Sears, Joseph, (Victoria), was born on the 8th of May, 1852, at Rio Janeiro, Brazil, whither his parents had gone on a visit. His father was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts, where he was engaged in the plumbing business. In 1858 his father removed to San Francisco, whither Mr. Sears and his mother went to join him in the following year. They found on their arrival that his father had died and his mother was forced to earn a living for herself and child. After a year's residence in San Francisco Mr. Sears removed with his mother to Astoria, then to Salem and finally in 1862 to Victoria, where they remained for three years. During these five years he had been kept constantly at school, and while in Victoria he attended Mr. Jessop's school on Fort Street. In 1865 he went to Port Townsend with his mother, but after a year's residence there they returned to Victoria.
In 1867 Mr. Sears decided to learn the bakery business, but gave it up after a short time and went at the painting business. He served a four years' apprentice ship with the firm of Lettice and Mitchell, and then went to Portland, Oregon, for a year where worked at his trade. He returned to Victoria, and in 1876 he opened a business for himself on Government Street. Three years later he formed a partnership with Robert Lettice, one of his former employers, the firm of Lettice and Mitchell having by that time been dissolved. This partnership continued for five years. In 1885 Mr. Sears drew out of the firm and established his present business, which is a large and profitable one. For a year his premises were near Government Street on Yates Street. He then leased the land on which he is now situated and erected his large shop.
Mr. Sears was a member of the volunteer fire department and acted as foreman of the company for several years. He was also one of the trustees when the department was dissolved, and assisted in the management and distribution of the funds. He is an enthusiastic Oddfellow, having joined the order when twenty-two years of age. He has filled every office in the subordinate lodge and encampment, and at present time fills the office of D. D. G. P., of Victoria jurisdiction.
Biographical Dictionary of Well-Known British Columbians. With a Historical Sketch. By J.B. Kerr (Vancouver, B.C.: Kerr & Begg, 1890). pp. 283-284.