BRAINARD H. SHEARER.

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         Brainard H. Shearer, editor of the Columbus Gazette, a thriving weekly newspaper of Columbus Junction, was born on a farm near Ida Grove, Iowa, December 15, 1881. His parents were Jacob L. and Laura (Plasterer) Shearer, both of whom were natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. The father was born September 15, 1856, and the mother on November 26th of the same year. They were married in their native state and came to Iowa in 1881, settling at Ida Grove, which has ever since been the family home. They were the parents of five children, namely: Brainard H., of this review; and Bessie, Florence, . . .

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. . . Francis and Harold, all of whom are at home. The paternal grandfather, Henry Shearer, was born and reared in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and resided there for some years after his marriage. Eventually he removed to the west where he lived to a ripe old age. His wife passed away in early womanhood. The maternal grandfather, John Plasterer, lived to be ninety years old.

         After receiving his preliminary education in the district schools Brainard H. Shearer entered the Ida Grove high school, from which he was graduated in 1902. He taught school for two terms and then matriculated at Drake University, where he continued for one year. He was engaged for the next two years in the newspaper business in various parts of the state, gaining practical knowledge both as a writer and manager, which is very important in this line of work. In 1909 he came to Columbus Junction and purchased the Columbus Gazette, to which he has since devoted his attention with excellent results. This paper was established in 1887 by I. O. Jamison, who died in 1908, after which it was managed by his widow for about a year. The Gazette is unique in two respects—it is the only democratic newspaper in the county, and it has the largest circulation of any newspaper in the county.

         Mr. Shearer is a stanch adherent of the principles of the democratic party and ably expresses his views on all questions relating to the state and nation. He is a clear and vigorous writer and also posseses the business qualities so necessary for the successful management of any important enterprise. His religious belief is indicated by membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.