|
|
|
THE BEAR FAMILY
Ringgold County, Iowa
NOTE: Click on thumbnail photo to see an enlarged view of the photograph.
Click on "back button" to return to this webpage.
Jochim BAR was born circa 1558, Ottenbach, Zurich, Switzerland, and died before 1634 in Zurich. He married Justina SCHOCH on November 3, 1583 in Zurich. Justina was born circa 1563. Jochim and Justina had three
known children:
1) Hans Ulrich BAR
2) Adelheit BAR, corn circa 1597
3) Jorg BAR, born circa 1600
born circa 1618, Ottenbach, Switzerland; died 29 Jun 1676, Ottenbach, Switzerland
2) Hans BAR
born circa 1619, Ottenbach, Switzerland; died circa 1619
3) Annli BAR
born circa 1621, Ottenbach, Switzerland; died October 11, 1697, Ottenbach
Married February 11, 1650/51 Hans SIGERST, Ottenbach, Switzerland
4) Ulrich BAR, twin
born circa 1623, Ottenbach, Switzerland; died February 12, 1675/76, Ottenbach
5) Melchoir BAR, twin
born circa 1624, Ottenbach, Switzerland
6) Jagli BAR
born circa 1624, Ottenbach, Switzerland
7) Hans Rudi BAR
born circa 1628, Ottenbach, Switzerland
8) Ludwig BAR
Ludwig BAR, son of Hans Ulrich and Barbel (WYDLER) BAR, was born circa 1628, Ottenbach,
Switzerland, and died September 3, 1699, Ottenbach. He married on April 14, 1657, in Ottenbach, to
Veronicka HUSER, born circa 1632, Albisriedern, Switzerland. Ludwig and Veronicka (HUSER) BAR were the
parents of six known children:
1) Thrinali BAR, born 15 Aug 1658
2) Verneli BAR, born 1661
3) Jageli BAR, born 1664
4) Heinrichli BAR
5) Barbelia BAR, born 1671
6) Annali BAR, born 1676
Henrichli BAR, son of Ludwig and Veronicka (HUSER) BAR, was born in 1668, baptized June 7, 1668, and died after 1708
in Alsace. He was the parent of one known child:
1) Daniel BAR, born circa 1706
Daniel BARR arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 9, 1749, sailing from Germany aboard the ship
"St. Andrew." Daniel settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Daniel BARR was the father of one known child:
1) Jeremias BAR/BAER
Jeremias BAR/BAER/BEAR, son of Daniel BARR, was born inn Ottenbach, Kronau, Zurich, Switzerland, and died January 19, 1807, Dover Township of
York County, Pennsylvania.
Jermias left Alzey, Germany (northwest of Worms), aboard the ship "Edinburg"
and arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 15, 1749. [SOURCE: 18th Century Imigrants from South West German.] [NOTE: Page 282 of Pennsylvania
Archives, Second Series, Vol. XVII, List of Foreigners who took the Oat of Allegiance, states that
Jeremias BAR/BAER/BEAR imigrated from Germany September 9, 1749 on the ship "St. Andrew" from Rotterdam. On the same
ship were also Johannes BERR and Johan Frederic BERR.]
Jeremias settled in that part of Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania which is now Lebanon Co.
A Jeremias BAER of Bern Township of Berks County is listed under SOWER'S NEWSPAPER, November 16, 1752 on page 37 of the publication "Genealogical Data
Relating to the German Settlers of Pennsylvania by Edward W. Hocker, Genealogical Publishing, Co., In., 1981.
A Jeremiah BARR is listed in the Index to Berks County Tax Records for 1754-1768 by Hollenbach for Tulpehocken Township in
1754. A Jeremiah BEER is listed on page 1069 Vol. 2 of Berks County [PA] Taxables fo Bern Township in 1760.
A Jerem'h BARR was naturalized as a citizen September
6, 1761 in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
[SOURCE: Persons Naturalized in the Province of Pennsylvania, 1740-1773, page 72.]
Pennsylvania Patents, Patent Book P, No's 1-10, mentions the following:
Date 16 May 1787, where enrolled, 117
Patentee: John SWAN, 123 ares, 60 perches; Warantee: Jeremiah BEAR et al
Name of tract: Swan's Fancy, Date 19 Feb 1773
A tract of land called "Roughness" in Dover Township, York County, Pennsylvania was surveyed 24 Mar 1788 for
Jeremih BEAR in pursuant of a Warrant dated 22 May 1786, containing
130 acres. It is recorded in Book C.10, page 115 on 12 May 1789.
NOTE: By this time Jermias was
going by the name Jeremiah BAER.
Jeremiah BEAR is listed in warrant register for Dover Township, for survey 22 May 1789;
listed in 1800 census for Dover Township.
Jeremiah married Maria Elizabeth GRAFF. Maria was born in Gundenhaim, Alzey, Germany, and died before 1807.
Maria Elizabeth GRAFF was baptized on December 25, 1756 by John Casper STOVER at Bethel, Berks County, Pennsylvania ~
who could be the same person, baptized as an adult.
Jeremiah's will is dated 19 Jan 1807, Dover Township, filed in Book L, page 430 of York County [PA] Archives, and lists
the following children:
William, Ludwick, Michael, Peter, Margaret wife of Samuel WILT, Catharina wife of
Adam BITNER, Barbara wife of Nicholas LICHTY, Eve wife of Philip HERING.
Additional sources:
?BC 1941, page 52 of the April 1990 issue of Mennonite Family History for link to
BC1942, Heinrichli BAR in Alsace.
See Strassburger and Hinke Vol. I, page 397.
See page 320 of History, Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, Vol III.
See page 568 of Annals of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Strassberger-Hinke, Pennsylvania German Pioneers, Vol. I, page 402.
Will of Jeremiah BAER
Jeremiah and Maria Elizabeth (GRAFF) BEAR were
the parents of nine known children:
1) Ludwig BAER
2) Anna Elizabeth BAER, born 01 Dec 1753, Berks Co. PA; died York Co. PA
baptized at Blue Mountain Zion Lutheran Church, Straustown PA
marriage license dated 13 Jun 1775
BIRTH SOURCE: Pennsylvania Births, Berk Co. [PA] 1710-1780, John T. HUMPHREY
3) Michael BAER
born circa 1757, Dover Twp. York Co. PA; died before 02 Oct 1815, Manheim Twp., York Co. PA
married Margaret (unknown)
BIRTH SOURCE: Early German Settlers by DULL
4) Anna Margaretha BAER
born Nov 1756, Berks Co. PA; married 1775 Samuel WILD (ca. 1750- ?)
SOURCE: Records of Rev. Daniel SCHUMACHER, Berks Co. [PA] Births by John T. HUMPHREY
5) Wilhelm BAER
born circa 1758; married Margaretha DAVIS, born 1758, York Co. PA
6) Maria Barbara BAER
born 17 Jan 1766, Dover Twp., York Co. PA; died 19 Feb 1848, York Co. PA
married Nicholas LICHTY
Children of Maria Barbara (BAER) and Nicholas LICHTY:
1) Barbara LICHTY, born 1794
2) Joseph LICHTY, born 1786; married Anna Mary FLOHR
3) Elizabeth LICHTY, born 1798; married William SHATTO
4) Michael LICHY, born 1798; died 1869; married Nancy ARNOLD, born 1802
5) Margareta LICHTY, born 1801, PA; died 1881; married John RODGERS (1802-1891)
6) Susanna LICHTY, born 1803
7) Jonas LICHTY, born 1805
8) Lidia LICHTY, born 1808
9) Henrietta LICHTY, born 1812
10) Catherine LICHTY, born 1814
7) Peter BAER, born 10 Jan 1769, Dover Twp., York Co. PA
8) Catharine BAER, born 08 Jan 1771, Dover Twp., York Co. PA; died York Co. PA
married York Co. PA Adam BITER
9) Maria Eva BAER, born 28 Oct 1774, Dover Twp., York Co. PA; Burial at Salem Lutheran Church
married before 1794 Philip HERRING (ca. 1771-ca. 1800)
Ludwig BAER, son of Jeremias "Jeremiah" and Maria Elizabeth (GRAFF), was born circa 1752,
Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania.
