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William Pears Sr.

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Birth	:	1826 England
Death	:	7 Apr 1893 Buchanan, Berrien County, Michigan, USA
Burial	:	Glen Haven Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate	:	28.6191998, -81.3305969
Plot	:	Section 15, Lot 2.
Description	:	The surname is pronounced as "Peers". ----------------------------------- The New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, states the following: ------------ William came to America on board a ship named the "Middlesex". Port of departure: Liverpool, England. Destination: New York. Port of Arrival: New York. Age 23 ["should" say age 29]. Arrival date: May 8, 1855. ------- Line 27. Microfilm Serial: M237. Microfilm Roll: M237_152. List Number: 297. -------------------------------- William Pears [Sr.] was married to Emma Whitehead, on April 7, 1859, Marriage registration place - Jefferson County Indiana. (per: "History Rescue Project, Marriage Records 1851-1905", compiled by the John Paul Chapter D. A. R., and located in the Jefferson Public Library, in Madison, Jefferson County Indiana). (Some marriage records incorrectly lists William's surname as "Pearl" and "Peary"). ---------------------------- Emma was born in... Read More	The surname is pronounced as "Peers". ----------------------------------- The New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, states the following: ------------ William came to America on board a ship named the "Middlesex". Port of departure: Liverpool, England. Destination: New York. Port of Arrival: New York. Age 23 ["should" say age 29]. Arrival date: May 8, 1855. ------- Line 27. Microfilm Serial: M237. Microfilm Roll: M237_152. List Number: 297. -------------------------------- William Pears [Sr.] was married to Emma Whitehead, on April 7, 1859, Marriage registration place - Jefferson County Indiana. (per: "History Rescue Project, Marriage Records 1851-1905", compiled by the John Paul Chapter D. A. R., and located in the Jefferson Public Library, in Madison, Jefferson County Indiana). (Some marriage records incorrectly lists William's surname as "Pearl" and "Peary"). ---------------------------- Emma was born in Ohio in 1837. Emma died on May 20 or 21, 1915. Emma was the daughter of David Whitehead (per her death certificate). ------------------------------ Note: In the 1870 census of Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan, it lists a Lizzie Whitehead, age 23, born in Ohio, living with William and Emma Pears. This is Emma's younger sister Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Whitehead. --------------------------------- Note: There is a David Whitehead, age 62, born in England, living in Buchanan, MI in the 1870 census. (Could this be Emm'a father)? The 1880 census states that both of Emma's parents were born in England. Emma's death certificate lists David Whitehead as her father. ----------------------------------- William became the owner of the Pears Mill, in Buchanan, Michigan. ------------------------------- Note: "A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County, Michigan", by Orville W. Coolidge, 1906, states the following on page 218: --------------- William Pears, a native of England, in partnership with Solomon Rough and George H. Rough, established a grist mill [in Buchanan, MI] which did an extensive business. Subsequently Mr. Pears acquired the exclusive ownership of the mill. He was president of the village [of Buchanan], and a man of native sagacity and ability. Charles F. Pears, the present president of the village [of Buchanan] and president of the City National Bank of Niles, [MI] is a son of William Pears. ----------------------------------- Note: The same book, on page 352 (in an article on William's son Charles), it states that William Pears was one of the organizers (and President and director), of the old First National Bank at Buchanan, and was it's president for a number of years. On page 220, it lists William Pears as the President of the village of Buchanan, Michigan in 1872 and 1877. His son Charles F. Pears is listed as the president of the village in 1905 and 1906. --------------------------------- The Pears flour and grist mill is located in downtown Buchanan, Micihgan, South of Front Street, between Oak Street and Days Avenue. It has been restored, operated, and administered by the Buchanan Preservation Society, and is open to the public during certain hours. It is listed on the "Register of Michigan State Historic Sites". See their web site at: www.pearsmill.com ------------------------------ In "The Bankers Almanac And Register" 1881, by Isaac Smith Homans, it states that William Pears was the President of the "Farmer's and Manufacturers Bank", in Buchanan, MI. ------------------------------------ Also, in the "Berrien County Directory and History", by Edward B. Cowles, 1871, page 255, it lists William as a director of the "First National Bank of Buchanan". It also states: Buchanan Village Directory. Village Officers: Trustee - William Pears. Board of Education: Trustee, William Pears. ------------------------------ Another history book states that William was the President of the Village of Buchanan, MI from 1873 to 1876, and again in 1878, and that he was a trustee in 1865, 1870, and 1871 (also in 1867, 1868). Also, that he was a Trustee of the district school, in 1870 to 1879, with the exception of one year. -------------------------------- William Pears is listed as one of the directors of the "Buchanan Park Association", (which includes "Floral Hall"), in Buchanan, Michigan. ------------------------------- The 1860 census lists William as a "Miller" in Buchanan, MI. The 1870 census lists William as a "Floor Mill Owner" in Buchanan, MI. The 1880 census lists William as a "Miller", in Buchanan, MI. --------------------------------- Don R. Pears, the grandson of William Pears, served in the Michigan Legislature State House of Representatives, and was also "Speaker of The House of Representatives". --------------------------------- William Pears paid Liberty U. Dragoo, of Buchanan, Michigan, to