SHEARER IS DEAD
Former Lettuce King Passes On After Lengthy Illness
WAS A NATIONAL FIGURE
Orchards Resident Established Great Produce Industry
Ardent Writer On Varied Subjects
William S. Shearer, 66, book salesman who turned his unusual energetic mind to scientific agriculture pursuits and at one time had a nationwide reputation as a "lettuce king," passed away yesterday morning at a hospital at Orofino after a long illness.
Mr. Shearer, who had b been an invalid for several years t his home in Lewiston Orchards, recently underwent a major operation at a Lewiston hospital.
A permanent resident of Lewiston Orchards since 1913, Mr. Shearer's many enterprises directed national attention to Lewiston Orchards and Lewiston.
He was active in agriculture and business affairs until forced to relinquish on account of illness and even then continued to contribute many articles to newspapers and magazines.
William S. Shearer was born On Jan. 16, 1870, on a farm in Waynes County, Ky., where he received a common school education and pursued a business college course, but was largely self-educated. He was a writer of no mean ability and among his contributions was "Pedigrees and Other things," in which he said:
Fighting Ancestors
"I am a dirt farmer with a pedigree--a fighting pedigree. My Great-great grandfather, William Tarleton Taylor, of London County, Wa., went through the Revolutionary War, fought like a trojan for liberty, and won.
My great-grandfather, Levi Tarleton Taylor, went to Kentucky with Daniel Boone and fought to conquer the forests, and won.
My grandfather, Joseph Hamilton Taylor, fought against poverty in Kentucky and won because when died he left 1,000 acres of good land to his children and grandchildren." This property, Mr. Shearer said, remained in the family.
"My father, coming from the opposite branch of the family, was a minister and fought the devil," Mr. Shearer wrote, "but his success was not so great as that of my ancestors, but did run the devil across the river into an adjoining county. These ancestors have transmitted to their grandchildren and children, some of this fighting spirit."
At Dallas, Texas in 1894, Mr. Shearer became associated with Ginn & Co., and in 1902 with Newsom & Co., both textbook publishers.
In 1911, while on a business trip to Lewiston, Mr. Shearer, who suffered from an asthmatic ailment, found his condition greatly relieved during his stay. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer then determined to make their home in the orchards and erected a home on Bryden Avenue.
Soon after they went to New York City and remained a year and a half and in 1913 returned to make the Orchards their permanent place of residence.
Father of Lettuce Industry
The growing of head lettuce was virtually unknown in this section until Mr. Shearer began experimenting, thereby initiating a movement that spread to many parts of the United States. After several years of arduous work, Mr. Shearer perfected methods of growing lettuce and proceeded to extend his operations. The tract in the Lewiston Orchards was insufficient in size to meet the heavy demand for "Shearer's Lettuce," and other residents of the district were encouraged to promote its growth.
The first carload shipment of lettuce from the Orchards was in 1917 and the peak was reached in 1923 when the Cherrylanes Company, of which Mr. Shearer was the prime mover, shipped 525 train cars.
This also represented shipments offered to the organization by others. More than 200 acres were planted with lettuce.
Founded Cherrylanes
At the height of his career in the lettuce industry, Mr. Shearer, with a desire to enhance the reputation of the Lewiston area by supplying quality products to the world, launched a project for growing lettuce at Fir Bluff, which he termed Cherrylanes, about 18 miles east of Lewiston on the Clearwater River.
The growth of a special type of onions in Burmuda was another of his projects, and he also proposed to establish a winter colony on the islands for residents of the Orchards.
The decline of the demand for lettuce after 1925 was in the offing. Some of the causes have since been removed with the prospect of a fair revival of the industry here, Mr.shearer maintained. The early success of the industry in Lewiston Orchards was attributed solely to the energetic efforts of Mr. Shearer and later of other growers joining the movement.
A great believer in newspaper advertising Mr. Shearer publicized his products in many parts of the world and the demand grew accordingly.
At the Zenith of his career, Mr. Shearer's health started to decline and he was forced to forego the great strain on his system.
