My Genealogy Hound

MIRICK N. SPEAR, the well-known book-seller and newsdealer of Amherst, Mass., who enjoys the distinction of having been engaged in business here longer than any other merchant in the place, is a native of Shutesbury, Franklin County. He was born on July 28, 1825, and is a son of Eliphalet and Martha (Paul) Spear. His grandfather, Luther Spear, was an early settler of Shutesbury; and he also resided in other places in Massachusetts. He was a hard-working and successful farmer, and reared a large family of children, nine sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to maturity and married. He lived to be nearly eighty-eight years of age.

Eliphalet Spear was born in Shutesbury on February 28, 1789. Like his father he turned his attention to agriculture, which he followed for several years in his native town. About the year 1824 he moved to North Amherst, where he purchased land. He was a man of industrious habits and successful in his chosen vocation. He died on December 15, 1865, about twenty-five years after the death of his wife, which occurred on July 31, 1840. Her maiden name was Martha Paul; and she was born in Shutesbury on July 23, 1791. They reared six of the seven children born of their union, but two only are now living; namely, Mirick N. and David C. The latter was born March 23, 1830, and resides in Easthampton, Mass. The departed are: Lusanna T.; Harriet A., who was born June 28, 1817, and died July 3, 1854; Mary Sophia, born October 25, 1819, died December 16, 1837; Martha E., who was born February 13, 1822; and Ebenezer, their eldest child. Both parents were members of the Baptist church. Eliphalet Spear voted the Whig ticket until the formation of the Republican party, with which he afterward affiliated.

Mirick N. Spear grew to manhood on his father’s farm in Amherst, receiving a good practical education in the schools of the town. A farm life, however, did not accord with his inclinations; and in 1850 he established himself in mercantile business in Amherst, which he has followed continuously since that time. He was the first newsdealer and stationer in the town, and from a very small beginning his business has steadily grown until he now carries a large stock of books, periodicals, stationery, and school supplies, and also wall paper and fancy goods, keeping a first-class store, one that, it is hardly necessary to say in this educational centre, is well patronized.

He was married on May 27, 1847, to Miss Sarah A. M. Whitney; and after her death in 1860 he married for his second wife Mrs. Delia O. Washburn. He has buried two sons, Edward M. and Henry F., and has one son living, William N. Spear, who is employed as a hotel clerk in Buffalo, N.Y. Mr. Spear is a representative man of the town and an active and influential citizen. He is a Democrat in politics. Socially, he is a member of Pacific Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Amherst, and was formerly identified with Wells Lodge, No. 140, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which has since disbanded. In religious views he is liberal.

To make the acquaintance of Mr. Spear one should meet him among his books. A portrait* on a neighboring page shows his features, but without the familiar surroundings.

*Editor's note: Portrait was included in the original printed book.