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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JOHN ZEAR, of Oskaloosa, was born near Strasburg, France, Jan. 21, 1833. When eight years old he came to America with his parents, locating in Wayne County, Ohio, where be grew to manhood. When fourteen or fifteen years old he was put to work in the flooringmill, and continued in that business until the year 1850, when he came to Henry County, Iowa, where he followed farmimg for three years. Disposing of his farm he again entered the mill, and since 1856 has been continously engaged in that business. In 1857 he went to Van Buren County, Iowa, and took charge of a mill. Mr Zear was married at Agency City, Wapello Co., Iowa, in 1859, to Miss Mary E. Small. To them have been born six children, three living: Emma, born Oct. 22, 1866; William Guy, July 19, 1870, and Thomas, March 24, 1872. In 1868 our subject came to Oskaloosa and took charge of the Glendale Mills, remaining in charge until they were moved to Oskaloosa in the fall of 1884, when he came and took charge of them and has occupied that position since. Mr. Zear is a practical miller and thoroughly posted in all the details of the business. Politically he is a Republican, casting his first vote for Fremont in 1856, and has voted and acted with that party ever since. He is a quiet and unassuming citizen, a man whose character is above reproach, and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow-men.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy