Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

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Helen Shank

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  • This reproduced image of Helen Mary Caughey Shank (1849-1930), I. K. Stearns’ grandmother, is part of the Stearns-Grueninger Collection. After the death of her daughter Alta Irene Shank (1875-1900), the Shank grandparents and aunts helped care for her only child, I. K. Stearns. Irving Kip Stearns (1895-1942) was president of Carolina Wood Turning Company from 1928 until his death in 1942. Stearns’ grandfather, Jeremiah Shank, started the company in 1903 as Bryson City Pump Works and it grew to be a thriving industry for the community. In 1911, Stearns was in the first graduating class of Bryson City High School. He had one son, Joseph Pease Stearns (1917-1948). In 1935, I. K. married Betty Grueninger (1896-1971).