Clarinda Cemetery, Page Co., IA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

Ora J. Searl is buried in Gregg Cemetery, Travis Co., TX. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

Thomas Greenfield Searl and Jamima Alice "Addie" McLean Marriage Record.

   

Mabel Loranz Searl and Maudine "Maud" Searl are listed in these directories.

Biographical History of Page County, Iowa, Lewis & Dunbar Publishers, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois, 1890

JOHN McLEAN, a retired farmer and carpenter and one of the early settlers of Page County, was born in North Carolina, March 18, 1820, and is a son of Angus and Nancy (McDonald) McLean, natives of Scotland. The grandfather came to America at the close of the eighteenth century and settled in North Carolina. John McLean is the fourth of his father's family, which consisted of ten children, and he is the only surviving member. His education was obtained in the subscription schools held in the rude log school-house, characteristic of pioneer days, both in the North and the South. Five months covered the period of his school days, the remainder had to be learned in life's great school-room. His youth was spent in helping his father subdue the forest and claim from the earth sustenance for her children. The father died in 1863, and three months later the mother followed. In 1841 Mr. McLean emigrated to Indiana, where he served an apprenticeship of two years, as carpenter and joiner, and for thirty years he followed this occupation. About June, 1846, he enlisted in the United States service during the war with Mexico and served one year. He was discharged at New Orleans, and in 1847 he returned to Indiana, where he took up his old trade again. In the spring of 1855 he came to Iowa, locating in Page County, and entered 120 acres of Government land, which was on the Taylor County line. He resided at Hawleyville a number of years, and in 1861 he removed to his farm where he remained till 1864; in that year he sold out and bought land in Nebraska Township. In 1874 he removed to Clarinda, lived there one year, and then moved to Williamson County, Texas, where he engaged in agriculture for fourteen years. In October he came back to Clarinda, and will probably spend the remainder of his days there. Mr. McLean was united in marriage, July 4, 1848, to Miss Catherine Melissa McAlpine, daughter of one of Page County's pioneers, David McAlpine. By this union eight children were born: David Angus (deceased), Jemima Alice, Mary Eliza, William Marshall, Lizzie Jane, John Ulysses and Robert Burder. At one time Mr. McLean belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are acceptable members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he believes in the principles of the Republican arty, but reserves the right to vote for men and principle rather than for party name. During his long residence here Mr. McLean has won a host of friends who are able to appreciate true merit.

The Clarinda Herald, Clarinda, Page Co., IA, February 11, 1908

Catherine Melissa McAlpin was born in Green county, Tennessee, October 8th, 1828, being the daughter of David McAlpin, a native of Scotland. She died February 10th, 1908, at 10:25 pm., aged 79 years, 4 months and 2 days, at her home in this city. She lived in Tennessee until four years of age, moving at that time with her parents to Franklin, Indiana, at which place in 1848, on July 4, she was married to John McLean. They remained there until 1855, when they moved to Page county, settling near Hawleyville, where they resided for twenty years, being among the well known and highly respected pioneers of Page county and prominent in the early history of this section. In 1875 they moved to Williamson county, Texas, remaining there for fourteen years. At the end of that time they retired from active life and returned to Clarinda which has since been the family home. To this union were born eight children as follows: David Angus, deceased, Malcom, deceased, Mrs. Alice Searl, of this city, Mrs. Mary Comstock, of Thorndale, Tex., William Marshal McLean, of DeWitt, Nebr., Mrs. Lizzie Thomas, San Gabriel, Texas, John Ulysses McLean, of Houston, Texas, and Robert Burder McLean, of New Market. Mrs. McLean was preceded to the better life by her husband October 14, 1904. She is survived by two brothers and one sister, Stephen McAlpin, of Hawleyville, L.B. McAlpin, of Bloomfield, Nebr., and Mrs. J.D. Hawley, of this city. The following brother and sisters are deceased: Robert McAlpin, Mrs. Henry Farrens and Mrs. Mary Dupree. Those here from a distance are William Marshal McLean, of DeWittt, Nebr., who arrived here Saturday, and Ernest McLean, her grandson, who for several years made his home with her, now living at St Joe. Mrs. McLean was one of the charter members of the Presbyterian church here, also one of the charter members of the Presbyterian church in Taylor, Texas, having united with the church of that faith at the age of 14 years. Her funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. T.G. Searl, conducted by Rev. J.N. Maclean, with the assistance of Rev W.T. Fisher. With the death of Mrs. MacLean we witness the passing of another beautiful Christian life, and another of the pioneers of Page county.

