John Searle
John Searl was born November 7, 1820, in Broadoak, County Cornwall, England, was Christened February 14, 1821, in Braddock Parish, County Cornwall, England (his father William Searle was listed as a Labourer), and died September 21, 1888, in Kansas, at age 67. He is the son of William Husband Searle of Lanreath, County Cornwall, England, and Anne Hill of Liskeard, Cornwall Co., England.
Elizabeth Anne "Eliza" Bailey was born April 19, 1827, in Northern Ireland, and died July 10, 1867, in Illinois at age 40. She is the daughter of Unknown.
John Searl and Elizabeth Anne "Eliza" Bailey were married about 1844 in Canada West.
John Searl and Elizabeth Anne "Eliza" (Bailey) Searl had eight children:
After Elizabeth Anne "Eliza" (Bailey) Searl died, John Searl married Catharine Unknown.
Catharine Unknown was born about 1818 in New Jersey and died after 1885 in Unknown. She is the daughter of Unknown.
John Searl and Catharine Unknown were married about 1868 in Illinois.
John Searl and Catharine (Unknown) Searl had no children.
Mrs. M. H. Cleveland and Mrs. John Searl visited their sister in Garden City, KS, in 1889.
TIMELINE
Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.
John Searl
An interesting newspaper article about the Steve Searl Homestead.
Catharine Unknown was born about 1818 in New Jersey.
John Searl was born November 7, 1820, in County Cornwall, England.
Elizabeth "Eliza" Bailey was born April 19, 1827, in Ireland.
John Searl and Elizabeth "Eliza" Bailey were married about 1843 in Canada West.
Mathilda Catherine "Matilda" Searl was born January 23, 1845, near the future Village of Bowmanville, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.
John Henry Searl was born November 1, 1846, near the future Village of Bowmanville, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.
Christopher William "Bill" Searl was born October 27, 1848, near the future Village of Bowmanville, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.
Elizabeth Ann "Eliza" Searl was born October 20, 1850, near the future Village of Bowmanville, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.
1851 Canadian Census shows John Syrell (age 30 at next birthday) born in England, and with Bible Christian religion, is a Laborer, and is living in a Log Home in Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West. Living with him are: Eliza Syrell (age 26) born in Ireland, and with Bible Christian religion, a Spinster; Cat. Mata. Syrell (age 7) born in Canada, and with Bible Christian religion, a House Maid; John H. Syrell (age 6) born in Canada, and with Bible Christian religion, a House Boy; Chris. Wm. Syrell (age 4), born in Canada, and with Bible Christian religion, a Small Boy; and Eliza Ann Syrell (age 2), born in Canada, and with Bible Christian religion, an Infant.
Thomas Greenfield Searl was born September 20, 1852, near the future Village of Bowmanville, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.
Christopher William Searl was born in Bowman, Canada, October 27, 1848. When he was six years old he moved with his parents to Fond du Lac Co., WI, and lived a few years until the family moved to Rockford, Ill., where he received his schooling and grew up to young manhood. When he was 16 years old, about 1864, he came to Wyoming and worked as a government freighter for three years. Then he entered the employ of the Union Pacific during its construction days and was in Wyoming for several years, then he returned east and married to Miss Mary Silver in 1878.
About 1854, John Searl and family removed from Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, to Fond du Lac Co., WI.
Robert Washington "Bob" Searl was born February 14, 1854, near Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Co., WI.
Mary Jane Searl was born October 4, 1857, in Fond du Lac Co., WI.
About 1858, John Searl and family removed from Fond du Lac Co., WI, to Franklin Twp., DeKalb Co., IL.
The 1860 U. S. Census taken on September 1, 1860, shows John Searles (age 40) born in Ireland, and with real estate of $800 and personal estate of $530 is a Farmer, and is living in Franklin Twp., DeKalb Co., IL. Living with him are: Eliza Searles (age 27) born in Canada, a Housekeeper; Matilda Searles (age 15) born in Canada; John Searles (age 13) born in Canada; Christopher Searles (age 11) born in Canada; Eliza A. Searles (age 9) born in Canada; Thomas Searles (age 7) born in Canada; Robert Searles (age 6) born in Canada; and Mary Searles (age 3) born in Wisconsin.
