Robert B. Stearns (1888-1954)

He was born in New York City and educated at Phillips Academy, Andover (1906), and Yale University (1910). He began his career in finance in Europe with the brokers J.J. Danzig & Co. Returning to New York, he co-founded Bear Stearns in 1923 and was later Chairman of the American Stock Exchange. It is assumed that he changed his name from 'Stern' to 'Stearns' while at Andover under the then headmaster, Alfred Stearns. He lived between Manhattan and his castle at Irvington, Cedar Lawn, which he inherited from his parents. Robert's first wife, Bernice Marks, was the daughter of Manhattan Borough President, Marcus M. Marks, and sister of songwriter Johnny Marks. They had three children. After their divorce he married Margaret Allen.