William Lawson Fearer (source unknown)

W. Lawson Fearer, one of Polo's most respected citizens and having a large acquaintance throughout the county, died at his home in that city at 1:30 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon of last week. The illness which proved fatal was the grippe and he had been sick but a few days. Previous to the attack he had been quite active for a man of his years and he was a familiar figure on the streets, taking an active interest in the affairs of the day and the happenings of the community in which he lived. Mr. Fearer was a man held in high esteem by his fellow citizens whom he represented as supervisor for eighteen years. He also served as an alderman two terms. He passed away surrounded by his wife and all his children except Mrs. D.F. Burke, who was ill.
W. Lawson Fearer was born in Allegheny Country, Maryland, November 18, 1829, and died at his home on North Jackson Street in Polo, Tuesday, March 3, 1908, aged 78 years, 3 months and 14 days. When a lad of eight years, the deceased left the state of his birth and came west with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Fearer, settling in Bureau County, Illinois, where they resided until the spring of 1842 when they removed to Pine Creek Township, Ogle County. He received his education in the public schools during the winter months, doing farm work in the summer. During the winter of 1850 and 1851 he was teacher of the Loughridge school near Stratford. In 1850 he purchased eighty acres of land in Pine Creek Township and built a house, November 18, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Coffman who survives him. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fearer established their home in the new house where they lived until 1867 when they treaded their farm to Dr W.W. Burns for 160 acres, two miles northwest of their home. They moved to that place and made it their home until about twelve years ago, when they sold the farm and retired from active work. Since that they have lived on North Jackson Street in Polo. On November 18, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Fearer, surrounded by all their children, their neighbors and friends, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. This was a happy occasion and Mr. and Mrs. Fearer were singularly fortunate in being spared to each other and their children for so long a time. They were the parents of ten children, one of whom died in infancy. Those who survive their father are: Mrs. J. G. Guynn of Fraer, Iowa; Mrs. D.F. Burke, of Polo; John A. Fearer, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Lewis D. Fearer of Grundy Center, Iowa; Charles S. Fearer of Grundy Center, Iowa; Mrs. Wilbur Brooks of Grand Detour; Parker H. Fearer of Grundy Center, Iowa; Mrs. Bert Tavenner, of near Oregon. Besides these he leaves a brother, T.J., a sister, Mrs. Matilda Black, of near Oregon, also Chas E. Bomberger, Of Dallas Center, Iowa, whom Mr. and Mrs. Fearer raised.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at half past two at the United Brethren Church and were conducted by Rev. V.W. Overton. Interment was made in Fairmont Cemetery.

Submitted by Jane Edson

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