David Shearer, late of Kent Tp., who departed from the scenes of this life on the 20th of March, 1887, had gone in and out among the people of this township for over sixteen years, where his pleasant and kindly face became familiar to those who respected him as a man and citizen, and who mourned his departure as one whose place could not easily be filled.

Mr. Shearer was a descendant of an excellent family and spent his early years in Perry County, Pa., where his birth took place May 2, 1821. His father was one of the well-to-do and substantial farmers of that region, and young David, spent his early life, until twenty years of age, under the home roof; then, desirous of changing his vocation learned the trade of a bricklayer, which he followed for about thirteen years, but this not being quite congenial to his tastes, he adopted mercantile pursuits. He was thus employed for three years, when he purchased a tannery which he carried on for the same length of time. Afterward he purchased a farm in Jackson Township, Perry County, upon which he resided until 1869, when he decided to locate in Northern Illinois. After an interesting journey by lake and land he purchased the first portion of his future home in Kent Township, this county, in the improvement and cultivation of which he engaged industriously until the spring of 1885. He then retired from action labor and took up his abode at Lena, although still continuing the general oversight of his farm and closely attending to the comfort and welfare of his family.

The marriage of Mr. Shearer took place in 1847, while he was a resident of Perry County, Pa., the maiden of his choice being Miss Lydia Hollenbaugh, a native of his own county, born March 14, 1824. Her father, George, and her grandfather, Conrad, were also natives of the Keystone State, the latter being of German ancestry. Both were prominent agriculturists in that State, where they spent the greater part of their lives and where their remains are buried. George Hollenbaugh in early manhood was married to Miss Mary Foust, and possessed great industry and enterprise. He improved a fine farm and built a sawmill, an oilmill and a mill for hulling clover. The three were well patronized and yielded him a handsome income. After enjoying the comforts and luxuries of life for a number of years, misfortunes gathered around him; his mills were destroyed by fire and he was financially ruined. The parental household included ten children, eight sons and two daughters.

Mr. and Mrs. Shearer commenced life together in Perry County, where all their children were born. The record of their family is as follows: James W.; Jennie R., the wife of Robert Leaman, resides with her husband on a farm in Kent Township; Charles B. is engaged in railroading in Chicago; Samuel E. is in the drug business at Hastings, Neb.; Robert C. is engaged in farming at Lena, and Frank B. is living at home; George C., a bright and promising young man, died when twenty-two years of age; Martin Luther, a bright little boy of five years, after a brief illness was laid away by his sorrowing parents in the country churchyard; Ellen died when an infant of a year old, and David L., when a boy of eleven. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer early in life identified themselves with the English-Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Shearer remained an active and prominent member until his death, and in which his bereaved companion still continues.

Mr. Shearer was properly ranked among the self-made men of Northern Illinois, who fought successfully against obstacles, and who was not easily discouraged. He was of fine personal appearance as his portrait herewith presented indicates, and was large-hearted and liberal-minded, a kind husband and indulgent father, and respected most by those who knew him best.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888