March 8, 1945 California Democrat

FORMER SLAVE DIES
Mrs. Eliza Sears, of near Centertown was 113 Years Old

Funeral Services for Mrs. Eliza Sears, 113, a former
slave, were held at the Baptist Church in Centertown
Saturday afternoon. The Rev. James Card officiated.

She was born in Linn Creek where she was sold at
the age of 2 for $200 paid by Judge W. C. Young
who also tried to buy the mother but the owner was
splitting up the family and would not sell more than
one to the same buyer. The mother who was shipped
south, died on the way. Ten other children were sold
but Eliza was never able to locate but one sister and
a brother who was a blacksmith at Rolla.

Her first husband, Joe Williams, fought in the Union
army in the Civil War. He died after he was discharged
before reaching home.

Her second husband, Jim Sears, died some years ago.
Her son Harvey Williams died three years ago and the
whereabouts of the other two, Joe and Charles Williams
are unknown.