Ludwig was on the tax list of Dover Twp., York County, Pennsylvania for 1779, 1780, 1781 and 1782 with 1 horse,
1 cattle. He was on the 1783 and 1784 assessment list for Brothersvalley Twp., Bedford County, Pennsylvania, with 1
horse, 1 cattle, 1 house and 6 in the family. He appears on page 28 of the 1790 census for Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
In 1793, Ludwig bought 295 acres on the waters of Blue Lick Creek, called Rich Hill, in Brothersvalley Township of
Beford County, Pennsylvania. In 1796, he was on the tax list for Brothersvalley Township. On the 1798 tax list,
Ludwig was assessed for a 1 1/2 story log house that measured 22 by 28 feet. The hous had three windows with a total
of 33 window panes.
Ludwig was listed in the 1800, 1810 and 1820 census for Brothersvalley Township of
Somerset County, Pennsylvania. See land patent on 18 Dec 1802, book 48, page 190.
Ludwig
was a farmer and owned and operated a tannery and distillery. Politically Ludwig was a Whig and a member
of the
Berlin Lutheran Church, and later of the Pine Hill Lutheran Church.
Ludwig BAER died February 29, 1820, Brothersvalley Township of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
He was interred at Pine Hill Lutheran
Cemetery,
Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Ludwig died intestate. On 29 Feb 1820, Jacob COUNTRYMAN and George WALKER were
appointed administrators of his estate, see Orphans Court petitions dated 30 May 1823 and August 1824.
At the time of his death, Ludwig owned three tracts in Somerset County [PA], his homeplace (about 300 acres) in
Brothersvalley Township, another property of about 300 acres in Allegany Township, and a tract of land in Turkeyfoot
Township. His personal estate, in additon to his land, amounted to the considerable sum of $2, 140.32; part of this
was $686.92 in personal bonds that were owed to him.
Included in Ludwig's estate were a large German Bible, a small German
Bible, and five
German hymnals.
Research Notes for Ludwig BAER
An article in the the Thursday Evening, February 27, 1947 issue of The Daily Tribune, Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, concerning Peter D. BAER, states, "Born in Borthersvalley, Mr. BAER was a son of Daniel and Eliza
(DEAL) BAER. He is a representative of the fourth general of his family in the United States. he came from Germany
in the early 18th century and settled in Lebanon County."
History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania by The Lewis Publishing Company, page 320, states,
"Daniel BAER, the great-grandfather of Peter D. BAER, and the founder of the family in the United States, came from
Germany and settled in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, where he raised a family of children among whom was a son,
Ludwig."
On page 97 of Early German Settlers of York County, Pennsylvania by Keith A. DULL states
that Ludwig's father was Jeremias BEER.
Ludwig BAER married 1st Maria Elizabeth DAVIS in Dover Township, York County, Pennsylvania.
Maria Elizabeth
DAVIS, the daughter of Heinrich and Maria Barbara (?) DEWES, was born circa 1754, and died circa 1795,
Brothersvalley Township of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Ludwig and Maria Elizabeth (DAVIS) BAER were the
parents of
nine children:
1) Johannes BAER
born 01 Jul 1774, PA; baptized at Salem-Strayers Lutheran Church, Dover Twp. York Co. PA
died before 29 Feb 1820, PA.
married Annie MAST 30 Jan 1816, Greenville Twp., Somerset Co. PA
2) Johannes BAER
born 24 Dec 1775, PA; baptized at Salem-Strayers Lutheran Church, Dover Twp. York Co. PA
died circa 1805, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA
married Catherine (?)
Children of Johannes and Catherine BAER:
1) Daniel BAER, born 11 Nov 1798, PA
2) Susanna BAER, born 02 Aug 1799, PA
3) Margaretha BAER, born 1801, Pine Hill, Somerset Co. PA
4) Catherina BAER, born Dec 1802, PA
5) Joseph BAER, born 06 Feb 1803, PA
6) John J. BAER, born 17 Jan 1805, PA
3) Jeremiah BAER
born 25 Feb 1778; baptized at Salem-Strayers Lutheran Church, Dover Twp. York Co. PA
died before 1820
Jeremiah BAER married 1st Susanna (?)
Children of Jeremiah and Susanna BAER:
1) Maria BAER, born 08 May 1800
2) Daniel BAER, born 26 Jan 1802
3) Susanna BAER, born 03 Jan 1804, PA
Jeremiah BAER married 2nd Catherine (?)
4) Absolom BAER, farmer
born 11 Aug 1779, PA; died 08 Apr 1864, Somerset Co. PA
Interment H. D. Saylor Cemetery
Absolom resided with daughter Catherine BITTNER in 1850
married Catherina KELLER on 22 May 1808
born 02 Feb 1790; died 14 Mar 1870, Readlyn, Bremer Co. IA
Interment Grove Hill Cemetery, Bremer Co. IA
Catherina (KELLER) BAER moved to Iowa with daughters Judith & Rachel, 1885
Children of Absolom and Catherina (KELLER) BAER:
1) Catherine BAER, born 02 Apr 1808, PA; married Sam BITTNER
2) Maria Elizabeth BAER, born 22 Sep 1811, PA
3) Elizabeth BAER, born 13 Dec 1814, PA; died 29 Sep 1888, MD
married John W. SWAUGER (1817-1878)
Children of Elizabeth (BAER) and John W. SWAUGER:
1) John Bertram SWAUGER, born 1839, PA; died 1880
married Rachel Louisa BARNES (1844-1929); 6 children
2) Mary Jane SWAUGER, born 1842, PA; died 1919
married Frederick J. OTTO
3) Isaac SWAUGER, born 1843, PA; died 1915
marride Virginia LAYMAN (1850-1923); 8 children
4) Mariah SWAUGER, born 1845, PA
5) William Henry SWAUGER, born 1847, PA; died 1919
married Martha GLOTFELTY; 10 children
6) Charles C. SWAUGER, born 1852, New Germany MD; died 1927
married Harriet Alice GREEN (1859-1953); 8 children
7) Elizabeth SWAUGER, born 1855, New Germany MD; died 1873
married Jonas E. GNAGEY
8) Samuel J. SWAUGER, born 1856, New Germany, Garrett Co. MD
married Rebecca Jane HARMAN
9) Rachel SWAUGER, born 1858, New Germany, Garrett Co. MD
4) Judith BAER, born 04 Mar 1816, PA; died 07 Feb 1887, Bremer Co. IA
married Joseph Francis BRECHNER
born 05 Dec 1819; died 25 Apr 1894, Waterloo IA
Judith & Joseph interred Grove Hill Cemetery, Bremer Co. IA
Children of Judith (BAER) and Joseph Francis BRECHNER:
1) Rose BRECHNER, died at birth
2) Kate BRECHNER, died in childhood
3) John BRECHNER, born 1843, PA
married Tabitha Lucinda TIBBETTS (1848-1886) of Waverly IA
4) Aaron BRECHNER, Civil War Veteran Co. C, 31st IA Infantry
born 23 Apr 1844, PA; died 10 Apr 1912, interment Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo IA
married Kate CANFIELD (1856-1903)
5) Sophia BRECHNER
born 06 Sep 1846, PA; died 09 Jun 1915
Interment: Burlington Cemetery, Waverly IA
married Charles Louis TIBBITTS (1844-1915
6) Caroline Elizabeth BRECHNER
born 09 Oct 1848, Bremer Co. IA; died 27 Jan 1909
married 1st 15 May 1864 Joseph Franklin COLLIER; married 2nd P. M. RICKY
7) William Henry BRECHNER
born 12 May 1850, PA; died 19 Mar 1926, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
Interment St. Marys Cemetery, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
married 25 Apr 1881 Margaret Ann MURPHY (1858, MA - 1940, IA)
Children of William Henry & Margaret Ann (MURPHY) BRECHNER:
1) Joseph Francis BRECHNER
born 23 Jul 1882, Readlyn IA; died 27 Jan 1961, Waverly IA
Interment Harlington Cemetery, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
married Maud H. HASTINGS 22 Nov 1915, Waverly, IA
Children of Joseph Francis & Maude H. (HASTINGS) BRECHNER:
1) Charles William BRECHNER
born 05 Oct 1916, Vinton IA; died 10 Oct 1916, interment Harlington Cem.
