Jesse Free Stearns was the fourth son and sixth of ten children born to Dulin Benson Stearns (1863-1962) and his wife Mary Jane Beachum (1867-1910), of Charlotte, NC. His paternal grandparents were Dulin Stearns (c.1836-1863) and his wife Rusha Elizabeth King (1837-1894) of Union Co., NC; and, his maternal grandparents were Jeremiah Washington Beachum (1830-1910) and is wife Mary Jane Taylor (1836-1882), of Anson County, NC. Both his grandfathers were Confederaate soldiers. His great great grandfther, Harmon King, was a soldier of the Revolution. He was born on the birthday of his mother's brother, Atlas Free Beachum (1872-1933).

Jesse's siblings were: Junius Stitt Stearns (1885-1965), Ada Eugenia Stearns (1887-1980, Mrs. J. H. Bennett), Ila Faye Stearns (1890-1980, Mrs. C. C. Fesperman), Carrold Adam Stearns (1892-1950), Clyde Casey Stearns (1895-1969), Mary Elizabeth Stearns (1900-1985, Mrs. R. S. Deck), John Lee Stearns (1904-1904), Eunice Virginia Stearns (1906-1983, Mrs. J. L. Field) and Ophelia Jane Stearns (1909-1910).

Jess was killed in a terrible hunting accident where he was acidentally shot by his best friend.

From an article published in the Charlotte newspaper, 10 December 1914:

"One of the most distressing accidents of recent months occurred yesterday afternoon about 5 o'clock when Jesse Stearns, 16-year-old son of Mr. D. B. Stearns of 15 Siegle avenue, was shot and fatally wounded by his friend and comrade, Leonard Huneycutt, 15-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Huneycutt of 416 North McDowell street. Although rushed to the Presbyterian Hospital as soon as communication could be established and help secured, the young man died about 6 o'clock....

(There follows a lengthy description of the accident, the rush to the hospital, the reaction of Alderman Huneycutt, etc.)

"The two principals in yesterday's affair were inseparable friends. Their homes are a short distance apart and they were both students in the same room at school, both being members of the freshman class in the high school. Sympathy was expressed last night not only for the bereaved members of the Stearns family but also for Leonard Huneycutt, who is a fine, manly young man.

"Jesse Stearns was a native of this city, having been born here March 29, 1898, and would have been 17 years old next spring. He is survived by three brothers, J. S., C. A., and Clyde C. Stearns, the latter a student at Trinity College who will arrive today. There are four sisters, Mrs. J. H. Bennett, Misses Faye, Mary and Eunice Stearns all of this city. The young man was a member of the Tryon Street Methodist Sunday School. He had a bright mind and pleasant manners that made him popular among his acquaintances both at school and elsewhere. He was interested in the affairs of the world, read the newspapers closely and kept in touch with current events. He was whole-souled and cheerful, but at the same time ambitious and industrious."

From the "Charlotte News," Charlotte, NC
Friday, Dec. 11, 1914, p. 3

Funeral of Jesse Stearns Held Yesterday at 3 P. M.

"The funeral services of Jesse Stearns 16-year-old son of Mr. D. B. Stearns, who was accidentally shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while hunting on Briar creek, was held yesterday afternoon at the home of his father on Siegle avenue; Rev. Dr. K. McLarty, pastor of Tryon Street Methodist church, conducting the services, assisted by Rev. L. A. Falls, pastor of Brevard Street Methodist church; The services were attended by many friends of the deceased and his family and the floral offerings attested the esteem in which he was held. A quartette sang "Some Day We'll Understand," while Miss Isabel Barr played the accompaniment on the piano. The pall bearers were six classmates of the deceased from the freshmen class."