GEORGE SPEARS, farmer; P. O. Tallula; son of George and Mary (Neely) Spears; was born in Green Co., Ky., March 9, 1805; where his parents settled in an early day, and improved a large tract of land; George was raised upon a farm, and received a good common schooling. Aug.. 19,1824, he married Miss Maria W. daughter of James and Mary (Stringer) Blankenship, in the following September; came to Illinois with his parents, locating where George now lives, buying a large tract of land. His father died here April 16, 1838, at the ripe old age of 74, his mother survived until Jan 26, 1852, when she finished a useful career of 96 years. The subject of this sketch has bought and improved a large tract of land - some three thousand acres; he burned the brick and built his present residence in 1829, in which he has since resided; at that time, this was the second brick building in the territory which now constitutes Sangamon, Menard, Mason, Logan and part of Cass Co., here Mr. Spears has lived a long and prosperous life, and raised a family of five - Mary C. (now Mrs. Wm. T. Beckman), William N. (deceased), John Q., Henry C. (deceased) and Elizabeth F. (now Mrs. George C. Spears). Mr. and Mrs. Spears celebrated their golden wedding Aug. 19, 1874, with a large attendance of the pioneers, friends and relatives. Mrs. Spears died June 23, 1878, beloved by friends and relatives, and respected by all who knew her. Mr. Spears still owns a large tract of land, and resides upon the homestead where he has lived for upward of half a century; he is yet hale and hearty, and lives to see the usefulness and prosperity of his children.