Watertown Herald (Watertown, NY)

"JACOB STEARS DEAD.
Expired Suddenly at His Home in The Town of Watertown Yesterday Morning.
Jacob Stears, clerk of the Jefferson county board of supervisors, died suddenly at his home in the town of Watertown Tuesday morning. Mr. Stears had been in poor health for several months past, but had not been confined to his bed. He arose Tuesday morning at an early hour, as usual. A half hour later, when Mrs. Stears went into the sitting room, she found her husband in a chair, dead.
Jacob Stears, jr., was one of the best known men in Jefferson county. He had served his town as supervisor and assessor, was county clerk for two terms, and for 10 years had served as clerk of the board of supervisors. He held for several terms a legislative clerkship at Albany. Mr. Stears was for many years prominent in the Republican politics of the county and was personally acquainted with more people than any man within its borders.
Mr. Stears was born in the town of Watertown December 8. 1828. He leaves a wife, but no children."

"Jacob Stears Dead.
Dies Suddenly at His Farm House Near Watertown.
On a valuable farm near Watertown lived Jacob Stears, who died suddenly on Tuesday morning. He arose at five and walked into the dining room, where he was found by the girl about half an hour afterwards. Mrs. Dr. Mansfield was brought from the city by his nephew, Albert Stears, but medicine was of no avail. Jacob Stears has figured in local politics for many years and has the longest record as clerk of the Jefferson county board of supervisors, having almost completed 20 years service. He was the youngest of three children of Jacob and Sally Stears and was born in Watertown, Dec. 8, 1828, on the farm where he has always resided. In 1860 he was elected assessor of the old town of Watertown, and served in that capacity until the incorporation of the city of Watertown in 1869. He was elected supervisor of the present town and served as such until assuming the duties of county clerk in 1871, to which he had been elected in 1870, was re-elected in 1874, and served in that capacity until Jan. 1st, 1877. In the fall of 1863 he was elected clerk of the board of supervisors and was re-elected each year until 1871, at which time he was serving as county clerk. In 1885 and 1886 he was elected supervisor of the town of Watertown, and when serving his second term as supervisor was chosen clerk of the board of supervisors, to which position he has been elected each subsequent year since. At the organization of the legislature of 1888 he was chosen deputy clerk of the assembly and was re-appointed in 1889-90. In 1891 he was given the position of engrossing clerk in the senate. At the session of the assembly of 1894 he served in a similar position in the assembly."

"Mrs. Sarah A. Baker.
Mrs. Sarah A. Baker, widow of E. Collins Baker, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clarke (sic), 262 Ten Eyck street, aged 82 years, 3 months and 11 days. She was married to Mr. Baker Nov. 1, 1848. His death occurred Nov. 26, 1886. Mrs. Baker is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Olive A. Baldwin, Mrs. S. R. Cleveland, and Mrs. Charles G. Comstock, and one sister, Mrs. Simeon Rockwell of Rutland.
The funeral was held from her daughter's home Sunday afternoon, Dr. M. H. Harris officiating. Burial was made in Brookside cemetery."

"FOX — At Florence, Colo., Jan. 10, 1912, Fred C. Fox, son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Fox of Depauville."

"DIED...
Rockwell — At Rutland Centre, Dec. 3, 1912 Simeon Rockwll, aged 86 years."