Word reached the city yesterday of the death at Onawa, IA, of Elias Sears, one of the earliest settlers of Council Bluffs, who had for some time been making his home with relatives at Onawa. Mr. Sears was well known to all of the pioneers of this city, having been agent of the stage line here till the building of the railroads drove the coach out of business and removed his employment. Then he earned a livelihood for some years, following the occupation of an expert accountant and straightening up the books of the various firms of the city, and also doing considerable work in the county offices, his work as a penman and accountant being in considerable demand and giving him quite a local reputation.

He worked in nearly all of the county offices before leaving the city and was more familiar with the books of all the firms in town than any other man, perhaps, during the period of his activity here. He was a familiar character on the streets and was known by all, young and old, and was well liked by everyone. He was an active Mason during the greater part of his life and while he did not rise to the higher degrees, he was widely known for his devotion to the order and his fidelity to its teachings. He never married and all through life his associates were generally men. He seldom attended mixed gatherings, but appeared to enjoy telling stories with the travelers at the hotels better.