V.T. Chears, Former Member of State Legislature, Dies at Age 85, Dec. 28, 1920

Esq. V.T. Chears, a former member of the Legislature from this county, many times chairman of the county democratic executive committee, church moderator, and a leading citizen, died Friday evening at his home in Lanes Creek township after an illness of several weeks duration. He was 85 years of age, and was the last of his father’s family. The funeral services were conducted Saturday at the Philadelphia Baptist church by Rev. R.M. Haigier, and interment was in the cemetery there. A large concourse of friends, relatives and neighbors were present to pay their last respects to this fine old citizen. Surviving Esq. Chears is his faithful wife and the following children: Mrs. J.C. Baucom, Mrs. G.B. Walters, Mrs. W.F. Funderburk, Miss Mary Chears, and Mr. Tracy Chears, all of this county, and Mr. Charles Chears of Georgia; Mrs. A.R. Nisbet of Greensboro; and Mr. W.F. Chears of Sanford. Although the deceased had been confined to his bed but a short time, he had been in failing health for the past year. However, he made occasional visits to Monroe up until a few weeks ago, always making it a point ot call upon some of the older people, who were identified with him in the great political movements following the close of the war, and during the widespread of the 90’s. (word left out of original story) Born in 1845, Esq. Chears first saw the light of day while war clouds were shadowing the country, later to develop into a conflict with Mexico. When he attained the age of 15, the Confederate war, in which he participated towards the close, began; and before his end came he had lived through two other wars, the Spanish-American war and the World War. Ever since he attained manhood, the deceased has been an important factor in the life of Union County people, both in a religious and political way. He was several times moderator of the Baptist association; and in politics he not only acted as chairman of the democratic executive committee for a number of years, but served his county in the legislature. Esq. Chears, in the opinion of the writer, came very near approaching the ideal type of a citizen. He manifested great interest in all movements, was a loyal churchman, and was ever ready to serve his fellow citizens in any capacity. He was a man whom everyone respected, both for his native ability and honesty of convictions. He was sincere, square with his fellow men, and in his death this section has lost a good citizen. (From the front page of the Monroe Journal, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 1920)