Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Searles, Major E 
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Author: Past & Present, 1907

Major E. Searles, a resident of Joliet from early manhood until his life's 
labors were ended in death, on the 22d of July, 1894, was uniformly regarded 
as a citizen of sterling worth because of his activity in business; his valor 
and loyalty in military service and his fidelity and trustworthiness in public 
office. Born in Tecumseh, Michigan, on the 18th of July, 1838, he became a 
resident of Brockport, New York, in his early youth and there spent the period 
of his minority, acquiring a public-school education. On leaving the Empire 
state, he removed to Joliet and entered the employ of his cousin, the late S. 
O. Simonds, who was proprietor of a grocery store. Major Searles remained in 
that service until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, at the age of 
twenty-four years he offered his services to the government. Aroused by a 
spirit of patriotism he could no longer content himself to remain at home 
while his country's honor and stability were imperiled and enlisted on the 
24th of July, 1862, as a member of Company B, One Hundredth Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry. He served his country for two years and nine months, participating 
in the battles of Stone River, Kenesaw Mountain and Missionary Ridge. At the 
last named he was wounded. He was with the late Colonel Bartleson when that 
officer was killed at Kenesaw Mountain, and in fact assisted in carrying the 
body off the field. Because of valor and meritorious service Mr. Searles was 
promoted from the ranks to first lieutenant of Company B, and he remained a 
faithful defender of the old flag until mustered out of service at the close 
of the war. Returning to his home in Joliet, Major Searles was appointed mail 
agent on the Michigan Central Railroad between Joliet and Lake Station. 
Indiana. He filled that position for several years, and in 1870 was appointed 
deputy postmaster of Joliet under the late James Goodspeed, which position he 
filled for twelve years. He then embarked in the grocery trade, in which he 
continued until his death, securing a liberal patronage in recognition of his 
straightforward business methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire 
to please his customers. On the 11th of February, 1864, Major Searles was 
united in marriage to Miss Jenny Munroe, the wedding being celebrated in the 
parlors of the Will county jail, while George Munroe, now deceased, an own 
cousin of Mrs. Searles, was sheriff of the county. In politics Major Searles 
was a stalwart republican, who kept well informed on the questions and issues 
of the day, and had firm faith in the principles of the party to which he gave 
earnest and effective support. He held membership in Bartleson post. G. A. R.. 
and greatly enjoyed the meetings with his old comrades with whom he had faced 
danger and death on southern battlefields. His residence in Joliet covered 
more than a third of a century, and while he never sought to figure 
prominently in public affairs he lived a life which commanded uniform 
confidence and respect, proving his trustworthiness in public office and in 
business relations as well. He thus gained that warm personal regard which is 
ever an indication of true worth of character and his death was deeply 
regretted by many who entertained for him strong friendship. 

Additional Comments:
Past and Present of Will County, Illinois, by W. W. Stevens, President of the 
Will County Pioneers Association. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1907.

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