Obituary for Miss Sarah Jane Mears

(Herald Star, 1904) Miss Sarah Jane Mears, sister of the late Thomas and Robert Mears, of this city, died at her home on Upper South Street, July 15. 1904, after a prolonged illness, aged 75 years. Miss Sallie, as she was familiarly known, took severely ill last Spring from a general breaking down of her system, but rallied and was able to be out again, when she had a relapse three weeks ago, and grew worse until death relieved her of further suffering, and passed into eternal rest. She was the daughter of John and Mary Brooks Mears, and was born at Gortanewey House, near Moneymore, County Derry, Ireland, April 6. 1829. In 1850 they left their home (complete sentence unreadable)… Mears family for hundreds of years and came to this country, landing in New York. From there they came to Pittsburgh, Miss Sallie coming to Steubenville with her sisters, Miss Nancy and Mrs. Marie Mears Dickson, where their brothers Robert and Thomas, had been established for a number of years. A new home was built for their sisters on South street and adjoining the homestead of their brother Thomas, where they lived a quiet happy life of congenial companionship. A few years ago, Mrs. Dickson entered into rest, and now Miss Sallie, leaving Miss Nancy the sole survivor of this family of brothers and sisters, Robert and Thomas Mears having preceded their sisters many years ago. Miss Sallie was quiet unobtrusive Christian gentlewoman, who remained in the seclusion of her home. She was generous and kind to all around her, genial in disposition, and a congenial companion. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and lived close to the Master, so that her death is only a transition from earth into the Kingdom of Heaven, for “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Besides this one sister, Miss Nancy at the homestead, she leaves one niece, Mrs. Robert Hill (nee Mame Mears), who has been untiring in her devotion to these aunties, and one nephew, Will Mears, of New Castle Pa.