Edith Lewis

Edith Lewis

Frank Arthur Lear was born on September 13, 1873, in Green Lake Co., WI, and died in November 23, 1962, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co, WI, at age 89. He was the son of Benjamin C. Lear of Sunapee, NH, and Lucy A. Towne of Londonderry, NH.

Edith Lewis was born July 22, 1879, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, and died June 13, 1972, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, at age 92. She was the daughter of Gustav Larsson Lewis of Fröbbestorp, Torsås, Kalmar lan, Smaland, Sweden, and Julianne Marie Anderson of Tisvilde, Denmark.

Frank Arthur Lear and Edith "Eda" Lewis were married September 13, 1905, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

Frank Arthur Lear and Edith "Eda" (Lewis) Lear had three children:

Lloyd Lewis Lear: Born July 3, 1907, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI; Died August 2, 2003, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI (age 96). Married July 31, 1931, in the Parsonage of the German Lutheran Church, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, to Clara Freida Juds: Born December 2, 1908, in Wisconsin; Died May 20, 1990, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI (age 81).
Herbert Arthur Lear: Born November 11, 1909, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI; Died June 24, 1957, at Wisconsin General Hospital, Madison, Dane Co., WI (age 47). Married to Alma M. Elliott: Born July 8, 1913, in the Village of Plainfield, Plainfield Twp., Waushara Co., WI; Died September 23, 2005, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI (age 92).
Naomi Lucy Lear: Born April 30, 1914, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI; Died July 17, 2004, in Manitowoc, Manitowoc Co., WI (age 90). Married April 11, 1942, to Frank J. Harmacek: Born February 23, 1903, in Milladore Twp., Wood Co., WI; Died February 17, 1993, in Manitowoc, Manitowoc Co., WI (age 89).

TIMELINE

Frank Arthur Lear was born on September 13, 1873, in Green Lake Co., WI.

Edith "Eda" Lewis was born July 22, 1879, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 21, 1880, shows Gustave Lewis (age 32) born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents is a carpenter living in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Julia Lewis (age 22) born in Denmark of Danish-born parents. Living at home are their two children: Albert Lewis (age 3); and Eda Lewis (age 1), both born in Wisconsin to Swedish and Danish-born parents. Also living there is Gustave's brother, Swan Lewis (age 19) a laborer born in Sweden to Swedish-born parents.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1880, shows Benjamin C. Lear (age 53) born in New Hampshire to New Hampshire-born parents is a Carpenter living on Kossuth Street, 3rd Ward, City of Berlin, Green Lake Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Lucy A. Lear (age 47) born in New Hampshire to New Hampshire and Massachusetts-born parents. Also living there are his four unmarried children, all born in Wisconsin to New Hampshire-born parents: Herbert W. Lear (age 20), who Works on the Rail Road; Ellie M. Lear (age 14); George F. Lear (age 10); and Frank A. Lear (age 6).

Cyrus B. Barnes and Lucy A. Lear were married August 4, 1885, in Winneconne, WI.

Lucy A. (Towne) (Lear) Barnes died July 21, 1907, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

Standard History of Waupaca County, Wisconsin, by John M. Ware, 1917

Mrs. Lucy A. (Towne) Lear died at Waupaca, Wisconsin, July 21, 1907. Her children by her first marriage were: Viola, Effie, Herbert, Ella, George and Frank A. The son Herbert was in the West during the early days, engaged in supplying meat for the army post at Fort Laramie, and he is now supposed to be a resident of New Zealand, engaged in the sheep business. George went to Nome, Alaska, during the gold excitement in that region. The daughter Viola married H. R. Douglas, who for a number of years was in the employ of a million-dollar corporation at Fargo, North Dakota, and who died in 1915, his widow now living at Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Lucy Lear married for her second husband Cyrus B. Barnes, who was a Civil war veteran, serving with Company I of the Seventh Wisconsin Infantry, a part of the famous Iron Brigade. He died in California in 1914.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 4, 1900, shows Frank Lear (age 26) born September 1873 in Wisconsin to New Hampshire and Massachusetts-born parents is an unmarried Dry Goods Clerk boarding on Fulton Street, 1st Ward, City of Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900, shows Gust Lewis (age 52) born May 1848 in Sweden of Swedish-born parents and is a naturalized citizen immigrating in 1872 is a carpenter living on State Street, 2nd Ward, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife of 24 years, Julia Lewis (age 42) born June 1858 in Denmark of Danish-born parents who emigrated in 1870, and 8 of the 9 children born in Wisconsin to her are still alive and all but Albert are living at home: Idith Lewis (age 20) born July 1879 who is a dry goods clerk; Edward Lewis (age 18) born November 1882 who is delivering; Hjalmar Lewis (age 15) born January 1885); Henry Lewis (age 13) born April 1887; Clara Lewis (age 9) born March 1891; Irving Lewis (age 7) born May 1893; and Rubin Lewis (age 7/12) born November 1899. Also living there is a lodger, Mary Jenkins (age 25).

