My Genealogy Hound
Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chautauqua County, New York published by John M. Gresham & Co. in 1891. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
* * * *
THOMAS SPEAR is an American citizen only by adoption. His native country is that of Ireland, where in the year 1818, in the county of Tyrone he was born, a son of Robert Spear. His father was by occupation a tenant farmer, a member of the Episcopal church, and in 1847 left his native land and emigrated to America.
Thomas Spear was a puddler by occupation and followed that trade in connection with the foundry business for a number of years, after which he purchased a general store, which he operated for ten years, finally purchasing a farm in Charlotte Centre, upon which he resided for four years, thence removing to the place upon which he now lives. Besides carrying on the regular work of the farm, he has made cattle-raising a special adjunct business. He takes a lively interest in everything that pertains to agriculture and stock-raising and was one of the charter members of the Grange of his county. In politics he votes with the Republican party, under which he was elected to the office of excise commissioner. He and his family are attendant members of the Episcopal church.
On May 24, 1844, Mr. Spear married Mrs. Eliza Jones (nee Harper) and has four children: John T., Samuel, William Nelson and Fred.
Thomas Spear is still living, at the age of seventy-four years, but is practically retired from business. His wife is also living, at the age of sixty-three. Thomas Spear has always been regarded as a model farmer and a good citizen.
* * * *
This family biography is one of 658 biographies included in Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chautauqua County, New York published in 1891.
View additional Chautauqua County, New York family biographies here: Chautauqua County, New York Biographies
View a map of 1897 Chautauqua County, New York here: Chautauqua County, New York Map
Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.