Nevada City in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Searls Law Office
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011
1. Searls Law Office Marker
This building, completed December, 1872, was the law office for three generations of this family. Niles Searls, who arrived in 1851, practiced law here from 1872 to 1885. He had been elected District Attorney in 1855, then District Judge for Nevada, Sierra and Yuba Counties, then became Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court in 1887. Fred Searls, his son, held the longest tenure in this building (1879-1929). He drafted the first incorporation papers of the hydroelectric industry of California. Carroll Searls, son of Fred, practiced here from 1915 to 1923; later became General Council of the Newmont Mining Company in New York City; Used this office until November 4, 1970.
Erected 1972 by Grand Parlor N.S.G.W. & Hydraulic Parlor No. 56 N.S.G.W. (Marker Number Nev.-0015.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 4, 1862.
Location. 39° 15.817′ N, 121° 1.104′ W. Marker is in Nevada City, California, in Nevada County. Marker is on Church Street east of North Pine Street, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nevada County Court House (a few steps from this marker); First Brick Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Nevada City Public Library (within shouting distance of this marker); North Pine & Commercial (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonry in the Gold County (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Brick Gothic Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Nevada Hose Co. No. 1 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kidd & Knox Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nevada City.
More about this marker. Marker and building are located across the street from the Nevada County Courthouse.
Regarding Searls Law Office. Niles Searls was one of the first residents of Nevada City and one of the earliest practitioners of the legal trade. Born in New York, Searls arrived in Nevada City with the rush of gold seekers in 1850 and was elected District Attorney in 1852. In 1855, Searls became Judge of the 14th Judicial District, where he served until 1862. In 1877, he was elected to the California State Senate,
Photographed By Wikipedia, Unknown
2. Niles Searls
Also see . . .
1. Niles Sears. Wikipedia biography (Submitted on November 13, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Eight US Senators from Nevada City’s Early Days. An article written for The Union gives information on eight U.S. Senators that came from Nevada City. While in Washington D.C., William Morris Steward introduced Miles Searls to Abraham Lincoln, not knowing that later that night he would be at Lincoln’s bedside as he lay dying. (Submitted on February 17, 2011.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011
3. Searls Law Office Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011
4. Searls Law Office and Marker
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 13, 2011
5. Searls Law Office
The First Brick Building is located on the left. See "Nearby Marker" for additional information.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 636 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 17, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on November 13, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 17, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