The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Cyrus B. Barnes (age 73) born in New York to Vermont-born parents is a Retired Farmer owning his own home free of a mortgage and living in the 2nd Ward, City of Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Lucy E. Barnes (age 72) born in New Hampshire to New Hampshire and Massachusetts-born parents. Also living there is his unmarried step-son, Frank A. Lear (age 32) born in Wisconsin to New York and New Hampshire-born parents, who is a Clerk.

Frank Arthur Lear and Edith "Eda" Lewis were married in September 13, 1905, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 30, 1910 shows Frank A. Lear (age 36) born in Wisconsin to New Hampshire-born parents is a department store manager renting his home at 603 Royalton Street, 2nd Ward, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife of 4 years, Edith Lear (age 30) born in Wisconsin to Swedish and Danish-born parents. Also living there are their children, all born in Wisconsin: Loyd L. Lear (age 2); and Herbert A. Lear (age 6/12).

Shown below is the Draft Registration Card for Frank Arthur Lear

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 13, 1920, shows Frank A. Lear (age 46) born in Wisconsin to New Hampshire-born parents is a Stock Farm Farmer owning his farm without a mortgage in Waupaca Twp., Waupaca Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Edith Lear (age 40) born in Wisconsin to Swedish and Danish-born parents. Also living there are their children, all born in Wisconsin: Lloyd L. Lear (age 12); Herbert A. Lear (age 10); and Naomi L. Lear (age 5).

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 9, 1930, shows Frank A. Lear (age 56) born in Wisconsin to New Hampshire-born parents is a general farmer of his own farm living in Waupaca Twp., Waupaca Co., WI and first married at age 32 and having a radio. Living with him is his wife, Edith Lear (age 50) born in Wisconsin to Swedish and Danish-born parents. Also living there are their unmarried children, all born in Wisconsin: Lloyd L. Lear (age 22); and Naomi L. Lear (age 15).

Standard History of Waupaca County, Wisconsin, by John M. Ware, 1917

FRANK A. LEAR. It is the business of every man to get ahead in the world, to provide for himself and those dependent upon him, and to perform with all clue diligence and faithfulness those duties which are a part of home making and citizenship. From the time he was a boy, with a boy's strength, Frank A. Lear has proved equal to all emergencies, and by hard work and much self-denial has reached a comfortable position in life. He is now living in Waupaca Township, and is applying his energies to truck farming and poultry raising. He has had a long and active experience in mercantile and other lines, and is widely known over the county.

He was born in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, September 13, 1873, a son of Benjamin C. and Lucy A. (Towne) Lear. His paternal grandfather, Asa Lear, spent all his life at Sunapee, New Hampshire. The maternal grandfather, Moody Towne, married a Miss Stimpson, whose father was Colonel Stimpson, having attained that rank by active service in the Revolutionary war. Benjamin C. Lear, who was born in Sunapee, New Hampshire, was educated both in public and private schools. His wife, a native of Londonderry, New Hampshire, was also well educated. Benjamin Lear was an all-around mechanic, did much engineering work, and later became a mining engineer. It was in the decade of the '40s that he located in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, settling at what is now Berlin. He helped build the first bridge over the Fox River. From Wisconsin he went out to the Black Hills mining district before the Custer massacre, and continued mining at many points in the West, and lost his life while still engaged in that work. He was drowned in a canyon of the Colorado River.