He then turned to study the use of specially prepared cereals to replace coffee and for health foods, which he termed "natural," and other foodstuffs for general use. In this, he was successful until his health became so frail he could carry on no longer on the scale which he intended. He maintained offices in Lewiston and Spokane.
Fought Fertilizers
Several ambitious publications were part of his life in later years. He inaugurated a campaign nationally in scope against the use of chemical fertilizers, claiming they poisoned fruit and vegetables. He compiled and sought to publish a book, "Lost Trails," dealing with the national problems, including the liquor traffic.
Mr.Shearer was a member of the Christian Church, had been active in the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias. During his many year's residence in the Orchards, he was a leader in community organizations.
Mr. Shearer leaves his wife, Rose Shearer, and three brothers; Marcus Shearer and Wayne Shearer, Sherman, Texas, and Ewell B. Shearer, Denver, Colo.
Another brother Isaac Shearer died recently in Denver.
His marriage to Miss Rose Scott was solemnized Aug. 10, 1890, at Dallas. They had both taught school in Texas.
Lewiston Tribune Thursday, January 23, 1936 pg. 14
Former Lettuce King Passes On After Lengthy Illness
WAS A NATIONAL FIGURE
Orchards Resident Established Great Produce Industry
Ardent Writer On Varied Subjects
William S. Shearer, 66, book salesman who turned his unusual energetic mind to scientific agriculture pursuits and at one time had a nationwide reputation as a "lettuce king," passed away yesterday morning at a hospital at Orofino after a long illness.
Mr. Shearer, who had b been an invalid for several years t his home in Lewiston Orchards, recently underwent a major operation at a Lewiston hospital.
A permanent resident of Lewiston Orchards since 1913, Mr. Shearer's many enterprises directed national attention to Lewiston Orchards and Lewiston.
He was active in agriculture and business affairs until forced to relinquish on account of illness and even then continued to contribute many articles to newspapers and magazines.
William S. Shearer was born On Jan. 16, 1870, on a farm in Waynes County, Ky., where he received a common school education and pursued a business college course, but was largely self-educated. He was a writer of no mean ability and among his contributions was "Pedigrees and Other things," in which he said:
Fighting Ancestors
"I am a dirt farmer with a pedigree--a fighting pedigree. My Great-great grandfather, William Tarleton Taylor, of London County, Wa., went through the Revolutionary War, fought like a trojan for liberty, and won.
My great-grandfather, Levi Tarleton Taylor, went to Kentucky with Daniel Boone and fought to conquer the forests, and won.
My grandfather, Joseph Hamilton Taylor, fought against poverty in Kentucky and won because when died he left 1,000 acres of good land to his children and grandchildren." This property, Mr. Shearer said, remained in the family.
"My father, coming from the opposite branch of the family, was a minister and fought the devil," Mr. Shearer wrote, "but his success was not so great as that of my ancestors, but did run the devil across the river into an adjoining county. These ancestors have transmitted to their grandchildren and children, some of this fighting spirit."
At Dallas, Texas in 1894, Mr. Shearer became associated with Ginn & Co., and in 1902 with Newsom & Co., both textbook publishers.
In 1911, while on a business trip to Lewiston, Mr. Shearer, who suffered from an asthmatic ailment, found his condition greatly relieved during his stay. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer then determined to make their home in the orchards and erected a home on Bryden Avenue.
Soon after they went to New York City and remained a year and a half and in 1913 returned to make the Orchards their permanent place of residence.
Father of Lettuce Industry
The growing of head lettuce was virtually unknown in this section until Mr. Shearer began experimenting, thereby initiating a movement that spread to many parts of the United States. After several years of arduous work, Mr. Shearer perfected methods of growing lettuce and proceeded to extend his operations. The tract in the Lewiston Orchards was insufficient in size to meet the heavy demand for "Shearer's Lettuce," and other residents of the district were encouraged to promote its growth.
The first carload shipment of lettuce from the Orchards was in 1917 and the peak was reached in 1923 when the Cherrylanes Company, of which Mr. Shearer was the prime mover, shipped 525 train cars.
This also represented shipments offered to the organization by others. More than 200 acres were planted with lettuce.
