Sears, Maynard Elisha 1852-1932

SEARS, WETMORE, KOESTER, PORTER, WOOLRIDGE, VAN HOUTEN, PARRISH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/17/2012 at 10:38:03

M.E. SEARS

Maynard Elisha Sears, son of Elisha and Ruth (Wetmore) Sears, was born in Oneida county, N.Y., Dec. 1, 1852.

His father came to Grinnell in 1856, one of the early pioneers, staying in the "Long Home" at night.

After the death of his mother in 1858, his father returned to Poweshiek county in 1860, Maynard being six years old at that time. He saw the Rock Island road built, and the first train pull through Grinnell. He saw the Civil War soldiers drill and when they marched away to service his sister's husband, James Porter, was leader of the band from Grinnell.

He received most of his education in the public schools of Grinnell.

He came to Chester township in the spring of 1868, when he was 16 years old, and was the only resident who had lived here continuously for 64 years.

On Sept. 16, 1885, he was united iin marriage to Miss Alice M. Koester of Boone, Iowa. To this union were born four children: Lloyd C., Homer A., Lois Ethel and Mary E., all living near Chester Center.

He united with the Congregational church at Chester Center when a young man, and kept his membership there until 1903 when his three eldest children joined the Methodist church at Sonora, when he and Mrs. Sears transferred their membership to the Sonora church so the family could worship together.

He had been in failing health for 16 months and entered a hospital in Grinnell June 27 for treatment. He was a great sufferer until July 22, when he entered into rest.

He was an indulgent, conscientious and thoughtful husband, father and neighbor. His death was the first broken link in the family chain in almost 47 years. There are left to mourn his passing his wife, two sons, two daughters and fifteen grandchildren. He was the last one of his father's family.

Services were held in the Chester Center church at 2 p.m. Monday, July 25, conducted by Rev. O.E. McBride (his former pastor) of Victor, assisted by Rev. H.L. Wissler of Chester Center.

Three selections, "Abide With Me," "In the Garden" and "At the End of the Road," were beautifully rendered by a quartet composed of Mrs. T.A. Armstrong, Mrs. Geo. Trumbull, H.F. Stahl, Sr., and Rev. H.L. Wissler, with Mrs. Geo. Hafkey at the piano.

The pall bearers were J.A.B. Campbell, Geo. Mayo, E.T. Rickard, Edgar and T.A. Harris, and Geo. F. Hafkey. Mrs. S.D. Ward of Toledo, Mrs. Edward Sears of Mason City, Mrs. Geo. Mayo and Miss Margaret Sears had charge of the flowers.

Relatives from a distance attending the services were Mrs. Carrie Woolridge, Mr. and Mrs. Randal Van Houten and Clarence Woolridge, all of Correctionville; Mr. and Mrs. Al Parrish and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Parrish of Newton; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sears of Mason City, and Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert Sears of Brooklyn.

CARD OF THANKS

We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their helpfulness and sympathy during our recent bereavement in the death of our husband and father. Also the sisters and nurses at St. Francis hospital for their untiring efforts, and our friends for the beautiful flowers and messages of love.
Mrs. M.E. Sears and Mary,
Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Sears,
Mr. and Mrs. H.A. Sears,
Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Thompson