2) Margaret Ellen BRECHNER
3) Jane Frances BRECHNER married Forrest James SAUERBREI
2) Agnes Loretta BRECHNER
born 21 Jan 1885, Bremer Co. IA; died 12 Oct 1944, Waterloo IA
Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
married George J. SAGER 09 Oct 1916, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
3) Mary Imelda "Mayme" BRECHNER
born 21 Mar 1890, Bremer Co. IA; died 18 Oct 1970, Waverly IA
Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
4) Grace Gertrude BRECHNER, born 1900; died 1901
Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
5) Marguerite Alice BRECHNER
born 09 Jun 1902, Bremer Co. IA; died 23 Jan 1932, Waverly IA
Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
married Gilbert L. BRANDENBURG 22 Sep 1926, Waverly, Bremer Co. IA
8) Israel BRECHNER
born 21 Mar 1853, IN; died 15 Sep 1913, MN
5) Anna Maria BAER, born 22 Nov 1819, Somerset Co. PA
6) Ludwick BAER, born 29 May 1822, PA; died 10 Sep 1887
Interment White Oak Cemetery, Somerset Co. PA
married 17 Oct 1854, Sandpatch PA to Isabel HUTZEL (ca. 1835- ?)
History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania, page 551
At the August term, 1854, Ludwig BAER, of Larimer Township, was tried for the murder of an Irishman, a
laborer on the Sand Patch tunnel. BAER was a typical mountaineer of that day and was possessed of the roughness
of his class. Getting into a quarrel on eday with several of the Irish laborers employed on the tunnel, he struck
and killed one of their number with a heavy cudgel. As the writer heard the accounts of this affair at the time of
its occurrence, BAER had also inflicted injury on another of the Irishmen at the same time. On trial, however,
BAER was acquitted.
7) George BAER, born 02 Jun 1826, Somerset Co. PA
8) Christina BAER, born 01 Apr 1830, Somerset Co. PA
9) Rachel BAER
born 25 Dec 1831; died 15 Dec 1911; married George HAHN (1831-1884)
George served with the 14th Iowa Infantry, Civl War
Rachel & George interred Grove Hill Cemetery, Bremer Co. IA
Absolom BAER married 2nd Elizabeth E. DUEY on 17 Jun 1852
5) Elizabeth BAER
born 06 Apr 1783, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA; died in infancy
6) Barbara BAER
born 11 Dec 1785, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA; died circa 1838
married Andrew KLINK 05 Jul 1818
7) Anna Elizabeth BAER
born 02 Apr 1788, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA; died in infancy
8) Ludwig or Lewis BAER
9) Michael BAER
born 24 Mar 1794, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA; died before 1820
Ludwig BAER married 2nd January 10, 1797, Berlin, Somerset County, Pennsylvania to Catherine SCHALLUS,
who was born September 7, 1773, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and died February 28, 1854, Greenville
Township of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Catherine was the daughter of Sebstian SCHALLUS (1723, Germany - 1808, PA)
and Maria Christina (GRAFF) SCHALLUS (? - 1811, PA). Ludwig and Catherine (SCHALLUS) BAER were the parents
of nine children:
1) Catherine BAER
born 07 Dec 1797, PA; died 13 Nov 1861, PA; married John BITTNER
2) Jacob BAER
born 25, Apr 1799, PA; married Elizabeth WILTROUT
3) Daniel BAER
born 18 Feb 1801, PA; died 01 Feb 1885, PA
4) Elizabeth BAER
born 14 Jan 1803, PA; died (drowned) 19 May 1876, PA; married Henry BITTNER
5) Margaretha BAER
born 12 Apr 1805, PA; married George BITTNER (1796-?)
6) John Ludwig BAER
born 12 Nov 1806, PA; died 23 Aug 1853, PA
7) Rosina BAER
born 21 Dec 1809, PA; married John ZUFALL
8) Wilhelm L. BAER
born 30 Mar 1813, PA; died 30 Jan 1877, PA
9) Susanna BAER
born 11 Apr 1819, PA; married Jonathan BOWMAN (1813-?)
Ludwig or Lewis BAER/BEAR, son of Ludwig and Maria Elizabeth (DAVIS) BEAR, was born March 6, 1791,
Brothersvalley Township in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Lewis was a farmer, a cooper, and a carpenter.
He left Somerset County, Pennsylvania in 1850, stayed in Donegal Township of Westmoreland County, then moved to Iowa
in 1857 with his wife Mary and children John, Samuel, Betsy, Agnes, and Mary.
He married Anna Maria "Mary" KEEFER.
Anna Maria "Mary" KIEFER [spelled "KEEFER" in some family records]
was born on February 13, 1815 in Greenville Township of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Adam
KIEFER. She died January 11, 1904, Clearfield, Taylor County, Iowa.
Lewis BEAR died May 13, 1872. Mary and Lewis were interred at Bear Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa.
The family's surname is spelled "BARE" in Lewis and Anna Mary's family Bible.
Lewis and
Anna Mary [Maria] (KIEFER) BEAR were the parents of fourteen children:
1) Solomon "Sol" BEAR (see below)
2) Peter BEAR
3) Ludwig BEAR
born 15 Sep 1835, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA; died 03 Aug 1840
 4) Adam BEAR
born 22 Mar 1837, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA
died 19 Jun 1864, Camden, Ouachita Co. AR
Interment Bear Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa
Adam BEAR enlisted December 25, 1863 with Company G, 29th Iowa Infantry. Adam was killed early in a military
campaign known as the Defense of the Red River which had Shreveport as the objective. During this campaign, Adam
was wounded on April 2nd, of 1864 at Terre Noir Creek in Arkansas. He was taken captive by the Confederate forces
to Camden Arkansas where his right arm was amputated due to the severity of his wounds. He remained hospitalized
at Camden and died either from his injuries or the amputation or subsequent infection on June 19, 1864. Prior to his enlistment, Adam was a blacksmith. He had
married on December 30, 1863 to Mary A. CHANCE. After
Adam's death, Mary re-married Benjamin F. Day.
