Piqua Daily Call
31 Jul 1897

Charles Search, one of the oldest residents of Brown township, died on Friday afternoon at his home three miles northeast of Fletcher, of Paralysis, at the age of 81 years. The deceased was one of five brothers, all of whom were living up to two weeks ago, and whose average ages were 80 years. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock and will be in charge of the IOOF lodge of Fletcher. All Odd Fellows of this city are invited to attend. The interment will be at Fletcher Cemetery.

Miami Union
August 5, 1897

Charles Search was born in Bucks County, Pa., Feb. 2nd, 1816, and died on his farm in Brown Township, Miami County, Ohio, July 30th, 1897, aged 81 years, 5 months and 28 days. On October 1st, 1840 he was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Reeder, by the Rev. Lewis, at Pennington, N. J. To them were born nine children, three boys and six girls, all of whom are living, save the first son, who died in infancy.

Charles Search was the grandfather of twenty-two children; and the great-grandfather of fourteen children. He was one of five brothers two of whom were older, and two younger than he. Previous to the death of his brother, James, which occurred less than two weeks ago, all of these brothers were living, with an average of 80 years.

He was always liberal in his religious views, and was a member of the Universalist Church at Conover, Ohio. Advocating, as he always did that the Creator of all things, was "too good to be unkind and too wise to make any mistakes."

He joined a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Richboro, Pa., Jan. 16th, 1847. Withdrew from that lodge, and on Nov. 26th, 1857, became a member of Taylor lodge No. 322 at Fletcher, Ohio, being a member in good standing, throughout all these years. His life, not only as an Odd Fellow, but as a citizen, neighbor and friend is one to be emulated, and imitated by all.

On the morning of Nov. 8th, 1892, the "Grim Monster" laid upon him the paralyzing hand of affliction, taking from him almost, his speech, reason, and all but life itself, and here it was that his loving wife, who had enjoyed, with glowing pleasure, his prosperity in life, now when adversity came, bent her every energy for his care and comfort, being constantly by his side from the time of his first affliction, until death liberated his soul from the prison house of earth.

"He believed in the religion of Love, and happiness in life and home, for earth, and that no man, standing where the horizon of life has touched a grave, has any right to prophecy a future filled with pain and tears. He would rather live and love where death is king, than have eternal life, where love is not." "Those of you who have gathered round this bier with bleeding hearts of sorrow, need have no fear. The largest and the nobler faith in all that is and is to be tells us that death, even at its worst, is only perfect rest."

If we may judge of this dear friend, and brothers' future life, by the life he lived on earth, we think we see him on the farther shore, beckoning to the loving wife, and friends he left behind, and when he will have wrapped them in his fond embrace, his then will be a life complete, of perpetual joy and peace. J. F. Fletcher, Ohio Aug. 1st, '97

The obsequies took place at his home on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment at Fletcher Cemetery. He was buried by Taylor Lodge No. 322, I. O. O. F., which service was very impressive. After which the brothers of the order repared to the lodge room and passed the following resolutions of respect to their departed brother.

WHEREAS, It has pleased God the Creator of all things to remove from our midst, Charles Search, a worthy brother of our order. Therefore be it

Resolved, That in his death we have lost a worthy brother, and deeply mourn his going hence, knowing, however, that his gray hairs are crowned with honor. Be it further

Resolved, That we extend our sympathy to the bereaved children, and particularly to the devoted wife, of this departed brother, who by her unceasing kindnesses, and attention, rendered his long sickness less burdensome.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the records of this Lodge, and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceased.

              J. F. LANE    )
              B. F. SIMMONS ) Committee 
              J. F. CAVEN   )