Besides the Revolutionary soldier already mentioned the family lineage contains a number of military records. Benjamin Lear's brother, W. C. Lear, saw active military service in the Black Hills, and subsequently died at Berlin, Wisconsin. A brother of Lucy A. Towne was a soldier in the Civil war, and died while at Andersonville prison. Two other brothers of Benjamin Lear, George and Leolen, were members of a Massachusetts regiment in the war.

Mrs. Lucy A. (Towne) Lear died at Waupaca, Wisconsin, July 21, 1907. Her children by her first marriage were: Viola, Effie, Herbert, Ella, George and Frank A. The son Herbert was in the West during the early days, engaged in supplying meat for the army post at Fort Laramie, and he is now supposed to be a resident of New Zealand, engaged in the sheep business. George went to Nome, Alaska, during the gold excitement in that region. The daughter Viola married H. R. Douglas, who for a number of years was in the employ of a million-dollar corporation at Fargo, North Dakota, and who died in 1915, his widow now living at Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Lucy Lear married for her second husband Cyrus B. Barnes, who was a Civil war veteran, serving with Company I of the Seventh Wisconsin Infantry, a part of the famous Iron Brigade. He died in California in 1914.

Frank A. Lear lived in Green Lake County until he was eleven years of age, and gained his first training in the public schools there. He then removed with his mother to Fremont, Waupaca County, and entered the Fremont high school. He was unusually bright and a hard student, and finished the course of that school when fifteen years of age. In the meantime, at the age of twelve, he had been working on Wolf River during the logging seasons. He has never been at a loss to support himself, and early in life he developed those qualities of self-reliance which take a man far in the struggle for success. After leaving school he spent fourteen months in the employ of Oliver Allerton in the mercantile business at Antigo, Wisconsin. He then learned the trade of painting with the Thompson Carriage Company of Oshkosh, but had to give up that work since it was too confining and made inroads upon his health. For one season after that he had a millinery shop at Waupaca, and then in 1897 he entered the service of the Cohen Brothers when they established their large department store at Waupaca. He was one of the most trusted and efficient men carrying the responsibilities of that business, and remained in their employ for thirteen years.

In the meantime he bought a farm in Waupaca Township, near the city limits, made the improvements to his liking, including the erection of good buildings, and in August, 1911, he moved with his family to his farm home and is now enjoying a good income from his truck farming and poultry raising. In politics Mr. Lear is independent. In April, 1916, he was elected clerk of Waupaca Township. Fraternally his chief interest is in Masonry, and he has taken nearly all the degrees in that ancient order. He is affiliated with Waupaca Lodge, No. 123, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Waupaca Chapter, No. 39, Royal Arch Masons; Crusade Commandery, No. 17, Knights Templar, at Stevens Point; the Scottish Rite Consistory, at Milwaukee, and Tripoli Shrine, at Milwaukee.

Mr. Lear has a happy family. In September, 1905, he married Miss Edith Lewis, who was born in Waupaca July 22,1879. Her parents were Gustav and Julia (Andersen) Lewis, of Waupaca. Three children have been born to their marriage: Lloyd Lewis, born July 3, 1907; Herbert Arthur, born November 11, 1909, and Naomi Lucy, born April 30, 1914.

Edith, Naomi and Frank Lear

Lloyd, Naomi and Herbert Lear, about 1916

Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI April 28, 1928

Police Dog Rabid, Three Men Bitten

A strange German police dog in the Harrington community in Waupaca county, which became rabid, bit David Jensen, Harold Axtell and Frank Lear, and attacked a sheep and some hogs. The animal was killed. The city of Waupaca has put a ban on dogs running at large.

Appleton Post Crescent, Appleton, WI April 25, 1928

Frank Axtel and Frank Lear living on route 6 east of Waupaca are both being treated by a local physician with anti-toxin as a safeguard against rabies. The dog bit a hog and a sheep the same day that it bit the two men, and both animals died. The men did not realize the seriousness of the matter until recently when it developed that dogs in Waupaca county have been found to be infected with rabies, and ordered by the city to be shot upon sight of running loose. As it takes forty days for the disease to develop, Mr. Lear and Mr. Axtel decided not to take any chances. Twenty-one anti-toxin treatments must be taken in each case.

