William E. Stearns was a Civil Engineer.  He died in 1898 while in Pinebluff, NC on business.  His body was returned to Leavenworth Co.  He was living in Rutland, VT in 1880. Census says he was born in NY (but cem records say NJ). He was in Leavenworth, KS by 1883 in a rooming house. He patented a truss bridge in 1890 while living in Leavenworth.  One of these bridges, designed to be moved, was built in 1905 in Pulaski Co., Indiana.  It has survived, been taken down and is being restored.  It will be "raised" over a surviving portion of the Wabash-Erie Canal in Delphi, Indiana, next year this time (Dec.2007).  It is a one-of-a-kind surviving wrought iron bridge. 212

1886 - Agent for MO. Valley Bridge Works - lived in Leavenworth, KS (Whittaker House on South 4th)
1887 - Western Agent for St. Louis Bridge and Iron Works - lived in Leavenworth, KS (Planters House)
1888 - Engineer and Bridge Builder - lived in Leavenworth, KS (Latta House)
1889 - Engineer and Bridge Builder - office at 115 S 4th - lived in Leavenworth, KS (Whittaker House)
1890 - Engineer for MO. Valley Bridge Works - lived in Leavenworth, KS (Whittaker House)632