5) John BEAR, farmer
born 16 Oct 1838, Brothersvalley Twp., Somerset Co. PA
died 08 Mar 1880, Mount Ayr, Ringgold Co. IA
John died of health problems after serving in the Civil War
Interment Bear Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa
  NOTE: John BEAR enlisted with Company C of the Iowa Southern Border Brigade on October 14, 1862 for a term
of three years of service. With the formation of the Iowa 8th Cavalry in the summer of 1863, John enlisted
into Company D, which was in Tennessee with the Army of the Cumberland in late 1863 and early 1864, under
the command of Major General George H. THOMAS. The Army was on the move to Atlanta, Georgia when John
developed chronic bronchitis and a heart problem, probably brought on by the bitterly cold winter. John
was hospitalized at Nashville, Tennessee, and then later transferred to Keokuk, Iowa. Eight months later he
was mustered out of service on May 27, 1865, Davenport, Iowa. Because of his frail health, John did not
return to farm, working as a book agent out of Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa, instead. John's Civil War
rifle was sold later by his nephew Roy MAGGARD. After John's death, his mother Mary applied for a government
pension, stating that John was her sole means of support. Mary's pension was granted.
6) Child BEAR, born circa 1840, Westmoreland Co. PA
7) William BEAR
born 22 May 1842, Westmoreland Co. PA; died 05 Oct 1851
 8) Elizabeth "Betsy" BEAR
born 28 Nov 1844, Westmoreland Co. PA; died before 1900, IA
married Jesse H. JOHNSON 26 Dec 1860
Children of Betsy (BEAR) and Jesse H. JOHNSON:
1)
Nelson O. JOHNSON
born 03 Dec 1861, IA; died 03 Mar 1940, Selma CA
2) Mary JOHNSON, born circa 1864, IA
3) Edward JOHNSON, born circa 1866, IA; died before 1880, IA
4) Lewis A. JOHNSON, born circa 1879, IA
married Sarah E. (?)
Children of Lewis A. & Sarah E. JOHNSON:
1) Clarence G. JOHNSON, born circa 1892
2) Beatrice "Bea" JOHNSON, born circa 1894
3) Ancell R. JOHNSON, born circa 1899
4) Glenn JOHNSON
5) Richard "Dick" JOHNSON
6) Wanda M. JOHNSON
9) Absolom BEAR, born circa 1846, Westmoreland Co. PA
10) Agnes Nancy BEAR
born 12 May 1848, Westmoreland Co. PA; died 21 Jan 1936
interment North Selma Cemetery, Selma CA
married Henry BUCKNER
 
11) Mary A. BEAR
born 15 Sep 1850, Westmoreland Co. PA; died 28 May 1930, Selma CA
interrred North Selma Cemetery, Selma CA
married Dr. Franklin S. "Frank" LOCKE 07 Jun 1878, Ringgold Co. IA
b. 13 Dec 1837; d. 06 Feb 1909; Inter: Cooper Mountain Evangelical Cemetery, Aloha OR
Frank was a doctor & a preacher, his office was at Blackmore Corner
Children of Mary A. (BEAR) and Frank LOCKE:
1) Infant Daughter LOCKE
born 21 Jun 1880; died 21 Sep 1881
Interment Bear Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
2) Infant Daughter LOCKE
born 21 Sep 1881; died 21 Sep 1881
Interment Oliver Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
3) John Homer LOCKE
born 14 May 1884; died 29 Jan 1886
Interment Oliver Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
 3) Howard Bear LOCKE, Veteran WWI
born 16 Dec 1887, Mount Ayr IA; died 1982, Fresno CA
married Margaret Roma SKIDMORE
Child: 1) Howard Bear "Bud" LOCKE, Jr.
married Sally Jane BOYD, 2 sons Christopher & James
married Susan Elaine PEPPERS, daughter Margaret Jane
 
 12) Samuel "Sam" BEAR
b. 13 Feb 1850/52, Westmoreland Co. PA; d. 25 Jun 1939, Fresno CA
interment North Selma Cemetery, Selma CA
married Mary Frances GAINES 11 Apr 1880, Benton Co. AR
NOTE: Samuel moved to California and resided near his nephew Winfield Scott BEAR. According to family legend
Samuel was a good friend of Death Valley Scotty, the famous prospector. Samuel always left the keys in his Model
T with a note to return the keys when they were done with it. It has been reported that several people took
Sam up on his offer. Sam was residing in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake. Mary's death certificate
was lost in the subsequent fire after the earthquake. Samuel BEAR was interred at North Selma Cemetery,
Fresno County, California.
One family story about Sam involves a time when Howard Bear LOCKE and his
wife Margaret (SKIDMORE) LOCKE were invited to dinner. Their son, Howard Bear LOCKE Jr. was creating quite a
bit of noise with his dinner plate at the table. Margaret scolded her son. Sam replied by saying it was all right,
she should let the baby be. Margaret presisted in scolding her son. Sam picked the baby up, put him on the floor
and gave him a hammer. Turning to Margaret, Sam told that it was his china and the baby could break it if he wanted.
It has been reported that Margaret was not a happy visitor for the rest of the day.
13) Gotfried BEAR, born circa 1853, Westmoreland Co. PA
14) Melinda BEAR
born 16 Jun 1856, Westmoreland Co. PA; died 28 Jan 1858
Solomon BEAR, son of Lewis and Anna Maria (KIEFER) BEAR, was born August 16, 1832, Brothersvalley
Township of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and
died October 25, 1913, Bear Home Place near Kellerton, Monroe Township, Ringgold County, Iowa.
Solomon BEAR married 1st on December 5, 1860 to Sarah E. WALKER. Sarah was born March 6, 1842, Illinois,
and died in January of 1871. She was interred at Bear Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa.
SOLOMON BEAR - A BRIEF LOOK AT HIS LIFE
Solomon BEAR lived most of his adult life just a few miles north of Kellerton, Iowa on the "Bear Home Place". He was
a tall, powerful built man which helped him in his chosen profession of farming. For 55 years he farmed 180 acres by
planting crops, raising livestock, and developing an orchard of more than 400 fruit trees. He died at home with his
wife and six children near him. He was buried with his last wife in the Bear Cemetery on the Home Place and on his
granite tombstone is the name he was known by, "Sol BEAR".
Sol was born 16 August 1832 and was the first of 14 children of Lewis BEAR [also noted as BARE or BAER, which may
have been changed between 1838 and 1848 to BEAR] and Anna Maria (KIEFER) BEAR, best known as Mary. Sol began life in
Somerset County, Pennsylvania which is located in the southwest part of the state near the Allegheny Mountains.
Lewis' ancestors around 1558 were Mennonites from Switzerland. Mary is believed to be of German ancestry. Many other
settlers of this region were also of German ancestry and were called "Pennsylvania Dutch" when the people meant to
say the German word deutsche. When Sol was six-years-old, his parents moved to the adjoining county of
Westmoreland where they farmed. The farm included very old cherry trees and a spring over which they built a
springhouse.
Lewis and Mary were natives of Somerset County with their parents being American-born. Lewis was not only a farmer
but also a carpenter and cooper, one who makes and repairs barrels or casks plus other usual woodwork. Lewis passed
some of this knowledge on to Sol.