Founded Cherrylanes
At the height of his career in the lettuce industry, Mr. Shearer, with a desire to enhance the reputation of the Lewiston area by supplying quality products to the world, launched a project for growing lettuce at Fir Bluff, which he termed Cherrylanes, about 18 miles east of Lewiston on the Clearwater River.
The growth of a special type of onions in Burmuda was another of his projects, and he also proposed to establish a winter colony on the islands for residents of the Orchards.
The decline of the demand for lettuce after 1925 was in the offing. Some of the causes have since been removed with the prospect of a fair revival of the industry here, Mr.shearer maintained. The early success of the industry in Lewiston Orchards was attributed solely to the energetic efforts of Mr. Shearer and later of other growers joining the movement.
A great believer in newspaper advertising Mr. Shearer publicized his products in many parts of the world and the demand grew accordingly.
At the Zenith of his career, Mr. Shearer's health started to decline and he was forced to forego the great strain on his system.
He then turned to study the use of specially prepared cereals to replace coffee and for health foods, which he termed "natural," and other foodstuffs for general use. In this, he was successful until his health became so frail he could carry on no longer on the scale which he intended. He maintained offices in Lewiston and Spokane.
Fought Fertilizers
Several ambitious publications were part of his life in later years. He inaugurated a campaign nationally in scope against the use of chemical fertilizers, claiming they poisoned fruit and vegetables. He compiled and sought to publish a book, "Lost Trails," dealing with the national problems, including the liquor traffic.
Mr.Shearer was a member of the Christian Church, had been active in the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias. During his many year's residence in the Orchards, he was a leader in community organizations.
Mr. Shearer leaves his wife, Rose Shearer, and three brothers; Marcus Shearer and Wayne Shearer, Sherman, Texas, and Ewell B. Shearer, Denver, Colo.
Another brother Isaac Shearer died recently in Denver.
His marriage to Miss Rose Scott was solemnized Aug. 10, 1890, at Dallas. They had both taught school in Texas.
Lewiston Tribune Thursday, January 23, 1936 pg. 14
SHEARER IS DEAD
Former Lettuce King Passes On After Lengthy Illness
WAS A NATIONAL FIGURE
Orchards Resident Established Great Produce Industry
Ardent Writer On Varied Subjects
William S. Shearer, 66, book salesman who turned his unusual energetic mind to scientific agriculture pursuits and at one time had a nationwide reputation as a "lettuce king," passed away yesterday morning at a hospital at Orofino after a long illness.
Mr. Shearer, who had b been an invalid for several years t his home in Lewiston Orchards, recently underwent a major operation at a Lewiston hospital.
A permanent resident of Lewiston Orchards since 1913, Mr. Shearer's many enterprises directed national attention to Lewiston Orchards and Lewiston.
He was active in agriculture and business affairs until forced to relinquish on account of illness and even then continued to contribute many articles to newspapers and magazines.
William S. Shearer was born On Jan. 16, 1870, on a farm in Waynes County, Ky., where he received a common school education and pursued a business college course, but was largely self-educated. He was a writer of no mean ability and among his contributions was "Pedigrees and Other things," in which he said:
Fighting Ancestors
"I am a dirt farmer with a pedigree--a fighting pedigree. My Great-great grandfather, William Tarleton Taylor, of London County, Wa., went through the Revolutionary War, fought like a trojan for liberty, and won.
My great-grandfather, Levi Tarleton Taylor, went to Kentucky with Daniel Boone and fought to conquer the forests, and won.
My grandfather, Joseph Hamilton Taylor, fought against poverty in Kentucky and won because when died he left 1,000 acres of good land to his children and grandchildren." This property, Mr. Shearer said, remained in the family.
"My father, coming from the opposite branch of the family, was a minister and fought the devil," Mr. Shearer wrote, "but his success was not so great as that of my ancestors, but did run the devil across the river into an adjoining county. These ancestors have transmitted to their grandchildren and children, some of this fighting spirit."
At Dallas, Texas in 1894, Mr. Shearer became associated with Ginn & Co., and in 1902 with Newsom & Co., both textbook publishers.