serve as his "Substitute" in the Civil War. Liberty served in the "1st Michigan Light Artillery, Battery E. (per Liberty U. Dragoo's Civil War "Military and Pension Records" from the National Archives, in Washington, D.C.). See the memorial for Liberty U. Dragoo, of MI, on this find-a-grave web site. ____________________________________ The three children of William Pears Sr. and his wife Emma Whitehead are: ----------------- 1. Ida M. Pears. b. Feb. 5, 1860, in Buchanan, Michigan. Ida was an accomplished classical pianist. m. July 5 [or Feb. 5], 1887, to Dr. Theodore Frederick Henry Spreng [Sr.], in Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan. He is the son of Rev. George Frederick "Fritz" Spreng and his wife Christina Bentz. (Note: Berrien County Michigan marriage records have listed: Iola [Ida] Pears, married T. F. H. Spring [Spreng], on Feb. 5, 1887, certificate # 23). Theodore went to Northwestern Collage in Naperville, ILL (West of Chicago), and then he received his medical education in Chicago, Illinois. Theodore practiced medicine in Buchanan, Michigan from about Dec. 1883 to 1889. The "Berrien County Physicians Register, 1883-1985", lists: Theodore F. H. Spreng. Register date- Dec. 5, 1883. Location of practice-not specified. School of medicine- Homeopathic. Page - 66. ----------- Theodore was Fraternally a member of the Buchanan Masonic Lodge A. F. and A. M. # 550. They moved to Sioux City, Woodward County Iowa in 1889. d. Ida died on July 10, 1933, in Sioux City, Iowa. She is listed as a "female, age 73". Buried: Ida is buried in the Graceland Park Cemetery, Sioux City, Woodbury County Iowa (in the Ridgelawn addition, Lot 48, Grave # 2). Note: No headstone could be found. (Theodore F. H. Spreng died on March 27, 1938, in Los Angeles, CA.). --- Child: (1). Theodore Pears Spreng [Jr.], born June 24, 1892, in Sioux City Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army. m. Mary Elizabeth Cassidy, on Oct. 23, 1920, in Galveston, Galveston County Texas. He was a hotel proprietor. They had a son named Theodore Edward Spreng, who married Vesta Irene Teaque. d. Theodore Pears Spreng died June 1961, in San Francisco, California. Buried: Restland Memorial Park, in Dallas, Texas. ------------ Ida's husband was a very prominent Doctor and surgeon. See a large article on her husband Dr. Theodore F. H. Spreng, in: "Biographies and Portraits of the Progressive Men of Iowa", 1899, by Ex-Lietenant Governor Benjamin F. Gue and Benjamin Franklin Shambough, Vol. 2, page 572 (on "Google"). Also, see her husband in: "Iowa, It's History And Traditions", Vol. III, 1804-1926 (on "Google"). ------------------------------------ 2. William ("Willie") Pears Jr. b. Jan. 22, 1863, in Buchanan, Michigan. d. April 14, 1865, in Buchanan, MIchigan. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, MI. --------------------------------- 3. Charles Frederick Pears. b. Nov. 5, 1867, in Buchanan, Michigan. m. Lura Grace Roe, on Jan. 17, 1893, in Buchanan, Berrien County Michigan (per Berrien Co. Dibean Marriage Index). Lura is the daughter of E. J. Roe and his wife Susan (Witter) Roe. President of the village of Buchanan, MI. President of the City National Bank, of Niles, Berrien County Michigan. d. March 1, 1950, Buchanan, Michigan. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, MI. See large article on Charles F. Pears, in "A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County, Michigan", by Orville W. Coolidge, on page 352. --------------------------------- The three children of Charles F. Pears and his wife Lura (Roe) Pears are: --------- (1). Richard William ("Dick") Pears Sr. b. May 5, 1895, in Buchanan, Michigan. Graduated from Purdue University. He was an airline pilot. m. # 1. Marguerite J. Tafel, on March 20, 1936. They had 3 children. m. # 2. Linnie Smith. d. Dec. 25, 1986, in Fairfax, Virginia. Buried: "Cremains" in Oak Ridge Cemetery, near wife Marguerite. ----------- (2). Donald ("Don") Roe Pears. b. Sept. 18, 1899 in Buchanan, Michigan. m. Gladys Seidlitz, on Feb. 18, 1931. d. July 17, 1992, in Niles, Michigan. Buried: Oak Ridge Cemetery. Don R. Pears became a prominent man. See his memorial on this web site. ---------- (3). Gale Lura Pears. b. March 25, 1906. _____________________________________ Also see information on William Pears in the following: ------------ 1."The History of Berrien and Van Buren Counties, Michigan", by D. W. Ensign and Co., 1880, pages 178, 180, 181, 182, and 232. --------------------------------- 2. "A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County, Michigan", by Orville W. Cooledge, 1906, pages 217, 218, and 352. -------------------------------- Berrien County Michigan death records show that William Pears died in Buchanan "township". -------------------------------- Obituaries for William Pears [Sr.] were published in the following newspapers: --------------- 1. Niles Daily Star, in Niles, MI on April 8,1893, page 3. 2. Niles Daily Sun, Niles, MI on April 8,1893, page 3. 3. Niles Weekly Mirror, Niles, MI on April 12, 1893, page 5. 4. Niles Republican II, Niles, MI on April 13, 1893, page 3. 5. Buchanan Record, Buchanan, MI on April 13, 1893, page 3. ------------------------------- The obituary for Emma (Whitehead) Pears, was published in the "Niles Daily Sun", in Niles, MI on May 22, 1915, page 1. These obituaries may be obtained from the Niles District Library, in Niles, MI. --------------------------------- There is a will (probate record), for a William Pears on file in Berrien County Michigan, file # 3289, which may be obtained from the Berrien County Historical Association (OR, the Berrien County Vital Records Department). --------------------------------- Note: Nine members of this Pears family are all buried in Section 15, Lot # 2, near the Soldiers Monument. They are: William Pears Sr., his wife Emma (Whitehead) Pears, son William "Willie" Pears Jr., son Charles Frederick Pears, Charles's wife Lura (Roe) Pears, grandson Richard William Pears, Richard's wife Margurete (Tafel) Pears, grandson Donald ("Don") Roe Pears, Don's wife Gladys (Seidlite) Pears. -----------------------------------

