The Rockford Republic, 4 March 1908
(Illinois)

MRS. HANNAH SEARLES IS CALLED
ONE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS IN THE COUNTY AND MOTHER OF JOHN, FRANK AND WILLIAM SEARLES, DIED THIS MORNING IN HOME ON KILBURN AVENUE OF HEART TROUBLE CAUSED BY FALL.
Another of the early settlers of this county passed to the great beyond this morning when Mrs. Hannah Searles, who came here a young woman in 1849, died at her home on Kilburn Avenue. Death came at 3 o’clock this morning. Mrs. Searles suffered a fall five weeks ago and since that time her heart has been affected. Her death was caused by heart trouble which was due to the fall.
Mrs. Searles was born in Cornwall, England, July 11, 1822. She came to America with her husband, when both were young, in 1849. They settled in a home on the Kilburn road, known for the dense shrubbery which surrounds it, and that has been her home since. The husband, Walter Searles, died in 1866. There is a daughter, Mrs. J. C. Smith, and three sons, John, Frank and William. Two grandchildren, Belle and Frances Searles survive and John Wilcox is a brother.
Mrs. Searles will be remembered by the older residents of the county as a kindly, charitable woman who loved to be identified with good works.
The funeral services will be held from the Court Street Church Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Frank D. Sneets officiating. She was always a member of the Court Street Church.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho