Arthur Pears
1871-Aug. 12,1923
Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, August 13, 1923, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library
Arthur Pears Dies Sunday Afternoon
Arthur Pears, 52, widely known and respected citizen, officer, husband and father, died at his home, 105 Grant street, yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, death climaxing a period of failing health that extended over all the present year.
It is evident that Mr. Pears realized death was approaching, for, shortly before he died, he called his children to his side and asked each to promise to love for his or her mother and to "be good" always.
Mr. Pears for the last 18 years has been in the employ of the city, first as fireman and fire chief, then as night patrolman on the police force. His record in both departments is spotless, and the city forces join with others who knew him as a just, level-headed executive and officer in mourning his passing.
Arthur Pears was born in 1871 in England but with his parents and brothers and sisters came to this country when but a boy. His parents took residence on a farm a mile this side of Buchanan where Mr. Pears grew to manhood. Eighteen years ago he moved to Niles entering the employ of the city after working in a brickyard a short time.
Mr. Pears is survived by his widow and two children, Kathryn, 11, and Herbert, 9; also by four brothers and two sisters, as follows: Fred Pears, who is in England; John W., Mrs. George Thompson, Mrs. W.C. Rice, and Herbert Pears of Niles, and Albert Pears of Decatur, Mich.
The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. J.W. Sheehan will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.