STEARNS, John Newton, editor, born in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, 24 May, 1829. He was educated at the academy in his native town, and was prepared for college, but impaired health prevented his entering. On attaining his majority he came to New York city and engaged in literary pursuits. In 1858 he became editor and proprietor of "Merry's Museum," and was widely known as "Robert Merry." He joined the order of the Sons of Temperance when it was in its infancy, and in 1866 was chosen most worthy patriarch, its highest office in this country. At his suggestion, in 1865, the National temperance society and publication-house was organized, and he was appointed its corresponding secretary and publishing agent. In 1865 he also became the editor of the "National Temperance Advocate," and he has since held that place as well as having charge of the "Youth's Temperance Banner." In addition to his editorial work, he has issued annually since 1869 "The National Temperance Almanac and Teetotaler's Year-Book," and he has published " The Temperance Chorus" (New York, 1867); "The Temperance Speaker" (1869); "The Centennial Temperance Volume" (1876) ; "The Prohibition Songster" (1.885) ; and "One Hundred Years of Temperance" (1885).