Sol was christened on May 19, 1833, at Pine Hill German Lutheran Church,
Brothersvalley, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
Sol only had a few months of official schooling in Westmoreland County but he continued his cooper schooling at
Cumberland, Pennsylvania. He worked in the sawmills and assisted in building the old plank road from Washington, D.C.
to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
When Sol was 22-years-old, he went to Linn County, Iowa in winter of 1854, eight years after Iowa became a State. He
stayed 18 months before returning to Pennsylvania and later going to Wells County, Indiana, probably looking for
land to settle. In the fall of 1857 he returned to Iowa with his parents and siblings. From Cedar Rapids in Linn
County Sol walked to Ringgold County to pick out his "school land" that could be bought the following year. He
returned to Cedar Rapids for a few months of the winter and then in February once again walked to Ringgold County.
That was three times he walked the 200 miles with each trip taking him about eight days, an average of 25 miles
walking each day not to mention carrying his supplies. He was a strong, determined man in good health who was only
25-years-old.
 In the spring of 1858 Sol started the BEAR Home Place, which was in a primitive state but was good land with plenty
of water fed by Lott's Creek. He bought 180 acres at $4.50 an acre with only $55 in his pocket and one suit of
clothes. He had to borrow $30 from Jacob SMITH to make the first payment and while breaking out his farm he lived at
the home of Isaac OLIVER. During that first half-year he broke out and fenced part of the Home Place. In September
he built a house and before long an orchard was started. Hogs and cattle were added and he farmed some of the choice
bottomland lying on both sides of Lotts Creek.
In 1857, Sol's parents Lewis and Mary along with Sol's siblings John, Samuel, Betsy, Agnes, and Mary moved to the
area. Brother Adam came later, joined the Union Army, fought in the Civil War with the Iowa 29th Infantry, was
wounded, captured, and died at Camden, Arkansas. He was buried in the BEAR Cemetery but a marker has not yet been
found. John also was in the Union Army serving in the Iowa Eighth Cavalry. He survived the war but eventually died
of a war-related illness and was buried in the BEAR Cemetery. Both of Sol's parents were buried in the BEAR Cemetery.
Sol's sister Mary BEAR married Dr. F. S. LOCKE, who delivered at least two of Sol's children. Agnes Nancy BEAR
married Henry BUCKNER and Elizabeth "Betsy" BEAR married Jess JOHNSON, and all living in the vicinity of the BEAR
Home Place. Samuel eventually went to California and was later joined by several of Sol's children and grandchildren.
Sol married on December 5, 1860 to Sarah E. WALKER, a native of Iowa. Sarah's father was one of the pioneers of Iowa
and helped survey the southern tier of counties which includes Ringgold County. Sol and Sarah had at least three
children but Winfield was the only one to reach adulthood. He looked much like his father. Their first born,
Lincoln, died in 1864 and was the first interment in the BEAR Cemetery.
 Approximtely a year after Sarah died in 1871, Sol married on February 14, 1872, Kellerton, Iowa, to Amanda Elvina DULY, the daughter of
John and Maria DULY. She was 21 and Sol was 39. Amanda was
born in Harrison County, Missouri near the Iowa border while both of her parents were from Ohio. Many people comment
that her facial features have the shape of a Native American and this was passed on to many of her descendents.
[Family historians believe Amanda was full-blooded Fox.] Sol
and Amanda had daughters Dollie Ann, Nellie E., Mary M., and Elizabeth Agnes BEAR. Sol and Amanda's son and youngest
child was William Franklin BEAR.
 
Sol died at the age of 81 at the Home Place, Saturday, October 25, 1913 from a broken blood vessel in the lung,
His children were all married and most were living near the "Home Place" and were with him in his last days. He had
been in a declining state for some time and the end was expected.
Sol was a pioneer of the old type. He was plain,
outspoken, genial, and hospitable in disposition. For years he was considered a leader in Monroe Township of Ringgold
County, Iowa. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Order and politically was a Republican. As the local newspaper wrote
in his obituary, "Sol Bear was always a welcome visitor at the office. He brought with him cheer and sunshine."
This brief look at my great grandfather's life is correct to the best of my knowledge as of May 2001. There have been
many contributors to this brief look at the life of Solomon BEAR which was summarized by Ramon L. BEAR.
Solomon and Sarah E. (WALKER) BEAR were the parents of three children:
 1) Winfield Scott BEAR
b. 11 Oct 1861, Monroe Twp., Ringgold Co. IA; d. 08 Aug 1943, Bell CA
married Eva Nancy PRICE (1869-1956) 10 Aug 1892
Winfield & Eva interred Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
Children of Winfield Scott & Eva Nancy (PRICE) BEAR:
1) Dorthea "LaVerne" BEAR
born 25 Aug 1893, Kellerton IA; died 12 Jan 1977, San Clementa CA
married Hans (H. E.) MUELLER 08 Apr 1912
residence in 1947, Marshfield WI
2) Lucille BEAR
born 22 Nov 1895, Kellerton IA; died 22 Jan 1982, Bell CA
married Carlton Herman CASJENS 19 Jul 1923, Des Moines IA
Children of Lucille (BEAR) & Carlton Herman CASJENS:
1) Carlton Bear CASJENS
born 25 Sep 1925, Sioux City IA; died Nov 2002
2) Robert Scott CASJENS
3) Irene BEAR
born 27 Feb 1899, Kellerton IA; died 22 Aug 1953, Truckee CA
married Merle ALLEN
Child: Virginia Ann (ALLEN) BUSH
born 15 Dec 1926, IA; died 03 Aug 1953, Truckee CA
4) Leone Genevieve BEAR
born 03 Oct 1908, Kellerton IA; died 30 Nov 1925, Kellerton IA
Interment Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
2) Lincoln BEAR
born 03 Sep 1863, Monroe Twp., Ringgold Co. IA; died 09 Oct 1864
first interment, Bear Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
3) George BEAR
born 1869, Monroe Twp., Ringgold Co. IA; died 1871, Interment Bear Cemetery
Solomon BEAR married 2nd February 14, 1872 to Amanda Elvina DULY. Amanda was born September 19, 1850, Harrison County, Missouri,
and died January 19, 1922 at the BEAR home near Kellerton, Ringgold County, Iowa. Solomon and Amanda were interred at Bear Cemetery,
Ringgold County, Iowa. Solomon and Amanda Elvina (DULY) BEAR were the parents of five children:
1) Dollie Ann BEAR
born 27 Oct 1872, Kellerton, IA; died 14 Apr 1942, Selma, Tulare Co. CA
Interment Kingsburg Cemetery, California
married 1st Thomas E. ARMSTRONG 12 Jul 1891
born 1867, Kellerton IA; died 1893
 NOTE: Thomas' step-mother Margaret (1845-1881) interred at
Bear Cemetery
Child: 1) Leona Myrtle ARMSTRONG
born 30 Oct 1891; died 27 Jan 1940, Modesto CA
Interment Modesto, Stanislaus Co. CA
married William Joel WILLMIRTH Apr 1911, Selma CA
b. 06 May 1885, Keyesport IL; d. 07 Feb 1961, CA
Children of Leona & William WILLMIRTH:
1)
Lavada Marie WILLMIRTH
b. 17 Feb 1915, Keyesport IL; d. 03 Oct 1998 Antioch CA
married 1st Herman LIST
married 2nd Edmondo MUSETTI (1907, Italy - 1982)
Child: 1) Robert Alan MUSETTI
b. 1947, Antioch CA; d. 1982
2) Mable Lucille WILLMIRTH
born 17 Sep 1917, Keyesport, Clinton Co. IL
died 17 Feb 1947, Modesto CA
married Henry J. LEWIS; children James "Jim" & Rosalie
3) Carl Walter WILLMIRTH
born 29 Jan 1920, Keyesport, Clinton Co. IL
died 09 Jul 1981, Modesto CA
NOTE: Carl served in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. During the 1960's,
Carl raised chickens and worked as a maintenance mechanic in the area cannerys. Carl was married to Inez (?),
Laverne PREDES, and later Reba (WALLEN) HOWARD (1920-1997). Howard was interred at Lake Wood Memorial Park,
Hughson, Stanislaus County, California.
