James was born about 1845 at Hersham. He was baptised 30 November 1845 at Hersham. His father was Caleb Searle and his mother was Elizabeth formerly Fory.
In the census of 1861 he was with his parents aged 15, a plasterer's labourer, born at Hersham.
James Tilleard Searle married Elizabeth Thayers (a possible relative of Mary Rebecca Thayers, who married Zebulon Searle) in the December quarter 1867 in the Chertsey district.
He cannot be found in the freebmd death index or in the 1871 or 1881 censuses in England. However, there is an entry in Iowa in the 1880 American census (transcript) for James S. Searl, 35 a brick mason, Elisabeth 32, and Alice J. 10 all born in England. There were three more children born in America: Edward J. aged 6, Agnes 4 and Grace 2.
This same family was found in the New York passenger lists. They were travelling to New York on board the ship ‘Erin’ and arrived 11 April 1884. They were James Searle aged 38, Elizabeth aged 36, Alice Jane aged 11, Edward James aged 9, May aged 7, Grace aged 5, Harry aged 3 and Lu Lu, an infant (12 days old?).
The occurrence of three people travelling together, James, Elizabeth and Alice with the correct ages suggests that this is the same family.
James and Elizabeth’s children were:
1. Alice Jane Searle, baptised 3 April 1870, Hersham (father James Tilliard and mother Elizabeth).
2. Edward James Searle, born about 1875 in America.
3. Agnes/May Searle, born about 1877 in America.
4. Grace Searle, born about 1879 in America.
5. Harry Searle, born about 1881.
6. Lulu Searle, born in 1884.
Posted April 2012