The Page County Democrat, Clarinda, Page Co., IA, February 13, 1908

Mrs. Catherine Malissa McLean, wife of the late John McLean, died Monday night, Feb. 10, 1908, at 10:25, at her home in northeast Clarinda, from an attack of the grippe followed by pneumonia, aged 79 years, 4 months and 2 days. She had lived in this county many years and a large circle of friends deeply regret her demise. Mrs. McLean had been a member of the Presbyterian church many years and a devoted christian lady. The funeral took place from the residence at 2 p. m. yesterday conducted by Revs. Maclean and Fisher. A good old lady has passed away.

Thomas Greenfield Searl Death Certificate.

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.

The Clarinda Herald-Journal, Clarinda, Page Co., IA, Thursday, March 4, 1943

Searl, Maud

Rites Friday for Miss Maud Searl

Former Local Teacher Succumbs Wednesday to Long Illness

Maud Searl, former Clarinda teacher who instituted the commercial department in the local schools and a teacher in Des Moines for 21 years, died at her home here Wednesday evening following a long illness. She was 61 years of age. Funeral services will be held at the Walker Funeral Home Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. A graduate of the Clarinda high school, she attended Iowa university and was ready for her master's degree at Drake university when she became ill about ten years ago. She attended Gem City Business college, Quincy, Ill., Black Hills Business college, Lead, S D, Pritchard college, Glasgow, Mo and taught at Drake Business college, Jersey City, N Y. After teaching in the local school for five years she went to Des Moines and was instructor at East and North highs, chairman of the commercial department of the former school. She was given a leave of absence from her work in 1933 and then continued to each until 1936 when she came to Clarinda and had been in ill health until her death.
Her mother, Mrs. T. G. Searl, a sister, Miss Mabel, county superintendent of schools and a brother, Roy of Jamison, Mo, survive, as well as a number of nieces and nephews, who are expected here for the funeral, including Mr. and Mrs. Delaine Lary and Virda Jean of Jamison, Mo, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sturgeon of St Joseph, Mo, Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Holmstedt of Villisca and Dr. and Mrs. T. K. Coles of Haxtun, Colo.

The Clarinda Herald-Journal, Clarinda, Page Co., IA, Monday, March 15, 1943

Searl, Maud

Maud Searl

Maude Searl, daughter of Thomas G. and Alice McLean Searl, was born Nov 1, 1881, in Taylor Tex., and passed away in Clarinda on Wednesday, March 3, at 9:00 p m, after a long illness at the age of 61 years, 3 months and 14 days. She came to Clarinda with her parents when seven years old. Here she graduated from high school in 1900. Following graduation, she taught four terms in rural schools of this community. Miss Searl attended the Gem City Business college, Quincy, Ill., where she graduated. The following year was spent as an instructor in Black Hills Business college, Leads, S D. The next three years were spent teaching in Pritchard Commercial college, Glasgow, Mo. Three more years were given in teaching in Drake Business college at Jersey City, N. J. She organized and taught five years in the commercial department of the Clarinda high school. For 21 years she served as chairman of the commercial department of East High in Des Moines. Miss Searl was always anxious to attain the best possible preparation for her life work as a teacher. She received her B A degree from the University of Iowa and at the time of retirement had almost completed her work for the Master's degree at Drake university. Maud taught 21 years in the Des Moines schools, the first 7 years in North high and the last 14 years as chairman of the commercial department in East high. Ill health caused her to leave her work in 1932. After a year of recuperation, she returned to the school room to teach three more years, retiring permanently because of ill health in 1936. These years of great suffering were met with an equally great faith and admirable patience. Her last illness came December 26, from which she never recovered. She leaves her mother; one sister Mable [Mabel], serving as county superintendent of schools; one brother, Roy, of Jameson, Mo; four nieces, Mrs T K Coles, Jr. of Haxtun, Colo., Mrs. Delbert Holmstedt of Villisca, Ia., Mrs. Katheryn Sturgeon of St Joseph, Mo, and Mrs. DeLaine Lary of Jameson, Mo. and one nephew, J. R., now serving in the armed forces at Camp Pendleton, Virginia. She is preceded in death by her father, who passed away in 1932, and two nieces, Jean who died in 1933 and Clair in 1940. Miss Searl became a member of the Church of Christ at the age of nine. During the years she served faithfully in the communities wherever her work called her. Her Christian faith has been an inspiration to many. Her devoted conscientious spirit won for her deserving praise and many lasting friendships. Funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. Ellsworth L. Woods of the Clarinda Church of Christ, at Walker's Funeral Home on Friday, March 5, at 2:00 p. m. Pallbearers were Dr J W Sellards, Orie Gorrell, Ted Pressly, Lloyd Lines, Wade Schoolay and Charley Reid. Interment was in the Clarinda cemetery.