4) Raymond Francis WILLMIRTH, S Sgt U.S. Army, WWII
born 22 Jul 1922, BEAR Home Place, Kellerton, IA
died 11 Nov 1994, Modesto CA
married Edna Ellen (ARNOLD) McNAMARA
NOTE: Raymond was born on the BEAR home place near Kellerton, Iowa when Leona Myrtle took care of Amanda BEAR and
William Joel farmed the fields. After Amanda's death, the WILLMIRTH family moved to California in1923. Raymond
helped raise Edna's children Edwin and Janie McNAMARA. Raymond owned a ranch during the 1970's and 1980's
where he raised cattle and horses. He worked off the ranch as a maintenance mechanic in the cannerys of the
area. Raymond and Edna were interred at
 Lake Wood Memorial Park, Hughson, Stanislaus County, California.
Dollie Ann BEAR
married 2nd Walter Otis MAGGARD 30 Sep 1896
born 06 Mar 1874; died 28 Feb 1951, inter: Kingsbury Cemetery, CA
Children of Dollie Ann (BEAR) & Walter Otis MAGGARD:
1) Osa Agnes MAGGARD
born 03 Jul 1897, interment Kingsbury Cemetery
married 1st Ed TURNER
married 2nd Jim WOODS
2) Sarah Elvina MAGGARD
born 25 Jun 1902; died 1978, interment Kingsbury Cemetery
Sarah married 1st John FENTON circa 1921
Children of Sarah (MAGGARD) & John FENTON:
1) John Otis FELTON
2) Sam Eugene FELTON
Sarah married 2nd Henry BARNES 17 Sep 1932
2) Nellie G. BEAR
born 13 Oct 1879, Kellerton, IA; died 08 Sep 1972
married Lance Enoch MAGGARD 28 May 1896, Mount Ayr, Ringgold Co. IA
born 10 Jan 1870, Edna Twp., Cass Co. IA; died 17 Jan 1943, Kellerton IA
Nellie & Lance interred Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton, Ringgold Co. IA
Children of Nellie G. (BEAR) & Lance Enoch MAGGARD:
1) Norval A. MAGGARD
born 1897, Kellerton IA; died 1936 in a car accident
married 28 Oct 1916, Beaconsfield IA to Ada MILLARD (1896-1970)
Child: 1) Norva Jean MAGGARD
born 1931, Kellerton IA; died 28 Oct 1932
Norval, Ada, and Norva interred Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton IA
2) Roy Roger MAGGARD, farmer & a bachelor
born 14 Sep 1898, Kellerton IA; died 20 Apr 1968, Kellerton IA
Interment Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton, Ringgold Co. IA
3) Lulu Viola MAGGARD
born 16 Oct 1900, Kellerton IA: died 1990
married Truman Vinnie BAKER 03 Aug 1919, Beaconsfield IA
born 16 Jul 1894, Decatur Co. IA; died 27 Jul 1958, Kellerton IA
Lula and Truman interred Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton IA
Children of Lula (MAGGARD) & Truman BAKER:
1) Truman Vinnie BAKER, Jr.
born 11 Mar 1920, Kellerton IA; died 04 Sep ___, Las Vegas NV
married Virginia GILLILAND
Child: 1) Jane Anne BAKER
married Florence Lillian DAVIS 31 Mar 1946
Child: 1) Linda (BAKER) MOYER
Child: 2) Larry Don BAKER
Child: 3) James Randolph BAKER
2) Arlyne Fay BAKER married Rex HAMPTON
Children of Arlyne (BAKER) & Rex HAMPTON
1) Janet LaVoune (HAMPTON) WALLER
2) Lana Christine HAMPTON
3) Roberta Maxine BAKER married Bernard CHAPMAN
Children of Roberta (BAKER) & Bernard CHAPMAN:
1) Nancy Ann CHAPMAN
born 21 Jul 1953; died 21 Jul 1953, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
2) Scott Leroy CHAPMAN
4) Mary Eloise MAGGARD
born 29 Jun 1902, Kellerton; died 1985
married Roy F. MILLARD 29 Jun 1919
born 07 Sep 1898; died 06 Nov 1962
Mary & Roy interred Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton, Ringgold Co. IA
Children of Mary (MAGGARD) & Roy MILLARD:
1) Rowena Marie MILLARD
born 29 Apr 1920; died 09 Apr 1923, interment Maple Row Cemetery, Kellerton IA
2) Joy Kay MILLARD
married 1st Jerry RITTER
Children of Joy Kay (MILLARD) & Jerry RITTER:
1) Jamie RITTER
2) Jennifer RITTER
3) Janet RITTER
Joy married 2nd Marvin JOHNSON
5) Clifford Clinton MAGGARD
born 19 Dec 1906, Kellerton IA; died May 1982, interment Tingley Cemetery
married 1st Imo "Dorothy" COFFMAN 07 Nov 1930, Witchita KS
born 27 Feb 1908, Tingley IA; died 26 Jan 1958, Des Moines IA
Interment Tingley Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
Child: 1) Ronald Eugene or Clinton MAGGARD married Linda HARPER
Clifford married 2nd Vera I. SCHEEL
born 10 Oct 1916; died 17 Apr 2001
Interment Cromwell Cemetery, Union Co. IA
6) Loren Alanson MAGGARD
born 05 Aug 1913, Kellerton, Ringgold Co. IA; died 1981
Interment Ellston Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
married Doris Iowa McCONNELL 19 May 1934
born 06 Feb 1914; died 18 Nov 2008, interment Ellston Cemetery
Children of Loren and Doris Iowa (McCONNELL) MAGGARD:
1) Lorna Doloris MAGGARD married Robert LeRoy HAMMOND
2) Conrad Clifford MAGGARD married Maxine HALFHILL
 3) Mary M. BEAR
born 07 May 1881, Kellerton, IA; died 11 Dec 1955
Interment Flora Memorial Park, Selma, Fresno Co. CA
married 1st Nolen GLORE 01 Feb 1901, IA
born 07 May 1873; died 14 Sep 1913
Children of Mary M. (BEAR) and Nolen GLORE:
1) Bernice Beatrice GLORE, born 08 Feb 1903; died 18 Nov 1991
married James Monroe WATKINS 07 Feb 1923
born 29 Aug ___; died 21 Feb 1982
Children of Bernice (GLORE) and James WATKINS:
1) Lee Roy WATKINS
born 16 Feb 1924; died circa Nov 1997, Watsonville CA
2) Clair Monroe WATKINS married Jeanne JOHNSON
3) Ruth Eldora WATKINS married Earle E. JOHNSON Jr.
2) Oliver S. GLORE
born 09 Nov 1905; died 07 Mar 1947, interment Flora Memorial Park, Selma CA
3) Eldora Mae GLORE, born 06 Oct 1907; died 1982
married Morley THURGOOD
Child: 1) Della Mae THURGOOD
NOTE: Della Mae THURGOOD was a school teacher. She never married and in 1995 was residing in Saratoga CA
4) Paul S. GLORE, born 12 Dec 1909; died 08 Feb 1999, Watsonville CA
Mary M. BEAR married 2nd Rex A. ATWOOD 1921
NOTE: Rex A. ATWOOD had been a good friend and neighbor of the GLORE family when they resided in Mount Ayr.
