James' obituary was published in the LINEVILLE TRIBUNE in 1933 and was preserved in the Corydon Public Library.

James Harvey Sears, son of William and Sureldia Sears, was born in Whitley County, Kentucky, February 18, 1853 and departed this life April 7, 1933. When just a baby he came to Iowa with his parents where he lived the rest of his life except a few years in Cedar, Kansas,

He was united in marriage to Alice N. Shipley October 14, 1877. To this union eleven children were born. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, three infant sons and one daughter. Those left to mourn his passing are his devoted wife, four sons, Leonard of the home; Alva of Smith Center, Kansas; Otto of Cedar, Kansas; and Merle of Grand River, Iowa. Three daughters, Myrtle Jones of Lineville, Iowa; Elma Adams of Hamilton, Missouri; and Anna Nonamaker of Mercer, Missouri. Twenty-seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also two sisters, Mrs. Hannah Gatliff and Mrs. Mary Ann Nickles [sic] besides a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his departure.

December 26, 1932, he was stricken with paralysis. He anticipated early in his sickness that he could withstand the ravages of the disease. It was hoped he would be spared the supreme sacrifice but it proved otherwise. He passed peacefully away a few minutes before eleven p.m. in his 81st year.


James was a distant relative of mine in the area of Lineville Iowa. He was a pioneer and has many lines of descent. I thought that this obituary might be helpful to Sears researchers. 11mitchel@mchsi.com