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is William Pears Sr.'s memorial?
William Pears Sr.'s memorial is located at: Glen Haven Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Winter Park, Orange County, USA.
When did William Pears Sr. death?
William Pears Sr. death on 7 Apr 1893 in Buchanan, Berrien County, Michigan, USA
Where are the coordinates of the William Pears Sr.'s memorial?
Latitude: 28.6191998
Longitude: -81.3305969

Family Members:

Spouse

Emma Whitehead Pears

(1837 - 1915)

Children

William “Willie” Pears Jr.

(1863 - 1865)

Charles Frederick Pears

(1867 - 1950)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Glen Haven Memorial Park and Mausoleum
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6191998, -81.3305969

2. Saint Richard’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden
Goldenrod, Seminole County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6171370, -81.3272480

3. Partin Cemetery
Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6279923, -81.3298610

4. Memory Gardens Cemetery
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6233600, -81.3035100

5. Palm Cemetery
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6047001, -81.3546982

6. First United Methodist Church Columbarium
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5980930, -81.3492090

7. First Congregational Church of Winter Park Memory
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5964670, -81.3474510

8. All Saints Episcopal Church Memorial Garden
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5946440, -81.3477050

9. Rollins College Memorial
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5918723, -81.3484843

10. Clergy Cemetery
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6324000, -81.2978500

11. Queen of Angels Cemetery
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6311527, -81.2970012

12. Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Garden
Maitland, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6196000, -81.3685000

13. Woodbridge Cemetery
Fern Park, Seminole County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6541720, -81.3485250

14. Pineywood Cemetery
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5793991, -81.3266983

15. Ascension Lutheran Church Memorial Garden
Casselberry, Seminole County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6650680, -81.3377660

16. Saint John Lutheran Church Memorial Garden
Winter Park, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5825600, -81.3646920

17. Eatonville Memorial Gardens
Eatonville, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6239777, -81.3856125

18. Evergreen Cemetery
Casselberry, Seminole County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6701851, -81.3424911

19. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Memorial Garden
Orlando, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5666480, -81.3456660

20. Maitland Cemetery
Maitland, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6286793, -81.3915253

21. All Faiths Memorial Park
Casselberry, Seminole County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6702500, -81.3065300

22. Mizell Family Graveyard
Orlando, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5677223, -81.3556213

23. Concord Cemetery
Casselberry, Seminole County, USA
Coordinate: 28.6761920, -81.3373250

24. Garden of Remembrance
Orlando, Orange County, USA
Coordinate: 28.5799190, -81.2732550