Biographical Sketches
CHARLES HAWLEY NEARING
Among the native sons of the Empire State, who have sought homes in the West and become prominent in the various lines of business to which they have turned their attention, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch.
Mr. Nearing was born in New York, on the 20th of December, 1857, and is a representative of one of the old New England families, his ancestors having sailed from Germany to America and taken up their residence in Connecticut in colonial days. The name of the family was originally spelled Nehring. The parents of our subject were Wait Garrett and Ester Jane (Hawley) Nearing, the former a native of New Milford, Connecticut , and the latter of Delaware, N. Y., although descended from one of the old families of the Nutmeg State. Mr. Nearing met his death in 1880, at the age of 55 years, being struck by a tree which he was chopping down. In the family were 2 children - Czar Lamont and our subject.
The latter acquired his education in the district schools near his home until 15 years of age. When a youth of 16 he was employed as teacher of the school where he first began his studies, and after the completion of that engagement he matriculated in Fairfield Academy, of Fairfield, New York, where he pursued a classical course and was graduated in 1879. Immediately thereafter he went to Cooperstown, New York, and entered the law office of Hon. Samuel S. Edick, under whose direction he continued his reading for a few months. In the winter following he returned to his old home and secured a position as teacher in a district school in the adjoining township. The succeeding spring he resumed his studies in Judge Edick's office in Cooperstown, and while he was thus engaged his father died. Not long afterward the home farm was sold and Mr. Nearing wisely used his share of the estate to secure an education. He entered the Columbia Law School in New York city and was graduated at that institution in 1882, with high honors. It was not long after this that he was admitted to the bar and secured a position in the office of Pratt, Geard & Powers, noted attorneys of New York. Here he obtained that experience so necessary as a foundation to successful practice. He was given charge of a large portion of the Rhinelander estate, one of the largest estates in New York, and comprising some of the most valuable property in that locality. To this work he devoted his energies until the spring of 1884, when on account of failing health he was forced to abandon this and took the management of some valuable property in Texas. He remained in the South until the following fall and then came to Kansas City, where he hired desk room in the office of Thomlinson & Dew, and announced to the public that he had come to practice law. For a year he was employed as attorney of the Equitable Mortgage Company, and then abandoned the position to engage in general practice.
In the Fall of 1886 he entered into partnership with W. C. Barry, under the firm name of Nearing & Barry, which connection was continued until the spring of 1890. His next partner was John W. Wofford, and their relation was discontinued on the election of Mr. Wofford as judge of the criminal court. In November, 1893, he entered into partnership with F. W. Griffin, with whom he remained until the 1st of January, 1895, after which time he was alone until March, when he formed a partnership with Hon. Almerin Gillett, under the firm name of Gillett & Nearing.
He is a man of high legal attainments and pronounced business ability. He certainly deserves to be ranked among the foremost lawyers in this part of the state. He is a good judge of law, and, what is of almost equal importance, a good judge of men; and it was this quality, together with his earnestness and ability as a speaker that has given him marked success in many jury cases. At the bar he has attained success, and among all with whom he has come in contact he has made many warm personal friends. He is a Master Mason and in politics is an active republican.
Mr. Nearing has been twice married. In August, 1889, he wedded Miss Elba Reese, daughter of Morgan Reese, of New York. She was a most cultured lady, a fine scholar and skilled musician, and her many graces of character made her loved by all who knew her. She died on the 7th of August, 1890, leaving an infant son. On the 20th of September, 1893, Mr. Nearing led to the marriage altar Miss Anna Atwill, daughter of Bishop Edward R. Atwill, a most eminent divine of the Protestant Episcopal church, and bishop of the diocese of West Missouri. Mrs. Nearing is a lady of charming personality, and with her little son is a most welcome addition to the Nearing household.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.