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Below is a family biography included in the Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania published in 1904 by T. S. Benham & Company and The Lewis Publishing Company; Elwood Roberts, Editor. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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SAMUEL D. SHEARER, who after a long life of industrious and successful effort is now living in pleasant and well merited retirement, is a descendant of an old family long identified with Montgomery county.
His paternal grandfather, Jacob Shearer, was born in Whitpain township, in the county named. He received his education in the neighborhood schools. Brought up to farming, he followed that calling throughout his life. He was a Democrat in politics, and an active representative of his party. He married, and among his children was Joseph, who was born on the family homestead, was educated as had been his father, and like him was a farmer his life long, dying at an advanced age. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as a school director for several years. During a portion of his life he resided in Lower Gwynedd township. He married Elizabeth Hoover, also now deceased, a daughter of Jacob Hoover, of the township last named. Of this marriage were born the following named children: Ephraim, William, Joseph F., Elwood, and Samuel D.
Samuel D. Shearer, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hoover) Shearer, was born February 1, 1833, in Lower Gwynedd township, Montgomery county. Pennsylvania. He was an infant when his parents removed to what is now his home, in Whitpain township, and he there obtained his education in the common schools. He engaged in farming and followed it successfully for some time, finally relinquishing it and engaged in a butchering business. This he prosecuted for some years with excellent results, and a few years ago retired from active pursuits and entered upon a pleasant retirement at a beautiful modern home near Blue Bell. Throughout his life he has taken an active interest in community affairs of every description. He was one of the founders of the North Wales National Bank, and one of the original directors of that institution. He has been called to various responsible positions, among them those of school director, and in all has discharged his duties with signal ability and scrupulous fidelity to the trusts committed to him. As were his ancestors, he is a member of the Reformed church, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party. He is an active and influential member of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America.
Mr. Shearer married, in 1857, Miss Sarah Fisher, a daughter of Jacob Fisher, a farmer of Whitpain township. Of this marriage were born six children: 1. Ella, who became the wife of David Walker, and they are the parents of one child. 2. Irvin, married Cora Detwiler, and they are the parents of three children. 3. Harry, married Laura Amberg, and they are the parents of five children. 4. Walter, married Gertrude Laubenach, and they are the parents of one child. 5. Jennie F., married Walter Shaepp, and they have three children. 6. Retta, who died at the age of three years.
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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in the Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania published in 1904 by T. S. Benham & Company and The Lewis Publishing Company. For the complete description, click here: Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
View additional Montgomery County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Biographies
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