Shearer Genealogy

of Grant County, IN and Mercer County, IL


This Shearer family of Mercer County, Illinois begins with John Shearer and Mary Ann Walter, both of Ohio.  They were married on January 11, 1829 in Guernsey County, Ohio.  In the mid 1830's they moved to Grant County, Indiana then to Mercer County, Illinois by 1855. Nicholas Shearer moved to Illinois in 1851, then returned to Indiana in 1852 to marry Elizabeth McPherren, daughter of James McPherren and Jane Shaw. After marriage, they returned to Mercer County, IL.  In 1885, Nicholas had 160 acres of farmland, free of debt.  John and Mary Shearer moved to Madison County, Iowa, where they died (before 1885). Three sons, Francis, Hugh and William, were in the Civil War. Francis Shearer was in the 102nd Illinois Volunteers and died of measles at Fort Donelson, TN.  Hugh and William were in the 36th Illinois Volunteers and also died of measles in Raleigh, Missouri.  

The Children of Nicholas Shearer and Elizabeth

Child

Born

Location

Married

Spouse

Died

Location

Fannie

Mary C.

Sarah J.

9-1853

Illinois

10-6-1870

Matthew Campbell

10-6-1870

Mercer, IL

Margaret Ann

5-15-1856

Norwood, IL

5-13-1875

John McPherren

9-9-1930

Praire Rose Cem.

Adams, Iowa

John

abt 1859

bef 1882

Researchers:

updated 11-29-01