William Sturgis was born in the house that now comprises part of the Sturgis Library. He was a descendent of the Rev. John Lothrop for whom the house was originally built. Sturgis went to sea at an early age and became a Captain before he turned 20. He was active in the northwest fur and China trades, and was a prominent Boston merchant. Prior to his death in 1863 he bought his ancestral home back, and left it to the Village as a public library.

This 40 page booklet was written by Gregory Williams, a former Library Trustee. It was adapted from a lecture he originally gave at Tales of Cape Cod.