William Stieren
1836-1884

William Stieren was born on May 27 1836 to Edward and Amalia Stieren in Salsgitter, Germany (Prussia).  His early education was in Germany, and at the age of 14 he moved with his family to America in 1850. He finished his education in Philadelphia and Baltimore in advanced studies in the field of optician which he had already learned in Germany. In Baltimore he turned his attention to the practical making of scientific instruments.



After working several years in Baltimore he moved to Pittsburgh in 1861. In 1861 he married Helene Schenck, daughter to Frederick Gotthold Schenck Jr. William and Helene had two daughters and four sons. The sons included William Morgan, Harry, Frederick G., and Edward. Their son Edward died in 1946. One of their daughters was named Helen and married a Mr. Camp.



In 1863 he founded the firm of William E. Stieren, Optician and Scientific Instrument Manufacturer and Dealer on 6th street. This company also made surveyor's and astronomical instruments. Through industriousness and thrift he succeeded in expanding his business to such an extent that the rooms on 6th street became too small and he had to enlarge them several times, until he brought the business to Smithfield Street. The Smithfield Street business block between Virgin Alley (later named Oliver Ave.) and 6th Ave. was cleared in 1908-1909 for erection of the 25 story Oliver Building. The William E. Stieren Company was the original home of the Mellon Bank at 145 (later 541) Smithfield in 1869; it was the largest optician shop in Pittsburgh at the time. He was the first in Pittsburgh to grind the newly discovered cylinder lenses to correct astigmatism. William E. was also director of the Fifth Avenue National Bank and belonged to several clubs. He was a member of the Smithfield Street German Reformed Lutheran Church.



William E. died of an attack (probably heart) on a trip to Philadelphia on Friday, May 6, 1884. The funeral was held at the family home on 5th Avenue, Oakland (part of Pittsburgh). He had a wide circle of friends. His mother, Amalia Stieren, died a year before William.



William Morgan was born July 24, 1866 in Pittsburgh, the son of William Edward and Helene Schenck Stieren, he died in 1942. William Morgan worked for and learned his father's optical and instrument business. After his father died, William Morgan and his brother Frederick G. Stieren took charge of the company. The partners ran the company until 1907 when it was incorporated as the William M. Stieren Optical Company, optometrists and dealers in scientific and meteorological instruments, cameras, supplies, and kindred lines.


William served on the Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Christ Methodist Episcopal Church, and was enrolled in the Men's Club. William married Clara J. Squires, daughter of Henry G. and Charlotta (Jeffers) Squires in 1894. Together they had one son, William Morgan Stieren Jr., born in April, 1895. William Jr. worked in his father's business as an adult. He was still single and living at home in 1920.

Noteworthy is the fact that the prestige which the establishment acquired under the leadership of the father has been maintained and increased under that of the son.