Jared Hyde Stearns was a resident of Mansfield on August 7, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry; he was mustered out June 16, 1865.

The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 21 and his occupation as farmer.  He is described as 5’ 8” tall with a dark complexion and blue eyes and dark hair.  His marital status is single. 

He was born on May 17, 1841 in Mansfield to Shepard and Lucy H. (Hyde) Stearns. In the 1860 U.S. census in Mansfield, he is a 19 year old farmer in the household of Shepard Stearns. His brother, Oliver E. Stearns, 24, is also living in the household; Oliver enlisted in the same company as Jared on December 26, 1863. Jared married Ellen H. Storrs (April 17, 1842 – December 18, 1921), abt. 1869. Children include: Clara. M. Stearns, born May 14, 1871 and Robert E. Stearns, born May 19, 1876. 

In 1871, Jared Stearns established Mountain Dairy on the land where his great-grandfather, Boaz Stearns, had settled in 1772.  Today the commercial dairy business is still owned and operated by his descendants.  Jared was also known locally as a talented musician and he served as the chorister at the Congregational Church in Mansfield Center.

On March 21, 1891, he applied for an invalid pension, No. 1004686 that was granted under certificate No. 761560.

Jared H. Stearns died on July 16, 1921 and is buried at the New Mansfield Center Cemetery in Mansfield.