1861 Census for Durham County shows John Sorel (age 15) born in Upper Canada is a Servant living in Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Ontario, Canada.
Stephen L. "Steve" Searl was born February 9, 1862, in Franklin Twp., De Kalb Co., IL.
In the 1863 Civil War Draft Registration Report dated June, 1863, John Searl (age 43) is a Laborer, born in Canada, is living in Kingston Twp., De Kalb Co., IL.
Elizabeth Anne "Eliza" (Bailey) Searl died July 10, 1867, in Illinois, at age 40.
The Clarinda Herald-Journal, Clarinda, Page Co., IA, Thursday, November 24, 1932
T. G. Searl
Thomas Greenfield Searl was born in Ashton, Canada, Sept 20, 1852, and died at his home in Clarinda, Ia., just a few minutes before midnight on the 17th day of November 1932 at the age of 80 years, 2 months and 27 days. He was the son of John and Eliza Searl, and was one of nine children, all of whom have preceded him in death except Matilda Brown, the oldest of the family, now residing at Minneapolis, Minn. and Eliza Haynes of Chana, Ill., and Stephen Searl of Morland, Kans. The parents of the deceased came from England and settled in Canada, where Mr. Searl was born. When he was 3 years of age, his family moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., and later to Bremer county, Ia. He was thrown upon his own resources at the early age of 12, through the death of his mother, and was in the fullest sense a self-made man. In about 1875 he took his invalid brother to Texas for the benefit of the latter's health and resided in that state until 1883. He then moved to Clarinda, Ia., where he has resided continuously since. He was married April 30, 1878, at Taylor, Tex., to Alice McLean, and together for over 54 years they have been permitted to share the joys and sorrows of married life together. Four children were born, one of whom, Ora, died in infancy. In addition to the wife, three children survive him: Mabel, county superintendent of Page county, Iowa; Maud, a teacher in the schools of Des Moines, Ia.; and Roy, of Nodaway county, Missouri. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Helen, Maurine, Katherine, Gertrude, Claire, Jean and John Roy Searl. He, together with his wife, was baptized in the Lampasas river at Youngsport, Tex. and united with the Christian church there in 1884. After he moved to Clarinda he identified himself with the Christian church of this city and has remained a faithful and loyal member, for many years holding office as elder. He has been closely identified with the life and development of this community for over 40 years, for many years being connected with different business enterprises. He lived among us, a gentleman, an active citizen, an honored, trustworthy and competent business man. Mr. Searl was a man everyone liked, as he was a good husband and father, a sympathetic and obliging neighbor, a true friend, a loyal citizen and a devout Christian. He was not attracted by the unimportant and artificial in life, deriving most of his pleasures from like and work in the open. He was a friend of all and among his many friends are little children, who will miss his kindly smile and cheery greeting and they also mourn today as they realize that Uncle Searl will be with them no more. His work is now closed. His record has been fully and finally written and the best that can be said of him is that he was an honorable man, a good citizen and a true Christian. Funeral service was held at the residence, 622 east State, Sunday, November 20, at 2 p. m., with Rev. Hall in charge. The grandchildren acted as flower bearers. Interment in Clarinda cemetery.
About 1868, John Searl and family removed from Franklin Twp., DeKalb Co., IL, to Douglass Twp., Bremer Co., IA.
