Sears, Milton Adelbert 1856-1908

SEARS, BACON, RHODES

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/27/2010 at 15:14:13

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Sept. 18, 1908

M.A. SEARS

Milton Adelbert Sears was born in Oneida county, N.Y., May 24, 1856, and died at his home in Grinnell, Ia., Sept. 9, 1908.

Mr. Sears came to this state when but a child four years old and lived for seven years in Grinnell. The family then moved to Chester township, where he grew up on a farm and engaged in farming until 1894, when he left the farm for four years and was engaged in mercantile business. Retiring from the store he again took up farming until 1902, when he left the farm and again entered mercantile life.

March 27, 1878, he was united in marriage to Etta Florence Bacon. To them were born two sons, Myron A., living on the old home farm and Edward E., living at home with his mother.

In 1873, when a young man 17 years old, he became a Christian and united with the Congregational church at Chester Center, to which he remained a faithful member till the Master called him to the home above. He was one of a family of five children. His father, mother and six sisters preceded him to the other world. One sister, Mrs. Mary A. Rhodes of Colorado and M.E. Sears of Chester are the only living members of his family. The funeral services were held in the Congregational church at Chester Center conducted by Rev. H.L. Wissler, and the body laid to rest in the Chester cemetery.

As a neighbor and a business man "Dell" Sears (as he was known by all his old friends) was a true and trusted friend. Those who had known him from childhood always spoke of him as a man of clean, pure life, honest in all his dealings, a true man among men.

He was the senior member of the Sears Implement Co., and for years was associated with W.T. Fuller in business here. During all his relations with business men in this city he won increasing respect and confidence. He was a kind, public-spirited, generous man. He was interested in every good movement for the betterment of Grinnell. As a business man he was keen without being to any degree hard or grasping. He worked hard and to a purpose, but always served his Master first in everything. He will be keenly missed in business men's circles and among his neighbors, by whom he was universally beloved and respected.