Robert Mearns


Brigadier General Robert Walter Mearns was a U.S. Army general during World War I.

Early life and education

Robert Walter Mearns was born on July 16, 1866, in Kemblesville, Pennsylvania, to Andrew James Mearns, a farmer, and Martha Kennedy Mearns. He attended the West Chester Normal School, then entered the United States Military Academy and graduated number sixty-one of sixty-two in the class of 1892, one of thirteen who took five years to complete the requirements. Mearns later graduated from the United States [Army Command and General Staff College|Infantry and Cavalry School] in 1897.

Military career

He was commissioned in the 20th [Infantry Regiment |20th Infantry] on duty at Fort Assinniboine, Montana, and later, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
During the Spanish–American War, his regiment was sent to Cuba. Mearns participated in the Battle of El Caney and earned the Silver Star. After the war, his regiment was sent to the Philippines.
Mearns was promoted to major and commanded the Philippine Scouts from February 28, 1905, to December 8, 1909.
Mearns was promoted to lieutenant colonel effective May 15, 1917. During World War I, he received a temporary promotion to colonel on August 16, 1917, and to brigadier general on October 12, 1918. From November 1, 1918, to February 5, 1919, he served as commanding general of the 17th [Infantry Division |17th Infantry Division] at Camp Beauregard in Louisiana.
After the war, Mearns reverted to his permanent rank of lieutenant colonel on February 6, 1919. He was promoted to colonel effective July 1, 1920 and retired from active duty on December 31, 1922. On June 21, 1930, Mearns was advanced to brigadier general on the retired list.

Personal life

Mearns married Ethel Janet Brown on June 5, 1913. Together they had three sons, Robert, Fillmore and James. He was a Presbyterian and enjoyed riding horses, golfing and motoring.
Mearns and his wife settled in Berkeley, California after his retirement. He died at the age of eight-two at Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco on May 23, 1949. Mearns was buried at San Francisco National Cemetery.