By 1870, Robert Searl was living in Pine Rock Twp., Ogle Co., IL, with his sister, Matilda.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 15, 1870, shows John Searl (age 49) born in England, and with real estate of $1,000 and personal estate of $500 is a Farmer, and is living in Douglass Twp., Bremer Co., IA. Living with him are: Catharine Searl (age 53) born in New Jersey, who is Keeping House; and Stephen L. Searl (age 8) born in Illinois.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 20, 1870, shows Joseph Cooley (age 26) born in Illinois is a Farmer living in Pine Rock Twp., Ogle Co., IL. Living with him is Matilda Cooley (age 25) born in Canada, who is Keeping House. Also living there are his two children, both born Illinois: James Cooley (age 7); and Wallace Cooley (age 2). Also living there is Robert Searles (age 16) born in Illinois.
About 1872, the John Searl family moved from Douglass Twp., Bremer Co., IA, to Austin, TX, where Stephen Searl was educated and learned the trade of a stone mason.
About 1879, the John Searl family moved from Austin, TX, to Millbrook, Graham Co., KS.
The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 4, 1880, shows John Searl (age 60) born in England to English-born parents is a Stone Mason living in Millbrook, Graham Co., KS. Living with him is his wife, Catharine Searl (age 63) born in Massachusetts to Massachusetts-born parents, who is Keeping House.
In 1882, Stephen Searl came to Graham Co., KS.
The 1885 Kansas State Census taken on March 1, 1885, shows John Searle (age 64) born in Foreign, and having moved to Kansas from Iowa, is a Farmer, and is living in Millbrook Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is Catherine Searle (age 67) born in New Jersey, and having moved to Kansas from Iowa.
The Millbrook Times, Millbrook, Graham Co., KS, Friday, July 13, 1888
We regret to hear that our old friend John Searl of Solomon township contemplates a removal to the eastern part of the state. Mr. Searl is one of those honest old-timers whom the county cannot afford to spare.
John Searl died September 21, 1888, in Kansas, at age 67.
The Millbrook Times, Millbrook, Graham Co., KS, Friday, October 5, 1888
Word reaches us that Mr. John Searl of Solomon township who went east about two months ago died on last Friday.
By 1890, Stephen L. Searl was back in Kansas, had married, had a daughter, and was living where his father had lived.
The 1895 Kansas State Census taken on March 1, 1895, shows S. L. Searl (age 33) born in Illinois and having moved to Kansas from Texas is a Stone Mason and Tenent living in Solomon Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is Hannah Searl (age 32) born in Kentucky and having moved to Kansas from Kentucky. Also living there are two Searl children, both born in Kansas: Anna Searl (age 5); and John Searl (age 4).
The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 23, 1900, shows Stephen Searls (age 38) born February 1862 in Illinois to English and Scottish-born parents is a Stone Mason owning his own farm with a mortgage and living in Solomon Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is his wife of 11 years, Hannah Searls (age 37) born April 1863 in Kentucky to Indiana and Kentucky-born parents, with all 3 of the children born to her still alive. Also living there are his 3 unmarried children, all born in Kansas to Illinois and Kentucky-born parents: Annie Searls (age 10) born November 1889; John Searls (age 9) born February 1889; and Mary Searls (age 3) born March 1897.
The Garnett Journal, Friday, December 7, 1900
Mr. and Mrs. John Searl returned Monday from visiting their daughter, Mrs. Milton Foster, at Lawrence.
The Garnett Journal, Friday, April 12, 1901
John Searl returned Friday from Ottawa where he has been putting in a foundation for a residence.
The 1905 Kansas State Census taken on March 1, 1905, shows S. L. Searl (age 43) born in Not Stated and having moved to Kansas from Not Stated is living in Solomon Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is Jennie Searl (age 43) born in Not Stated and having moved to Kansas from Not Stated. Also living there are four Searl children, all born in Kansas: Anna Searl (age 14); John Searl (age 12), a Farmer; Mary Searl (age 8); and Maud Searl (age 2).
