Member Biography

Edward Hertz Shearer 

Seal
Sessions Office Position District Party
1881-1882       11 Democrat
1883-1884       11 Democrat

COUNTIES: Berks  


Biography

01/10/1836 - 04/19/1920


Private Edward H. Shearer (D11) Berks County 1881-84 

Early Life: 

Born January 10, 1836, Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania; son of John Phillippi and Lydia Hertz Shearer; teacher, Berks County schools, eight years; admitted Berks County bar, 1861; attorney, now engaged in his profession, Berks County; married, Cassandra Sarah “Kate” Schoener Shearer, 1861, (d.1889); married, Alice Louise Bingaman Shearer, 1896; elected, city of Reading solicitor, one term; elected, District Attorney, Berks County, 1868-1871, elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 1881-1884; wholesale tobacco store, proprietor, 1893; died April 19, 1920 (aged 84 years, 3month and 9 days) interment Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania.  

Professional titles; business ownership; board memberships; local government; club memberships:

Mason, member, Lodge No.62, Saint John Free and Accepted Masons Lodge No. 435, charter member, held all positions including first Junior Warden then district deputy grand master, 5 years; member Excelsior Chapter No.237 passed through all the chairs and served as high priest; Reading Commandery, past commander.   

Pennsylvania Politics:

City of Reading solicitor, one term; elected, District Attorney, Berks County, 1868-1871. 

Elected, Democrat, Pennsylvania State Senate, 11th district, Berks County 1881-1884, committee assignments, Centennial Affairs, Finance, Insurance, Judiciary, (Special), Public Printing.

Cited: 

 Cox, Harold. "Senate Members S"Wilkes University Election Statistics ProjectWilkes University.

Smull’s Legislative Handbook, (1883). Smull, W.P., (Editor) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pages 764, 770-772, Biographical Sketches of Senators, page 735.

Reading Times (Reading, Pennsylvania) Wednesday April 21, 1920, Page 6.

Pvt Edward H Shearer (1836-1920) - Find a Grave Memorial