David Jones Searight 1832-1918

SEARIGHT, SEORIGHT

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 4/17/2003 at 01:08:20

David Jones Seoright [sic] was born in Bethany, Brook county, Virginia, Feb. 25, 1832, and died at his home in Keosauqua, Tuesday morning early, December 3, 1918, at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 8 days.

When two years old his parents moved from Virginia county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood on a farm.

In 1852 he engaged in the saddlery and harness business, becoming a partner with his brother, John Searight, at Unionville, Ohio.

He enlisted Aug. 14, 1861, in Company F, 18th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Beverly, Washington county, Ohio. He was mustered into the Federal service Sept. 1, 1861, at which time he was elected sergeant of his company. He was promoted July 27, 1864, to be First Lieutenant for efficient service and personal bravery at the battles of Stone River and Chicamauga. His regiment fell back from Chicamauga to Chattanooga where it remained throughout the siege of that place. The 18th Ohio returned to Ohio and was mustered out of the service Nov 9, 1864, at which time Lieutenant Searight's war experience ended.

After returning to civil life he resumed his trade, and in 1866 he removed from Morgan county, Ohio, to Van Buren county, Iowa, located in South Keosauqua and engaged again in the saddlery and harness business. Owing to poor health he retired from business in 1890.

Mr. Searight became a member of the I.O.O.F. in June 1855, and was thus one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the country, his membership covering more than 63 years. He was a charter member of Keosauqua Rebekah Lodge. He was also a member of William Harper Post G.A.R.

Mr. Searight was a man of exemplary character and blameless habits. He often expressed the wish to so live as to be an example to younger men. In this his wish was granted. His home life was ideal and when the summons came to leave the world in which he had so long been an active and industrious and hopeful citizen. He had no fear, but on the contrary was ready and anxious to go.

Since November 1900 Mr. Searight has been cared for by his niece, Miss Hattie Searight, to whom he was devotedly attached. Besides the niece, he is survived by one sister Mrs. Wesley Knox. His death will be lamented by a host of personal friends.

Owing to the flu quarantine, the only funeral services held were conducted at the grave by Rev. C. E. Perkins and the Odd Fellows Lodge.

(Photocopy of this obit found on page 160 of Obit Book "A" of the Van Buren County Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Dec 2000. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given.)

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.

[Original Post 3 Jan 2001]