Solomon "Sol" BEAR
BEAR, WALKER
Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/13/2009 at 02:00:25
The Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
October, 1913THE DEATH of SOLOMON BEAR
Solomon BEAR passed away at his home in Monroe township on Saturday, October 25, 1913, having passed the 81st year milestone. He had been in a declining state for some time and the end was expected. The funeral took place from the home on Sunday afternoon, October 26th, and many relatives and friends were in attendance. Mr. BEAR Is one of the old pioneers of Monroe township and Ringgold county and has been identified with the county interests for more than fifty years. He was a pioneer of the old type and style and possessed qualities and characteristics of sterling value. He was honored and respected by all those who were well acquainted with him. He carried a genial and disposition through life and friends and neighbors were always glad to see him. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in the shadow of the Allegheny mountains, August 16, 1832. He was the oldest in a family, of fourteen children. When he was six years old, the family was moved to Westmoreland county, where he was reared on a farm. He had the opportunity of attending school only a few months and yet found time in private to fit himself for business life. He was always well informed as to men and business matters. In 1854 he came to Linn county, Iowa and came to Ringgold county in 1858 and purchased the land where he has since lived. It was in its primitive state and he bravely met the trials and labors incident to early western life and became one of the good farmers of the county. The land was what was called "school land" and cost him $4.50 per acre. He soon put out an orchard of three acres and surrounded it with willow and osage hedges according to the fashion of the times. He built a comfortable house and in all things set a good example to his neighbors. When Mr. BEAR came to Ringgold county, provisions were scarce and high. Corn was $1.50 per bushel and flour $9 per one hundred pounds. In the seventies corn dropped to ten-cents per bushel. He has witnessed wonderful changes.
December 5, 1860, Mr. BEAR was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. WALKER of Iowa. They had one son, W. S. of Decatur City [Decatur County, Iowa]. Mrs. BEAR died in 1871 and in 1872 he was united in marriage to Amanda E. DEWLY of Missouri. They are the parents of five children, Dollie Ann, Nellie, Mary, Agnes and Franklin. It is believed that they are all married and well settled in life. Some of them are near the old home and were with the father in his last days. The wife and mother still remains. One daughter recently went to California. The passing of "Uncle Sol BEAR," as friends are wont to call him, is the passing of an old land mark and a useful and appreciated citizen. He was a faithful member of the Odd Fellows and faithful in all relations of life. Mr. BEAR was always a welcome visitor at the Record-News office. He brought with him cheer and sunshine.
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009
Ringgold Obituaries maintained by Tony Mercer.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen