I was born January 8, 1887 at Vail, Iowa, the third son of Joseph B. and Samantha A. Shearer.
Shortly after, my family moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, where I grew to manhood and received my education. In 1906, my family moved to Dazey, North Dakota, and shortly after, I went to work in Valley City for the Anderson Clothing Company, now known as Sherman Clothiers.
In 1912, I returned to Dazey to enter into partnership with John A. Carlson in a general store. During the next ten years I also became the Dazey Postmaster, holding that position for seventeen years. During these years I was also Clerk of Dazey School District No. 65, presently the North Central.
In June of 1917, I married Margaret A. Sandy, who for nearly thirty years was my constant companion and inspiration in whatever endeavor I might pursue.
In 1936, I was elected to the office of Barnes County Treasurer for two 2-year terms. At the end of that period I went to work for the Prudential Insurance Co. as Farm Manager of 29 farms which were secured by mortgage foreclosure. During that time the Government decreed that insurance companies divest themselves of farm land and I was given a list to sell.
During the year 1943, I was appointed City Auditor of Valley City, which office I held until 1955.
Following my retirement, I was elected to a six-year term on the Valley City Park Board and have since held many other positions of a civic nature. Cultural interests and civic affairs have claimed a large share of my time and interest. Some of the organizations in which I have been active are the Masons, ELZagel Shrine, and a member of the Shrine Band, Valley City Municipal Band, Choral groups at the college, and Methodist Church choir.
I still retain my membership in Kiwanis and am a member of the Advisory Board of Sheyenne Manor where I now reside.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 223