Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Searing, Louisa C. (Martin) 1901
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Lyons Herald, 5 Dec 1901

Another of the pioneers has solved the mysteries of death and passed into that 
eternal land beyond the stars.  Mrs. Nathaniel Searing died at the home of her 
daughter Mrs. C. R. Lane, in the village of Lyons on Saturday night, November 
30, at the age of 88 years.  She had moved into town from the old homestead a 
week prior to her death and as she passed away was surrounded by her loved ones.

The funeral was held at the Methodist church Tuesday, being conducted by Rev. 
Dr. Ogden, assisted by Revs. J.C. Jewell and J.R. Bowen.  The pall bearers 
were : Messrs Frank Manning, H. Hitchcock, Mark Probert, John McQuillin, A.S. 
Bunnell and E.N. Thayer.  The music was furnished by the church choir and was 
beautifully adapted to the occasion.  Rev. J. R. Bowen read an obituary of the 
deceased, as follows:

The great clock in the tower of the cathedral of time has again struck one, 
telling us in superhuman tones that the last act in the drama of another life 
has closed forever; that mysterious dissolving act that comes once to all, has 
sundered the binding cords, shattered the tabernacle of flesh and freed another 
immortal spirit from the scenes of this earthly life.

In this connection it may be both interesting and instructive to present an 
estimate, recently given by an eminent statistician, regarding the average of 
human life.  He says that out of a thousand infant children born into the world 
upon any given data, at the end of the first month 50 have died, at the end of 
a year less than 900 are left; in 5 years only 750 are alive; in 10 years less 
than 600; at 20 years ˝ have died; at the end of 30 years but 390 are left; in 
40 years only 250 remain; in 50 years the number is reduced to 90; in 60 years 
to 24; in 70 years to 9; in 75 years to 3; at 80 years only one is left, but 
the deceased exceeded that period by eight years and it is probably safe to say 
that had the number born with herself, Dec. 22, 1813, been 1500 or 2000, at her 
death the last one would have passed away.

In this brief biographical sketch of Mrs. Searing only a few of the many 
interesting incidents of her long and honorable life can be given.  But what 
shall be said of her, now deceased, is only what could have been, yea, was said 
of her while living, for Mrs. Searing was a character long and favorably known, 
by a large circle of acquaintances.  What therefore herein is said in her favor 
is not a mere post mortem eulogy, but the recital of facts in her excellent 
life, which need no exaggeration upon the part of this writer.

Louisa C. Martin was a native of Whitby, Ontario, Dominion of Canada, where she 
was born Dec. 22, 1813, and had she lived a few days longer would have rounded 
out a full 88 years of eventful life.  When but a little girl her parents 
removed from Canada, and with them she crossed Lake Ontario in a small open 
boat.  The family settled in Niagara Co. N.Y. where the girl became acquainted 
with Nathaniel Searing, her future husband, to whom she was united in marriage 
Oct. 23, 1836, and with whom she happily lived for over sixty-five years.

In 1839 the newly made state of Michigan became the Mecca of home seekers and 
the young couple decided to follow the tide of emigration setting out in that 
direction, but how should they travel? By railroad, in a Pullman palace car? 
No, for these luxurious modes of travel were then unavailable.  The journey 
before them, with the prevailing manner of travel, was a long and tedious one, 
but undaunted they packed their household effects upon a sleigh and started out 
upon a two weeks trip right in the dead of winter.  Though traveling much of 
the way over rough roads, and often through almost unbroken wilderness paths, 
Mrs. Searing carrying in her arms all the distance, a child of eight months of 
age, the plucky woman never uttered one word of complaint.  Neither did she 
during all the period of clearing up a new farm, often enduring many privations 
incident to a new country.  In due time the family circle was enlarged by the 
advent of new comers until she became the mother of nine children, five of whom 
survive her, Henry R., Melvin M., Chester A., James A., and Laura L. (Mrs. 
Lane.)  These all settled in homes of their own, but the old home, with mother, 
was a place they all delighted to visit.

Until quite recently the old couple have lived upon the same farm where they 
settled 62 years ago, and which by perseverance and industry, on the part of 
both, has been transformed from a wilderness to a finely cultivated homestead. 

One of the characteristics of the deceased was her kindness of heart, always 
ready with a helping hand to aid the sick and needy.  Another characteristic 
was her indomitable perseverance under the most discouraging circumstances.  
Hard times and discouragements, instead of disheartening, only aroused her to 
greater fortitude and determination.  One incident may be given illustrative of 
her ambition.  It was decided that on her 80th birthday a grand home coming and 
family reunion should be held at the old homestead.  Of course the women folks 
of the several families volunteered to assist in the preparation, but “no,” 
said the energetic old lady, “You all stay at home.  I propose to do all the 
cooking and baking myself.”  When the large company gathered they sat down to 
one of the best prepared and sumptuous dinners of their lives.

Dr. Ogden in arising to preach the sermon said he did so to fulfill a promise 
made to the deceased and her husband while a pastor of the church, and his 
remarks were full of sympathy and consolation.  He took for his text the words 
of Paul, “To die is gain,” and from these he pointed the mourning ones to that 
“better country” to which their loved one had preceded them, in which there 
should be no parting scenes to sadden the heart, but all should be perfect 
bliss.

“Grandma” Searing, as she was affectionately called, lived a life of usefulness 
and by her kindness of heart set an example worthy of emulation.  She was a 
firm believer in the sacredness of the marriage relation and for over 65 years 
amid sunshine and storm, faithfully kept the obligations made in her youthful 
days, and reared a family who are an honor to any community.  In this age of 
apparent disregard of the marriage tie, such an exhibition is truly gratifying. 

Grandma Searing farewell.  The record of your earthly life has been made up and 
sealed forever.  But your good deeds and noble examples will live long in the 
hearts of those who loved you.  Your 88 years were full of eventful acts and as 
a daughter, wife, mother and friend your every duty was faithfully and lovingly 
performed.


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