4) Elizabeth "Agnes" BEAR
born 06 Jul 1884, Kellerton IA; died 09 Jun 1973, Chico, Butte Co. CA
married James Walter GILES 19 Oct 1907, Grant City, Worth Co. MO
born 14 Dec 1873, Sedalia, Pettis Co. MO
died 09 May 1964, Willows, Glen Co. CA
son of John and Margaret Ann (WILLIAMS) GILES
Elizabeth & James interred at Masonic Cemetery, Orland, Glenn Co. CA
Children of Elizabeth Agnes (BEAR) and James Walter GILES:
1) Beatrice Pearl GILES
born 19 Jun 1904, Mount Ayr IA; died 08 Jan 1987, Chico Ca
Beatrice was born out of wedlock to Elizabeth Agnes BEAR and
Corky MORRIS.
She was adopted by James Walter GILES.
married Oscar Vernon CARPENTER Mar 1925, Mount Ayr IA
Beatrice & Oscar interred Masonic Cemtery, Orland, Glenn Co. CA
Children of Beatrice (GILES) & Oscar CARPENTER:
 1) Donald Eugene CARPENTER
married 1st Marilyn Gay (DAVIS), d. 1988
Children of Donald Eugene & Marily Gay (DAVIS) CARPENTER:
1. Carissa Jean CARPENTER, b. 27 Apr 1963
2. Glen Donald CARPENTER, b. 09 Nov 1966
married 2nd Coletta Jean (BROWN)
NOTE: Donald and Carissa will try to convince the Sac - Fox Tribe Headquarters personnel that Amanda Elvina (Duly ) Bear is a Native American (as we believe). If that is successful, then the above info will show that Carissa is of Native American descent. - The BEAR Family
2) Ronald CARPENTER
3) Evelyn Rose (CARPENTER) SHREVE
2) Kermit Bear GILES
born 16 May 1911, Selma CA; died May 2005, Sacramento CA
married Evelyn Dorothy HAMMOND 06 Jun 1944
born 29 Nov 1914, Woburn MA
died 24 Apr 1991, Sacramento CA
NOTE: Kermit served 1 1/2 years in England during WWII. He made Corporal two months prior to his discharge. Kermit and
Evelyn Dorothy were married at Patterson Field Army Air Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kermit & Evelyn interred at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, Sacramento CA
Children of Kermit Bear & Evelyn Dorothy (HAMMOND) GILES:
1) Linda Lue GILES
married 1st Joseph John DONATO
married 2nd Bassam El HADID
Child: Robert Lynn HADID
born 26 Aug 1969, Sacramento CA
died in service to his Country 1993
Interment Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, Sacramento CA
2) Margaret Ann GILES married Henry Law RAYMOND
3) Gwendolyn Florence GILES
married 1st Lowell Davis LEISER
married 2nd Ralph Donald ADAMS
married 3rd Monte Lee GUINN
married 4th Nolan George STOTT
4) Walter Kermit GILES
married 1st Kathy Dee BUCHANAN
married 2nd Linda Roslin CORBIN
3) Margaret "Marjorie" GILES
born 29 Jan 1913, Chico CA; died Dec 2001, Chico CA
married 1st John Harvey WALKER Jr. 15 May 1932, divorced 1945
born 28 Dec 1904, Albany OR; died Feb 1992, Chico CA, cremated
son of John Harvey and Mary Elizabeth (MEYERS) WALKER
Children of Margaret (GILES) and John Harvey WALKER Jr.:
1) Harvey John WALKER married Patricia Ann FLETCHER
2) Marshall Rozelle WALKER married Linda HULSEMAN
3) Janet Beverly WALKER
married Morris MANSICALCO
married Leo M. GALLEGOS
4) Norene Deanna WALKER
married Lee GUDVANDAN
Child: Cindy Lee, born 15 Apr 1958; died 2002
married James TABATT
Margaret GILES married 2nd Ellis BENSON
 5) William Franklin "Frank" BEAR
born 01 Jun 1885, Kellerton, Ringgold Co. IA
died 28 Jan 1971, Mount Ayr IA
married 1st Lillie Mabel HALL 02 Sep 1903, Mount Ayr IA
born 08 Sep 1883; died 17 Apr 1904
(died from complications of childbirth)
Child: 1) Homer Alvin BEAR
born 10 Apr 1904; died 20 Apr 1904
married 2nd Anna Pearl SHELDEN 08 Apr 1905, Bethany MO
b. 28 Oct 1887, Kellerton IA; d. 18 Dec 1968, Indianola IA
NOTE: Frank worked for Ringgold County's highway maintenance department. After their children were grown, Frank and
Anna Pearl divorced. Anna Pearl remarried in 1945 to Fred CARSE and moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Frank did not remarry.
 
Children of William Franklin & Anna Pearl (SHELDEN) BEAR:
 1) Glenn Franklin BEAR
born 25 Apr 1906, Kellerton IA; died 06 Jul 1978, Mount Ayr IA
married Eula Catherine BROCKWAY 28 Sep 1928, Douglas WY
born 1909, Douglas, Converse Co. WY; died 1968
Children of Glenn Franklin & Eula C. (BROCKWAY) BEAR:
1) Shirley Ann BEAR married Lawrence Elmer CHASE
2) Donald Gene BEAR married Darlene Mae GILES
3) Beverly Glee BEAR married Charles LeRoy PETERMAN
4) Karen May BEAR
born 09 May 1838, Kellerton IA; died 19 Oct 2008, Nevada IA
married Theodore Rex BAKER (1936-1980)
5) Eula Jean BEAR
married Dale Richard McKERN
married John Henry SCHRIEVER
6) Betty Jo BEAR
born 04 Nov 1943, Kellerton IA; died 23 Jan 2006, Mount Ayr IA
married Jerry Lee LONG Sr.
7) Teddy Ray BEAR married Bryce Daneen CAROL
2) Leonard Solomon BEAR
born 28 Aug 1907, Kellerton IA; died 05 Jun 1952, Glendale CA
Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, Los Angeles Co. CA
married 1st Helen BARBOUR 08 Jul 1926, Mount Ayr IA
born 26 Feb 1909, Garden Grove, IA; died 24 Aug 1999
Child: 1) Dr. William Forrest BEAR
born 11 Feb 1927, Beaconsfield IA; died 14 Mar 1999, Arden Hills MN
Interment Roselawn Cemetery, Roseville, Ramsey Co. MN
Verteran U. S. Navy 1945-1947
married Maxine Marie BURLEY
NOTE: Dr. William Forrest BEAR graduated from Beaconsfield High School in May of 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on
February 6, 1945 and served during World War II until his discharge in 1947. Dr. BEAR received his B.S. degree in March of
1951 from Iowa State College [now Iowa State University], and taugh vocational agriculture at Earlham, Iowa from
1951 to 1954. He returned to ISU as a teaching assistant and earned his M.S. degree in 1959, and his PhD in 1963. Dr.
BEAR was promoted to assistant professor, remaining on the staff at ISU until July of 1965 when he accepted a position
at the University of Minnesota at St. Paul, first as an agricultural mechanics teacher educator, then associate professor,
and full professor which he retained until his retirement December 31, 1992. Upon their move to Minnesota, Maxine retired
from teaching and began managing Hobar Publications. Hobar Publications was incorporated and owned and managed by
Forrest and Maxine BEAR and Thomas A. and Carol HOERNER. Dr. William Forrest and Maxine Marie (BURLEY) BEAR were the
parents of five children - Jeanne Anne, William Andrew, Michael Forrest, Martha Marie, and Mary Frances BEAR.