WRITER AND ENGRAVER'S PICTURE OF GRAHAM COUNTY'S PROGRESS SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION, Frank Lee, Photographer. F. M. Steves & Sons, Printers, Topeka, KS. Michaelis Engraving Co., Kansas City, MO. 1906. Steve Searls. The subject of this sketch was born in Illinois, and moved with his parents in boyhood to Austin. Texas, where he was educated and learned the trade of a stone mason. He came to Graham county in 1882 and his first contract was the Pomeroy Hotel. Then followed the F. and M. Bank, the Scherer Hotel and the Presbyterian church and manse. Though Mr. Searl found all the work he could do at his trade, he decided to become a farmer and homesteaded two and one-half miles southwest of Morland, in 1886. He made no mistake in the change and has been exceedingly prosperous. Mr. Searl owns 640 acres of land and has one and one-half section under lease. His entire farm is fenced. The dwelling is a story and a half stone structure surrounded by a beautiful fifteen acre grove of native trees. These trees are remarkable for their size, many of them, being forty inches in circumference. Mr. Searl has one of the best watered farms in the country. It is traversed by Sand creek and has some twenty-five springs. The valley along the mile and a half of Sand creek is fine alfalfa land. The water used in the house and stables is piped from the excellent springs. Mr. Searl has a large young orchard of 150 bearing trees. In 1905, 4000 bushels of corn were raised on this farm, which has not failed to produce a good crop of this grain since 1894. Mr. Searls has growing fifteen acres of red top grass, five acres of timothy and 60 acres of alfalfa. The farm is well adapted to stock raising with pasture and grain sufficient to fatten 150 head of cattle and 150 head of hogs, each year. In 1905, a car load of fat cattle and hogs was shipped from the place. The improvements on the farm are worth some $4, out), and the land is valued at $20 an acre. Mr. Searls was married December 25, 1883 to Miss Hannah Hockersmith, and to this union four children were born.
The 1910 U. S. Census taken on May 9, 1910, shows Steven L. Searl (age 48) born in Illinois to English and Scottish/Irish-born parents is a Stone Mason and Farmer owning his own farm free of a mortgage and living in Solomon Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is his wife of 21 years, Hanna E. Searl (age 47) born in Kentucky to Indiana and Kentucky-born parents, with all 4 of the children born to her still alive, who is a House Parrey at Home. Also living there are his 4 unmarried children, all born in Kansas to Illinois and Kentucky-born parents: Anna W. Searl (age 20), a School Teacher in the Common Schools; John C. Searl (age 18), who Farmer on the Home Farm; Mary L. Searl (age 13); and Maude E. Searl (age 7).
The 1915 Kansas State Census taken on March 1, 1915, shows S. L. Searl (age 53) born in Illinois and having moved to Kansas from Texas is a Farmer owning his own home free of a mortgage and is living in Solomon Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is J. E. Searl (age 52) born in Kentucky and having moved to Kansas from Kentucky, who is a House Wife. Also living there are three Searl children, all born in Kansas: John Searl (age 24), a Farmer; Mary Searl (age 18); and Maudie Searl (age 12).
The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 27, 1920, shows Steven L. Searl (age 58) born in Illinois to English and Scottish-born parents is a Farmer owning his own farm with a mortgage and living in Solomon Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is his wife, Hanna Searl (age 57) born in Kentucky to Indiana and Kentucky-born parents. Also living there are his two unmarried children, both born in Kansas to Illinois and Kentucky-born parents: John C. Searl (age 28), who is Farming at Home; and Maude Searl (age 17).
The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 18, 1930, shows Stephen L. Searl (age 68) born in Illinois to English and Scottish-born parents is a General Farm Farmer owning his own farm and living in Solomon Twp., Graham Co., KS. Living with him is his unmarried son, John Searl (age 39) born in Kansas to Illinois and Kentucky-born parents, who is a General Farm Farmer. Also living there are a widowed Housekeeper and her two unmarried children.
Between 1885 and the early 1980s Durham County went through considerable changes: Manvers Township became part of Victoria County; Cavan and South Monaghan Townships became part of Peterborough County; and Hope Township became part of Northumberland County.
When Ontario County was abolished in the 1970s, the Townships of Thorah, Brock, Scott, Uxbridge, Pickering, Reach, Whitby and Scugog became part of Durham County.