolton, Mass, in 1747, and was, to use his
own language, early taught by parents and
ministers to fear God and honor the king. l
was also instructed in the various branches of
grammar, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trig-
onometry, navigation, surveying, astronomy
music and medicine. l always had natural
inclination to do good to walk in the paths
of righteousness, aud to shun vice and immor-
slity." Probably all his instruction was re-
ceived at the hands of his parents and the
village clergyman, though his medical studies
may have been directed by some neghboring
physician, as he makes no mention of having
attended academy or college, which he would
have been likely to do had such been the fact
1t is evident that he received good education
from some source, and when quite young re-
moved with his parents to Paxton, an adjoin-
ing town, where, at the age of 90 and on the
eve of the revolutionary war, we find him en-
gaG,d in the practice of medicine and COM
pling and publishing almanacs. Up to this
time nothing had occurred to change the cur
rent Of his existence his medical practice
was fair, and his fame as an astronomer led
many of the inhabitants to consult him on
the turn of future events. But upon the an
nouncement of hostilities between the colo
nes and the mother country his troubles be-
gan. At the outset, and probably with reason,
he was suspected of being a tory his prae-
tiee fell off, his friends deserted him. and the
wonder is that, entertaining the sentiments he
did respecting his allegiance to the king, he
did not fud means to dispose of his property
and fee to the royal lines. He chose to re-
main, aud endured the sneers and insults that
were no doubt freely bestowed upon him un-
til 1880. when he was arrested. His expert
ences for the next seven years 1 will give in
his own words, copied from petition dated
Brattleboro, July IS, 1899, and addressed to
His Excellency Robert Liston, Esq, British
Minister to the United States, Philadelphia,
Pa (then seat of the United States govern
meut) and by him to be transmitted to the
king:
To the Kings Most Excellent Majesty:-
The petition OF Samuel Stearns most humbly,-
That when the unhappy discussions commenced be-
tween Great Britain and Your Majestys American
colonies, he was an inhabitant Of Paxton, in the
county Of Worcester in the province of the Massa-
chusetts Bay where he followed the practice Of physc
aud the making Of Astronomical calculations. That
for number Of years he suffered persecution in con-
sequence Of his loyalty to Your Majesty, and attach
ment 10 the British government was made a prisoner
on the twenty third day Of September A. D 1850
cused Of holding a traitorous correspondence with,
and Of ahording aid and comfort to the enemy, sup
Poseo 70 De 4o1t AAlest armies put was liberated
by giving bonds for his appearance before the su-
| preme Judicial court in April following.
That on the third day after he thus recognized
he received information that his adversares had is
! sued second warrant with design to put him in
close confinement, and finding that his life was in
great danger fed for protection to Your Majesty's
army, then at New York. That he resided within the
British lines during the remainder Of the war, aud
/ Congress having ratified the treaty Of peace be.