JOHN SPEAR, retired farmer, Platteville; was born Sept. 25, 1806, in Little Petherick, Cornwall, England; in early life he served an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner; going to London, he worked fourteen years at his trade. In this metropolis of the world, he also married Anne Roberts, who was of Probus Parish, Cornwall; both their children, John R. and Annie R. were born in London. The family came to America and to Platteville in 1851; the journey from New York was a long and tedious one, via the Hudson River and great lakes to Milwaukee; they first located on the present farm of William Rundell; remained two years, then came to Platteville and spent a couple of years; then for six years they were on a farm in British Hollow, town of Potosi; afterward they resided and farmed in the towns of Lancaster and Benton; in March, 1876, the ill health of young Spear caused the final removal and settlement of the family in Platteville; they still own a considerable amount of land in this county. Mr. Spear, Sr., made a most enjoyable visit to his native land in the fall of 1880, and takes pleasure in describing the progress and power of Merry England, as well as the changes made in thirty years.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.