My Genealogy Hound

Walter Lear, the subject of this sketch, was born in Garrard County, Ky., in 1823, and is a descendant of two highly respected families of that State—Lear and Adams—the former being of English and French, and the latter of English and German descent. The father of our subject was a farmer, and died in Kentucky. He was a devout and zealous Christian, of great force of character, and was well known and respected for his honor and integrity. At his death he left a widow and seven children. His widow has remained true to his memory, and now makes her home with our subject, and, although she has reached the advanced age of eighty-six, is still blessed with her mental faculties, and is quite strong, physically, and very active. She is a member of the Christian Church. Our subject was reared in his native county, in Kentucky, and is a hospitable and genial gentleman. He lived on his father’s farm until his marriage with Miss Judith Ann Adams, a native of Marion County, Mo., a connection on his mother’s side of the family, and daughter of Luke and Elizabeth (Parlor) Adams, natives of Kentucky. Soon after his marriage he engaged in farming, and continued at that occupation until 1853, when he immigrated to Missouri, and settled in Knox County. Here his career has been a mingled one of prosperity and adversity. For a number of years Mr. Lear has been engaged in raising thoroughbred horses, jacks and short-horn cattle. He has not always been successful, and estimates his losses at about $10,000. At one time he lost one undeveloped horse, which was said to be worth $30,000 by a fine judge of horses. His present line of stallions are all excellent conditioned horses. He also owns three fine jacks, two thoroughbred short-horn bulls, and he owns a great many thoroughbred cows. He and Mrs. Lear have been married forty years, and their union has been blessed with seven children: an infant (deceased), William A., James E., Mary E., Sallie A., Fannie C. and W. C. A. Mr. Lear is one of the oldest settlers of Jeddo Township, and is recognized as one of its most highly honored and respected citizens. In politics he is a Democrat, and himself and wife are members of the Christian Church, as are also all his family, with the exception of the youngest child. Mr. Lear’s farm consists of about 300 acres of finely cultivated and improved land.