In 1911, while on a business trip to Lewiston, Mr. Shearer, who suffered from an asthmatic ailment, found his condition greatly relieved during his stay. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer then determined to make their home in the orchards and erected a home on Bryden Avenue.
Soon after they went to New York City and remained a year and a half and in 1913 returned to make the Orchards their permanent place of residence.
Father of Lettuce Industry
The growing of head lettuce was virtually unknown in this section until Mr. Shearer began experimenting, thereby initiating a movement that spread to many parts of the United States. After several years of arduous work, Mr. Shearer perfected methods of growing lettuce and proceeded to extend his operations. The tract in the Lewiston Orchards was insufficient in size to meet the heavy demand for "Shearer's Lettuce," and other residents of the district were encouraged to promote its growth.
The first carload shipment of lettuce from the Orchards was in 1917 and the peak was reached in 1923 when the Cherrylanes Company, of which Mr. Shearer was the prime mover, shipped 525 train cars.
This also represented shipments offered to the organization by others. More than 200 acres were planted with lettuce.
Founded Cherrylanes
At the height of his career in the lettuce industry, Mr. Shearer, with a desire to enhance the reputation of the Lewiston area by supplying quality products to the world, launched a project for growing lettuce at Fir Bluff, which he termed Cherrylanes, about 18 miles east of Lewiston on the Clearwater River.
The growth of a special type of onions in Burmuda was another of his projects, and he also proposed to establish a winter colony on the islands for residents of the Orchards.
The decline of the demand for lettuce after 1925 was in the offing. Some of the causes have since been removed with the prospect of a fair revival of the industry here, Mr.shearer maintained. The early success of the industry in Lewiston Orchards was attributed solely to the energetic efforts of Mr. Shearer and later of other growers joining the movement.
A great believer in newspaper advertising Mr. Shearer publicized his products in many parts of the world and the demand grew accordingly.
At the Zenith of his career, Mr. Shearer's health started to decline and he was forced to forego the great strain on his system.
He then turned to study the use of specially prepared cereals to replace coffee and for health foods, which he termed "natural," and other foodstuffs for general use. In this, he was successful until his health became so frail he could carry on no longer on the scale which he intended. He maintained offices in Lewiston and Spokane.
Fought Fertilizers
Several ambitious publications were part of his life in later years. He inaugurated a campaign nationally in scope against the use of chemical fertilizers, claiming they poisoned fruit and vegetables. He compiled and sought to publish a book, "Lost Trails," dealing with the national problems, including the liquor traffic.
Mr.Shearer was a member of the Christian Church, had been active in the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias. During his many year's residence in the Orchards, he was a leader in community organizations.
Mr. Shearer leaves his wife, Rose Shearer, and three brothers; Marcus Shearer and Wayne Shearer, Sherman, Texas, and Ewell B. Shearer, Denver, Colo.
Another brother Isaac Shearer died recently in Denver.
His marriage to Miss Rose Scott was solemnized Aug. 10, 1890, at Dallas. They had both taught school in Texas.
Lewiston Tribune Thursday, January 23, 1936 pg. 14
Former Lettuce King Passes On After Lengthy Illness
WAS A NATIONAL FIGURE
Orchards Resident Established Great Produce Industry
Ardent Writer On Varied Subjects
William S. Shearer, 66, book salesman who turned his unusual energetic mind to scientific agriculture pursuits and at one time had a nationwide reputation as a "lettuce king," passed away yesterday morning at a hospital at Orofino after a long illness.
Mr. Shearer, who had b been an invalid for several years t his home in Lewiston Orchards, recently underwent a major operation at a Lewiston hospital.
A permanent resident of Lewiston Orchards since 1913, Mr. Shearer's many enterprises directed national attention to Lewiston Orchards and Lewiston.
He was active in agriculture and business affairs until forced to relinquish on account of illness and even then continued to contribute many articles to newspapers and magazines.