Leonard Solomon BEAR
 married 2nd Audie Marie RAUCH 03 Apr 1931, Leon, IA
born 26 Feb 1913, Lamoni IA
died 22 Jan 1999, Mt. Shasta, CA
Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale CA
Child: 1) Norma Jean BEAR married Robert Charles SANDAGER
3) Theola Mae BEAR
born 12 Feb 1912, Kellerton IA; died 15 Oct 2000, Indianola IA
married 10 Feb 1926, Mount Ayr Gilmore Taylor BARBOUR
(1907-1995)
Child: 1) Betty Jean BARBOUR
married Ralph Evertt Powers (1924-1992)
married Roger WILSON
 4) Orville Nelson "Doc" BEAR
born 10 Oct 1910, Kellerton IA; died 26 Apr 2002, Mount Ayr, IA
married Donna Leslie STEVENS 21 Aug 1931, Bethany MO
born 04 Mar 1915, Knowlton IA; died 02 Jan 2003, Mount Ayr IA
Orville and Donna interred Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr IA
Children of Orville Nelson & Donna Leslie (STEVENS) BEAR:
1) Nadine Gay BEAR
married 1st Keith Lavern WALBRIDGE
married 2nd Oscar Mares BALES
2) Ramon Lee BEAR married Deloris Mae GRAVETT
3) Gary Ray BEAR
married Edith A. CREGEEN
married Nancy Ellen DINHAM
married Helen Venuit OATT
married Marilyn L. STARMER
4) Glee Maxine BEAR married Dennis Ray TONEY
5) Thelma Icyle BEAR
born 12 Feb 1912, Kellerton IA; died 22 Jan 1934, Kellerton IA
Interment Oliver Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa
6) Anna "Frata" BEAR
born 15 Mar 1915, Kellerton IA; died 19 Oct 1994, Sacramento CA
ashes scattered in Rose Garden, Chapel of the Chimes, Santa Rosa CA
and ashes placed at Bear Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa
married Wayne CAVENDER 01 Nov 1934, Grant City MO
born 20 Mar 1905, Kellerton, Ringgold Co. IA
married James "Jimmy" PROCTOR 21 Jun 1947
married Alvin "Al" BACH
7) Edna Marie BEAR
born 06 Aug 1916, Kellerton IA; died 13 Apr 1970, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
married Jesse Harold STACY 04 Oct 1934, Topeka, Shawnee Co. KS
born 28 Oct 1912, Lamoni, Decatur Co. IA; died 17 Aug 1977, Des Moines, Polk Co. IA
Child: 1) Ronald Duane STACY married Janet Marie MILLER
 NOTE: Edna received her diploma from the Iowa School of Beauty Culture in April of 1961. She passed her State Board
examination and received her Cosmotology license on May 15, 1961. Edna continued in this work until she became ill in
1969. She was interred at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Indianola, Warren County, Iowa.
Jesse Harold STACY was the son of
Walter Alexander and Eva Lena (GRUBB) STACY, both of whom are interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Iowa. Jesse's
maternal grandparents, Jess T. and Julia Ann (CAHOON) COOK GRUBB resided on a farm near Blackmore Corner, Ringgold County,
Iowa. They were interred at Oliver Cemetery. Jesse was named after his Grandfather GRUBB who was a Civil War Veteran.
Jesse's paternal grandparents were George and Amanda Eveline (POORE) STACY who farmed in Ringgold County. George STACY
was a stagecoach driver on the Eddyville, Iowa - Nebraska City, Nebraska stage line. George and Amanda were interred
at Ringgold Cemetery in Lott's Creek Township along with their daughter Bessie.
Jesse attended high school in Benton,
Iowa and was valedictorian of his class, graduating at the age of sixteen in May of 1929. Jesse was a good basketball
player, making the all-county team in his senior year. Lee BEAL, future husband of Gladys BEAR and one of Jesse's
good friends, also made the all-county tearm. Benton's high school basketball team missed going on to Iowa State
Tournament by one game when Ottumwa defeated them in the district finals. Ottumwa went on to take the championship in
1928. After graduation Jesse played on the town town for Benton and Diagonal. Jesse and Lee BEAL worked construction in
the State of Louisana, eventually working for Roth Construction Company in Indianola, Iowa in the mid-1930's.
During WWII, the STACYS and the BEALS went to San Francisco where Jesse and Lee worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Not finding railroad work to their liking, the STACYS and the BEALS returned to the Mid-west.
After Edna's death, Jesse married 2nd September 26, 1971 to Lois Evelyn (ROUSE) DOUGLAS (born 04 Jul 1919.)
Jesse died from Hodgkins disease on August 17, 1977, and was interred at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Indianola, Warren County, Iowa.
 8) Gladys LaVerne BEAR
born 02 Sep 1918, Kellerton IA; died 26 May 1984, Redding CA
married Lee Homer BEAL 28 Sep 1935, Creston, Union Co. IA
born 25 Aug 1912, Benton, Ringgold Co. IA
died 16 Feb 1990, Medford OR
Gladys and Lee interred Colma, San Mateo Co. CA
Child: 1) Anna Mae BEAL
married Edward B. SHORT, Jr.
married Gary John ROLSTON
9) Reuben Ugene "Gene" BEAR
born 13 Jul 1920, Kellerton IA; died 16 Nov 1993, San Mateo CA
Interment Skylawn Memorial Park near Half Moon Bay, San Mateo Co. CA
Veteran U.S. Army, World War II
married 1st Hazel Jeanette WIMER 28 Oct 1942, Grant City MO
died 1966
Child: 1) John Franklin BEAR married Carole Ann OBERG
Gene married 2nd Carmen [Dorothy] VELLA 15 May 1957, Reno NV
10) Doris Lavon BEAR
married Robert Homer CAMPBELL 12 Sep 1942, Grant City MO
b. 27 Sep 1918, Benton IA; d. 23 Dec 1989, Des Moines IA
Child: Janet Ann (CAMPBELL) PROUDFOOT
Other Ringgold County webpages that may be of interest are:
BEAR Cemetery, Monroe Township, Ringgold County, Iowa
Bear Cemetery Transcriptions and History
Civil War Gravestones of Adam and John BEAR
Solomon BEAR Biography
Pages 252-53, Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, 1887
Solomon BEAR Biography
The BEAR and Allied Families Photograph Album
Deloris Gravett Bear and Ramon (Ray) Bear's Genealogy Home Page
The Solomon Bear Family Reunion is held the second Saturday and Sunday in June of even-numbered years, Ellston
Community Center,
Ellston, Iowa. Presidents/treasurers of the Solomon
Bear Family Reunion are Bryce and Ted Bear.
Beverly and Charles Peterman are Vice-Presidents. Ramon (Ray) Lee and Deloris Mae Gravett Bear are the secretaries and
historians. Janet and Ron Stacy plus Maxine Bear are historians. Ted, Beverly, Ray, and Ron are the
great-grandchildren of Solomon Bear. His mailing
address is:
rbearr@charter.net
Update by the Bear Family, June of 2011
SOURCES:
Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System Database
Biographical & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 252-53. 1887
Federal Census 1879, 1880, 1900, 1910, & 1920
obituaries of the BEAR family members
cemetery transcriptions Bear Cemetery & Maple Row Cemetery
WPA Graves Survey
To contribute to Ringgold County family pages, contact The County Coordinator.
Please include the word "Ringgold" in the subject line. Thank you.
|
|
|
