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			JOSEPH J. AND HARRIET (SERVISS)  SHEARER

	Joseph J. Shearer was born in Arcadia, Wayne Co., N.Y., May 19, 1832.  His parents, 
Jonathan and Christiana Shearer, were both natives of Massachusetts, and were of Scotch and 
English ancestry.  They removed to Wayne Co., N.Y., in 1824, and thence, in 1836, to Plymouth, 
Wayne Co., Mich.  The male members of the family have been noted for mental ability, fine 
presence, and longevity.  The grandfather of Joseph Shearer was one of eight brothers who 
averaged six feet in height and two hundred pounds in weight.  When the youngest was over sixty 
years of age they walked to church together, still stalwart men.  His father entered largely 
into public affairs, and held many offices of trust in both county and State.
	Being exceedingly desirous to give his son a liberal education, he placed him at an early
age in Plymouth Academy where he acquired a fair knowledge of English branches.  His teacher, 
though an excellent scholar, had no knowledge of the practical affairs of life, and Joseph 
Shearer became so impatient of knowlege gained from books alone that he found the restraints of 
the school-room unbearable.  He was very fond of outdoor sports, especially hunting in the 
forest, where nature from the very impressiveness of its silence moulded and strengthened his 
undeveloped mind.  His education since then has been largely derived from careful reading and the
observation of human nature in an active life among his fellow-men. When quite young he showed 
marked ability in trafficking.  He came to Montcalm County, where he endeavored to purchase a 
piece of land which attracted his attention, offering in exchange his gun and watch, which were 
his sole possessions.  The offer was accepted on condition that the gun would probe true.  The 
gun, which had never failed the owner before, did not fail him now.  Three shots were fired so 
accurately that the balls leaded into one.  The barter was accomplished, and the property 
afterwards proved valuable, being situated in the business part of the main street of Greenville.
It is now covered with fine brick buildings.
	Jan. 24, 1852, he left Greenville for California, where he spent three years engaged in 
placer-mining.  He introduced and erected the first hydraulic power for mining purposes ever used
in that State.  In 1855 he returned to Greenville and engaged successfully in mercantile and 
lumber business, farming, and building.  He was a charter member of the First National Bank at 
Greenville, and was elected and re-elected its president.  He also held other important offices 
in the city.  He became a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1859.  Mr. Shearer is noted for 
his earnest desire to assist the deserving, and for his public spirit.  He first became 
interested in politics in 1856, and is a strong believer in "Squatter Sovereignty," but never 
allows his peculiar views to make him blind in error.  He endeavors to give his hearty support 
to the best man.  He was married May 10, 1856, to Harriet Serviss.  They have two daughters,
--Armie, born July 12, 1859, and Ettie, born March 3, 1861.



This biography is taken from "HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICHIGAN" 
by John S. Schenck. Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co., 1881.  Pages 394-5. City of Greenville.