Jamima Alice "Addie" (McLain) Searl Death Certificate.

Council Bluffs Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, IA, Sunday, December 14, 1947

S. W. Iowa Deaths

Mrs. T. G. Searl.

CLARINDA - Funeral services for Mrs. T. G. Searl, 93, who had lived in Clarinda 58 years, will be held Sunday at 2 p. m. at the Walker funeral home, the Rev. Vernon H. Carter in charge. Interment will be in Clarinda cemetery. Mrs. Searl, the mother of Miss Mabel Searl, former longtime county superintendent of schools, died Friday. Other survivors include a son, Roy Searl of Clarinda and five grandchildren. She was a member of the Christian church. Her husband died in 1932.

The Clarinda Herald-Journal, Clarinda, Page Co., IA, Thursday, January 1, 1948

Mrs. T. G. Searl

Jamima Alice McLean, daughter of John and Malissa McAlpin McLean, was born in Johnson county, Indiana, Aug 5, 1854 and departed from this life Dec 12, 1947, at her home in Clarinda, having reached the advanced age of 93 years, 4 months and 7 days. When she was yet a small child her family came to Page county, Iowa but later moved to Taylor, Texas. In 1878 she was united in marriage to Thomas G. Searl who preceded her in death on the 17th of November 1932. To this union were born four children: Ora, who died in infancy; Mabel of Clarinda; Roy of Jameson, Mo; and Maud, whose death occurred on the 3rd of March 1943. In addition to Mabel and Roy she is survived by five grandchildren: Mrs. Helen Coles, Haxton, Colo.; Mrs. Maurine Holmstedt, Stanton, Iowa; Mrs. Katherine Sturgeon, Omaha, Neb; Mrs. Gertrude Lary and J. Roy Searl, jr., both of Jameson, Mo; and three great grandchildren. A sister, Mrs. Mary Comstock of Houston, Texas, who is 91 years of age, is the only remaining member of the family of seven brothers and sisters. Mrs. Searl has been a faithful member of the Christian church since 1884, an earnest worker and regular attendant until late years when health prevented such activity. Services were held Sunday, Dec 14, 1947, at the Walker Funeral home with Rev Vernon Carter in charge. Casket bearers who carried her to her final resting place in the Clarinda cemetery were Dr. J. W. Sellards, Russell Lines, H. A. Logan, Charles Reynolds, C. E. Hoskinson and I. E. Stickelman.

The Clarinda Herald-Journal, Clarinda, Page Co., IA, Thursday, January 15, 1970

Mabel Searl, 90, died in Colorado

The body of Miss Mabel Searl is to arrive in Clarinda for funeral service which will be Saturday afternoon. Her death came this Thursday morning at Berthoud, Colo.
Miss Searl was a teacher in Page county and Clarinda and retired in 1946 from 19 years as county superintendent of schools. She taught in rural schools prior to being asked to teach in Clarinda. She was principal of Lincoln school before appointment to her county position. The funeral is at 3 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home with the Rev. LaVern Kinzel of the First Christian Church officiating. Burial will be with others of the Tom G. Searl family in Clarinda cemetery. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister, Maude, and brother, Roy. Her mother was in her mid-90s at her death. Among those who are expected for the Clarinda services are Mrs. Roy Searl and Mrs. Delaine (Gertrude) Lary of Jameson, Mo., J. R. Searl of Story City, Ia., Mrs. Ted K ( Helen) Cole of Reno, Nev., Mrs. Katherine Lowe of Johnson, Colo., and Mrs. Delbert (Maurine) Holmstedt of Stanton, Ia. Miss Searl had gone to Colorado several years ago when her health was apparently failing, being near to her niece, Katherine. She has lived in Denver in nursing homes prior to going to the home at Berthoud within the last year. She had celebrated her 90th birthday, being a native Clarindan.