HISTORY OF SEARS

 

The early settlers came mostly from the east states, and among those first locating in this township may be mentioned: Dr. Jonah Case and his wife Julia, William T. Brashar and his wife, Jane M. and Rinah Wells, who came here from Vermont.

The first was a graduate of an eastern medical college, but did not enter professional life in his new home. He occasionally treated sick people, but only in an emergency, or as a matter of accommodation when practicing physicians were not available.

These all drove through from the east in wagons in the autumn of 1828, passing the first winter near Jacksonville, Ill., completing their journey in the spring of 1829. They crossed Rock river on the ice on March 28, and lived in their wagons until houses could be built. Sarah J. Case, the daughter of Jonah F. and Julia Case, was the first white child born on the mainland of Rock Island county, having been born in 1830. William A. Brashar, son of William T. and Jane M. Brashar, who was born in 1831, was the first white boy born on the mainland of Rock Island county.

 

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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Illinois Ancestors

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