Mrs. Mary M. SHEERER, widow of the late David E. Sheerer, of New Burnside, Johnson County, was born in Christian County, Ky., and is the daughter of J. and Elizabeth (Matthews) Hester, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. Mr. Hester was a farmer in Kentucky, as were his parents before him. He and his wife came to Illinois in the year 1852, locating first in Randolph County, and three years later removing to Johnson County, where they are still living, he in his seventy-fifth, and she in her seventy-second year. He has been Sheriff of Johnson County, Marshal of the village of New Burnside, and is now Coroner. They have buried five sons and two daughters, all of them dying in youth. They have now living four children, two sons and two daughters, viz: Samuel W., of Metropolis; Mrs. Mary M. Sheerer; Newton J., a farmer of Pulaski County; and Addie Renfrew.

The lady whose name heads this sketch was married when eighteen years of age, at Vienna, Ill., by Rev. Samuel Copeland, to David E. Sheerer, who was a son of John Sheerer, of Johnson County, and of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Sheerer began married life near Creal Springs,Williamson County, where the former kept a store of general merchandise. They lived there ten years, at which time he moved his stock of goods to New Burnside. Mr. Sheerer sold his farm in Williamson County, bought six village lots in New Burnside, and erected the present large frame house in which Mrs. Sheerer resides, and a store building now occupied as a clothing-store. The house is a one aud one-half story structure, but one of the best frame buildings in the village. It was the best in the place in 1879, when it was erected, and the only Gothic cottage in the place. Mr. Sheerer died June 14, 1887, in his fifty-first year, leaving by a will his fine property to his widow and five children. There are three infant children deceased, and there are now living two sons and three daughters, viz: Ida A., wife of D. E. Clymer, who has one son and two daughters; James C., who resides at Danville, Ill., and has a wife and one daughter; Melissa E., wife of O. M. Elrod, now in Tennessee; Clara V., a young lady living at home; and Walter W., a lad of twelve years living at home and attending school. Mr. Sheerer sought no office, and was not a partisan in politics. He was a Notary Public for many years, and also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife were members of the Christian Church, in which the latter yet retains her membership. The children have enjoyed excellent school advantages and are well educated. Physically, Mr. Sheerer was not a strong man, but he was intelligent and energetic, and in his brief lifetime accomplished much good, leaving not only a competency to his widow and children, but also a good name, which is to them worth more than riches.

transcribed by Nan Starjak

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