The herald., 1918-06-27

The subject of this sketch, Col.
Robley Stille Stearnes, was born in
Dublin, Pulaski County, Virginia.
The family, one of the oldest in
that section OF the state, was promi-
nent throughout the state, as his
father, Doctor John l.. Stearnes had
an established reputation in his pro-
fession, few physicians enjoy. Sew
eral of Col. Stearnes' brothers are,
and have been active educators for
many years.
Col. Stearnes was, from youth, OF
a very active temperament, and
nothing but leadership interested
him. When less than twenty years
of age, he was business manager of
the Alleghaney Institute, Roanoke,
Virginia, and filled the position with
credit for several years. Leaving
this position for more active service
in business affairs, he became Sc
Nor member of a leading real es-
tate firm in Salem, Va, organizing
and heading as presiucnt the Salem
Roanoke Land Club Company. In
1889 the slump in real estate,
throughout the state occurred, and
after disposing of his interest, he
accepted a position with an Engi-
neering Corps, surveying what is
known as the Cripple Creek Exten-
ton of the Norfolk and Western
Railroad, from Radford, Va, to Col
umbus, Ohio. On completion OF
this road, he accepted position with
the General Electric Co., becoming
in a very short time after going with
them, special representative on Gen.
trail Station work, ana 1t was dur
ing this service that he established
such a splendid record for himself,
that the Big Guns began to see in
him, a manager of no mean ability,
for taking charge OF and developing
some of their valuable properties.
Just about this time, the General
Electric Co., had gotten hold OF the
New Orleans property, including the
Southern Electrical Manufacturing
& Supply Company, and placed Col.
Stearnes in absolute charge of the
latter, with headquarters in New
Orleans. Still looking ahead, he
went into the electric business for
himself. For several years he car
ried on the business, and only gave
1t up to take charge of the plant OF
the Algiers Water Works & Electric
Co. During the time of his manage
ment he promoted and built raf-
road on this side of the river. Soon
following its completion, he pur-
chased a half interest in the Stan
dard Electric Construction Co, and
a few years following, purchased
the interest of the others, reorganiZ-
ing the company and heading it as
its president, which position he now
fills.
Under his splendid management,
the business has grown right along
until today. few concerns In the
"Game" enjoy any better reputation
or business, than the Standard Elec-
trio Construction Co., Inc.
Col. Stearnes occupies a position
in the Electrical Field, throughout
the United States and Canada, few
men in the Construction end of the
game are so fortunate in. He
has been honored in the position OF
Thirteenth Appolo Of the Jovian Or
der. the powerful Electrical Orga-
nization, as president for two terms
of the National Electrical Contrac'
tors Association OF the United
States, and during his term Of office
fathered and supported measures fol
the furthering of the Electrical In
terest that are far reaching in theil
importance to every branch of the
industry. In a word, one measure
in particular which has gained the
support of the entire industry place:
the Electrical Business on basis
whereby the industry as a whole
as well as the public. are TO receive
4 benefits. not possible in the past
A further distinction which fall
on him, is that he was the last presi
dent of the National Electrical Con
tractors Association, ii having beer
found necessary to place the affair
in the hands of a Governing Board
so great is the work now to b.
taken care of.
Col. Stearnes is member of othel
National Organizations as follows
Conference Club, Delegate to Cham
Der of Commerce of United States
member of Advisory Board and Exc
cutive Committee of the National
Association of Electrical Contractor:
and Dealers.
Col. Stearnes is an Elk, and 1:
proud OF It. He is affiliated with
the Country Club. Young Mems Gym
nastic Club, Louisiana Electrical
n;~ao&1r ~