William S. Shearer was born On Jan. 16, 1870, on a farm in Waynes County, Ky., where he received a common school education and pursued a business college course, but was largely self-educated. He was a writer of no mean ability and among his contributions was "Pedigrees and Other things," in which he said:
Fighting Ancestors
"I am a dirt farmer with a pedigree--a fighting pedigree. My Great-great grandfather, William Tarleton Taylor, of London County, Wa., went through the Revolutionary War, fought like a trojan for liberty, and won.
My great-grandfather, Levi Tarleton Taylor, went to Kentucky with Daniel Boone and fought to conquer the forests, and won.
My grandfather, Joseph Hamilton Taylor, fought against poverty in Kentucky and won because when died he left 1,000 acres of good land to his children and grandchildren." This property, Mr. Shearer said, remained in the family.
"My father, coming from the opposite branch of the family, was a minister and fought the devil," Mr. Shearer wrote, "but his success was not so great as that of my ancestors, but did run the devil across the river into an adjoining county. These ancestors have transmitted to their grandchildren and children, some of this fighting spirit."
At Dallas, Texas in 1894, Mr. Shearer became associated with Ginn & Co., and in 1902 with Newsom & Co., both textbook publishers.
In 1911, while on a business trip to Lewiston, Mr. Shearer, who suffered from an asthmatic ailment, found his condition greatly relieved during his stay. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer then determined to make their home in the orchards and erected a home on Bryden Avenue.
Soon after they went to New York City and remained a year and a half and in 1913 returned to make the Orchards their permanent place of residence.
Father of Lettuce Industry
The growing of head lettuce was virtually unknown in this section until Mr. Shearer began experimenting, thereby initiating a movement that spread to many parts of the United States. After several years of arduous work, Mr. Shearer perfected methods of growing lettuce and proceeded to extend his operations. The tract in the Lewiston Orchards was insufficient in size to meet the heavy demand for "Shearer's Lettuce," and other residents of the district were encouraged to promote its growth.
The first carload shipment of lettuce from the Orchards was in 1917 and the peak was reached in 1923 when the Cherrylanes Company, of which Mr. Shearer was the prime mover, shipped 525 train cars.
This also represented shipments offered to the organization by others. More than 200 acres were planted with lettuce.
Founded Cherrylanes
At the height of his career in the lettuce industry, Mr. Shearer, with a desire to enhance the reputation of the Lewiston area by supplying quality products to the world, launched a project for growing lettuce at Fir Bluff, which he termed Cherrylanes, about 18 miles east of Lewiston on the Clearwater River.
The growth of a special type of onions in Burmuda was another of his projects, and he also proposed to establish a winter colony on the islands for residents of the Orchards.
The decline of the demand for lettuce after 1925 was in the offing. Some of the causes have since been removed with the prospect of a fair revival of the industry here, Mr.shearer maintained. The early success of the industry in Lewiston Orchards was attributed solely to the energetic efforts of Mr. Shearer and later of other growers joining the movement.
A great believer in newspaper advertising Mr. Shearer publicized his products in many parts of the world and the demand grew accordingly.
At the Zenith of his career, Mr. Shearer's health started to decline and he was forced to forego the great strain on his system.
He then turned to study the use of specially prepared cereals to replace coffee and for health foods, which he termed "natural," and other foodstuffs for general use. In this, he was successful until his health became so frail he could carry on no longer on the scale which he intended. He maintained offices in Lewiston and Spokane.
Fought Fertilizers
Several ambitious publications were part of his life in later years. He inaugurated a campaign nationally in scope against the use of chemical fertilizers, claiming they poisoned fruit and vegetables. He compiled and sought to publish a book, "Lost Trails," dealing with the national problems, including the liquor traffic.
Mr.Shearer was a member of the Christian Church, had been active in the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias. During his many year's residence in the Orchards, he was a leader in community organizations.
Mr. Shearer leaves his wife, Rose Shearer, and three brothers; Marcus Shearer and Wayne Shearer, Sherman, Texas, and Ewell B. Shearer, Denver, Colo.
Another brother Isaac Shearer died recently in Denver.
His marriage to Miss Rose Scott was solemnized Aug. 10, 1890, at Dallas. They had both taught school in Texas.
Lewiston Tribune Thursday, January 23, 1936 pg. 14
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