Appleton Post Crescent, Appleton, WI, August 1905

MISS CLARA JUDS WEDS LLOYD LEAR, WAUPACA

Weyauwega - Miss Clara Juds of Weyauwega and Lloyd Lear, Waupaca, were married by the Rev. Reier at the parsonage of the German Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Friday. After the ceremony the couple left for a trip to Yellowstone park. They will reside at Waupaca, Chain O'Lakes. Mr. Lear is employed by the Kissinger Electric Co., Waupaca.

Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI, Monday, June 24, 1957

Herbert Lear

Herbert Lear, 47, Waupaca, died early this morning at Wisconsin General Hospital, Madison, following a month's illness. A construction electrician, he had been employed recently in Stevens Point by Otto Lind and Son Electric Service. Mr. Lear was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lear, Waupaca, and a nephew of R. B. Lewis, 505 S. Michigan Ave. He is survived by his wife, Alma; three children, Mary Ann, Charles and Dennis, at home; his parents, and a brother, Lloyd, Waupaca. The Holly Funeral Home,, Waupaca, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI, Tuesday, June 25, 1957

Lear Rites Thursday

Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Thursday at the Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca, for Herbert Lear, 47, Waupaca. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery. Mr. Lear died Monday in Madison. An electrician, he had been employed in Stevens Point recently by Otto Lind and Son Electric Service.

Frank Arthur Lear died in November 23, 1962, at Bethany Home, Waupaca, Waupaca Co, WI, at age 89.

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI, Tuesday, November 27, 1962

Menasha Deaths

Ex-Businessman, Frank Lear, Dies

WAUPACA - Funeral services were conducted for Frank A. Lear, 89, of 114 N. State St., Waupaca, at 1 p.m. today at Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca, by members of Waupaca Masonic Lodge. Mr. Lear died Friday at Bethany Home, Waupaca, where he and his wife lived since February of this year. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery, Waupaca. Mr. Lear for many years was director of the First National Bank, Waupaca. He worked in Antigo after high school graduation and later opened and operated a millinery shop in Waupaca. In 1897 he worked for Cohen Bros. Department Store, Waupaca. Thirteen years later he purchased a farm in the Town of Waupaca and went into the truck farming and poultry raising business. Mr. Lear was married Sept. 13, 1905 to Edith Lewis of Waupaca. Survivors, in addition to his wife, are a son, Lloyd, Waupaca; a daughter, Mrs. Frank Harmacek, Manitowoc; a sister, Mrs. Ella Allerton, Wisconsin Rapids; and four grandchildren.

Edith "Eda" (Lewis) Lear died June 13, 1972, in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, at age 92.

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI, Thursday, June 15, 1972

Mrs. Edith Lear

WAUPACA - Mrs. Edith Lear, 92, a resident of Bethany Home, died here at 2:50 p.m. Tuesday. A life-long resident of the area, she was born in Waupaca July 22, 1879, and married Kenneth Lear Sept. 13, 1905. He preceded her in death Nov. 23, 1962. Survivors include one son, Lloyd, Waupaca; one daughter, Mrs. Frank (Naomi) Harmacek, Manitowoc; one sister, Mrs. Clarence (Clara) Peterson, Menasha; three brothers, Irving Lewis, Waupaca, Reuben Lewis, Stevens Point and Phillip Lewis, Neenah; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Holly Funeral Home,, with the Rev. Eugene Gauerke officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today, and until the time of service Friday.

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI, Wednesday, September 19, 1973

Clarence George

WAUPACA - Clarence George, 76, of 525 Larson St., died Tuesday at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton. Born in Rock Creek, Kan. Dec. 30, 1896, he married Lucy Manley who preceded him in death. On Jan. 20, 1960, he married Alma Lear in Waupaca. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Waupaca Masonic Lodge No. 123, Waupaca Masonic Chapter No. 39 and the Clintonville Commandery. Mr. George also operated a general store in Blaine in Portage County from 1929 to 1953. He is survived by his widow; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Parsons, Waupaca; two stepsons, Frank Lear Oshkosh, and Dennis Lear, Waupaca; one brother, Chester, Tucson, Ariz.; one sister, Mrs. Esther Coulson, Silver Sprind, Md.; and four step-grandchidren. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca, with the Rev. Barry Shaw officiating. Burial will be in the Lone Pine Cemetery in Portage County. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Masonic services will be held at 8 p.m.

Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI Wednesday, September 19, 1973

Clarence George

Clarence George, 76, Waupaca, died Tuesday at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Appleton. He was a former manager of a general store in Blaine. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca, where friends may call after 4 p.m. Thursday. The Rev. Barry Shaw will officiate, and burial will be in Lone Pine Cemetery, Almond. Waupaca Lodge No. 123, F&AM, of which Mr. George was a member, will hold Masonic services at 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. George was born Dec. 30, 1896, in Rock Creek, Kan., a son of Mr. and Mrs. Enos George. He later moved to Blaine, where he managed a general store from 1929 until 1953. He had resided in Waupaca for many years. His first wife, Lucy Manley, preceded him in death. He then married Alma Lear on Jan. 20, 1960, in Waupaca. Mr. George is survived by his wife, a step-daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Parsons, Waupaca; two stepsons, Frank Lear, Oshkosh, and Dennis, Waupaca; one brother, Chester George, Tucson, Ariz.; one sister, Mrs. Esther Coulson, Silver Spring, Md., and four step-grandchildren.

Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI, Monday, June 24, 1957

Herbert Lear

Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI, Tuesday, August 13, 1957

The R. B. Lewises To Attend Waupaca Anniversary Event

Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Lewis, 505 South Michigan avenue, will be in Waupaca Sunday afternoon when Mr. Lewis' brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lear celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. The Lears will greet relatives and friends at their home from 2 to 4 o'clock, with a buffet supper for relatives following from 5 to 7 o'clock. Mrs. Lear is the former Edith Lewis. Her six brothers and sisters-in-law and her brother-in-law and sister will be among the guests. They are Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lewis, Seattle, Wash., Mr. and Mrs. Ed Lewis, New Liepzig, N. D., Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Lewis, Neenah, Mr. and Mrs. Irving Lewis and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Lewis, Waupaca, the R. B. Lewises, Stevens Point, and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Peterson, Menasha. Also present for the event will be the Lears' two sons, Lloyd and Herbert Lear, Waupaca, their daughter, Naomi, who is married and lives in Manitowoc, as well as the R. B. Lewises' son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Lewis, and two children, Billy and Bobby, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who have been visiting at the Lewis home here since Friday. Mr. and Mrs. Lear were married in Waupaca on Sept. 13, 1905. Mr. Lear, who is retired, was associated with the First National Bank at Waupaca for many years. He is well-known in Stevens Point Masonic circles.

Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc, WI, July 23, 2004

Naomi L. Harmacek

Naomi L. Harmacek, age 90, formerly 3116 Coolidge Place, Manitowoc, died Saturday, July 17, 2004 at Harmony House of Manitowoc East.

Naomi was born April 30, 1914, at Waupaca, daughter of the late Frank A. and Edith Lewis Lear. She grew up and was educated in Waupaca and graduated from Waupaca High School with the class of 1932. On April 11, 1942, she married Frank J. Harmacek. Frank preceded her in death on Feb. 17, 1993. Naomi was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a former member and a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star #196 and a past president of the United Commercial Travelers.

Survivors include her son: Frank L. (Joanne) Harmacek, Chetwynd, British Colombia; two grandchildren: Justin (Tanya) Harmacek, Chetwynd, B.C.; and Jessica (Casey) Maye, Fort McMurray, Alberta; four great-grandchildren: Walker and Hunter Maye and Brook and Kaylee Harmacek; nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Naomi was preceded in death by two brothers: Lloyd and Herbert Lear.

Memorial funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church, 502 N. Eighth St., Manitowoc. The Rev. Chris Schwab will officiate with burial to take place at Lakeside Memorial Park, Waupaca, at a later date.

Relatives and friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church after 10 a.m. Tuesday until the time of service.

The Jens Family Funeral Home & Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Harmacek family.