Edythe "Eda" Lewis, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, about 1880.

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.

Probably Frank Lear, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, about 1900.

Edith Lewis, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, about 1900.

Edith Lewis and Bertha Thiel, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, about 1905.

Bertha Thiel, likely a friend of Edythe "Eda" Lewis, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, ca. 1903. She was born February, 1883, in Wisconsin, and died 1915 in Wisconsin at about age 33. Buried in Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, New London, Waupaca Co., WI. She married Herman Charles Roos (born September 16, 1880, in Germany; died August 22, 1942, in New London, Waupaca Co., WI), and had a daughter, Mildred Henriette  (Roos) Rubbert (1911 - 2007). Bertha is the daughter of Christian Friedrich "Christ" Thiel Jr. of Mulkintine, Preussen, Germany (born November 27, 1844), and Ernestina Friedrike Wilhelmine Backhaus/Bacchaus of Darz, Preussen, Germany. Lived in Royaton, Waupaca Co., WI, in 1900. Lived in Lebanon Twp., Waupaca Co., WI, in 1905.

Edythe "Eda" Lewis, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, ca. 1903.

Edythe "Eda" Lewis and Frank Arthur Lear

Edythe "Eda" Lewis, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, 1905.

Frank Arthur Lear, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI.

Edythe "Eda" (Lewis) Lear, George R. Hanson, and Mamie Hanson, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, about 1906. George R. Hanson was a Bartender who remained unmarried and lived with his widowed mother for many years, finally marrying in his 50s. Mamie Hanson remains a mystery.

The Waupaca Post, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, July 25, 1907

Mrs. C. B. Barnes, of Division Street, passed away on Sunday last, after an illness of more than a year, at the advanced age of nearly seventy-five years. She was a native of New Hampshire, and was married to Benj. C. Lear, in 1849. They moved to Berlin in the fifties, and lived there until after Mr. Lear's death, in 1883, when he was drowned in the Colorado River, where he was doing work as a mining engineer. Of this union six children were born, of whom four are still living. They are: F. A. Lear of this city, Mrs. Effie Burdick of Park Rapids, Minn.; Mrs. Viola Douglas of Seattle, and Mrs. Ella Allerton of Grand Rapids. In 1885, Mrs. Lear married C.B. Barnes, and soon afterward moved to Fremont, living there for some years and then going to Omro, from which place they moved here about three years ago. The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. A.T. Erickson officiating, and the interment at Lakeview cemetery.

The Waupaca Republican, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, July 26, 1907

Lucy A. Barnes, wife of C.H. Barnes, died Sunday morning at 2:30 aged 75 years in Sept. Decedent's maiden name was Lucy Towne, was born in Londonderry, N.H. came to Wisconsin in 1854 settling first in Berlin. Her first husband's name was Benjamin Lear by whom she had six children four of whom are living, Frank A. of this city, Mrs. Viola Douglas, Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Effie Burdick, Park Rapids, Min., and Mrs. E.M. Allerton, Grand Rapids, Wis. There is a son, George, in the west, not known whether he is living. Married Mr. C.B. Barnes about twenty years ago and resided in Fremont and Omro for many years until removing to this city about three years ago. She was a devoted wife and mother, well beloved by all who knew her for her excellent traits of character. She was a member of the ladies of the G.A.R., and a year ago attended the National Encampment at Minneapolis with her husband. An internal tumerous affliction had troubled her considerably for about three years, from which she could get no positive cure and she was a great sufferer, but always so hopeful and uncomplaining. The funeral was held from the home on Division Street I this city Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. A.T. Erickson officiating. Interment at Lake View cemetery. The children from away present were Mrs. Burdick and Mrs. Allerton. Also of Mr. Barnes' relatives present were a brother, Erastus Barnes of Springfield, Mass., also a niece, Mrs. Lapham and two daughters Mable and Ault of the Wis. Veterans' Home and B.M. Barnes and wife of this city besides other friends and neighbors. Mr. Barnes and the children desire to thank the many friends in city and vicinity for their kindness on this sad occasion.

Frank Arthur Lear, Lloyd Lewis Lear, and Edythe "Eda" (Lewis) Lear, Waupaca, Waupaca Co., WI, 1907.

Shown below is the Draft Registration Card for Frank Arthur Lear

Lloyd, Naomi and Herbert Lear, about 1916

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

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. 

The Manitowoc Herald-Times, Manitowoc, WI, Saturday, April 11, 1942

Lear – Harmacek Nuptials Are Read Today

Exchanging vows and rings at a ceremony at the First Methodist church at Waupaca at 2 o’clock this afternoon, Miss Naomi L. Lear of this city, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Lear of Waupaca, and Frank J. Harmacek, son of Mrs. Anna Harmacek, 1401 South 11^th street, were married by the Rev. Edward H. Langdon. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Lear, the bride’s brother and sister-in-law, were the only attendants. The bride wore a redingote of white woll crepe with a sweetheart hat of white violets. She carried a bouquet of gardenias and white roses. Mrs. Lear wore a blue frock and carried a bouquet of souvenir roses. C. H. Peterson of Menasha, uncle of the bride, was soloist at the ceremony. He sang “Calm as the Night” and “O Promise Me.” A reception is being held at the home of the bride’s parents in Waupaca this afternoon. Members of the two families and a few intimate friends were the only guests. After a wedding trip through the southern states, Mr. Harmacek and his bride will be at home after May 1^st at 526 South 30^th street in this city. Mr. Harmacek is field man for the Pure Milk Products Cooperative. 

Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, Thursday, April 16, 1942

Miss Naomi Gear Becomes Bride of Frank Harmacek

Announcement has been made of the Marriage of Naomi D. Gear. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gear of Waupaca, and Frank J. Harmacek of Manitowoc. The wedding took place on Saturday, April 11, at the First Methodist church in Waupaca. Mr. Harmacek formerly lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harmacek south of Milladore, but is now employed as a state milk tester. The couple will make their home at Manitowoc.

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.

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.

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.

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 Spring, Md.; and four step-grandchildren. 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.

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.