My Genealogy Hound

Richard H. Dearing is well known as an honorable and prominent resident of Washington County. He is a son of Addison Dearing, who, like many representative citizens of the county, was of Kentucky nativity, born in Allen County, where he was reared and whence he came to Washington County about 1824. He married Miss Elizabeth Preston, of Lexington, Ky., and after removing to Washington County he followed the occupations of farming and mining. There were seven children in their family, whose names were: William, Isaiah, Sarah, Richard II., Robert, Elizabeth and Lucinda Jane. Mrs. Dearing died in 1842, and Mr. Dearing married for his second wife Rebecca Whaley. He died in October, 1860, leaving his widow the mother of seven children, six living. Richard H. the third son and fourth child, was born in Washington County, June 17, 1836. Reared a farmer, he has devoted his entire time to the cultivation and management of his farm which contains 180 acres. He was married December 20, 1857, to Miss E. C. Cole, who is also a native of Washington County. Her parents, Micajah and Lavinia A. (Turley) Cole, were both of Kentucky nativity; the former died January 8, 1862, and the latter February 19, 1886, leaving three children living. Mr. and Mrs. Dearing have a family of eight children: Louis J., Dora N., Frank R., Amanda S., Elbridge M., Addie J., Callie and Rosa. Mr. Dearing, though not a well educated man, is what may justly be called a lover of education, as is attested by his twenty-three years’ service as director of his district. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the Baptist College, located at Farmington, Mo. For twelve years he has served as justice of the peace of his township, and for four years was presiding judge of the county court, discharging his duties with signal care and fidelity.