David SHEARER

Descendants of :

David SHEARER

Generation 1

1. David SHEARER was born 07 Nov 1850 in Orkney Islands, Scotland, son of Peter SHEARER and Mary Ann KIRKNESS, and died 15 Oct 1936 in Mannum SA. He married Mary Elizabeth WILLIAMS 28 Feb 1883 in Adelaide, SA. She was born 23 Sep 1855 in London, England and died 11 Jul 1931 in Mannum, SA, daughter of Charles WILLIAMS.

Other events in the life of David SHEARER
Immigration: 1852, Omega
Appointment: 1913, appointed one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace.
Brother to: John SHEARER

Children of David SHEARER and Mary Elizabeth WILLIAMS:
i. 2. Crawford Beaumont SHEARER was born 10 Dec 1883 in Mannum, SA and died 24 Jun 1963 in Mannum, SA
ii. 3. Murray Darwin SHEARER was born 23 Sep 1885 in Mannum, SA and died 21 Nov 1967 in Mannum, SA
iii. 4. Maggie Florence SHEARER was born 09 Nov 1887 in Mannum, SA and died 06 Oct 1968 in Mannum, SA

Generation 2

2. Crawford Beaumont SHEARER was born 10 Dec 1883 in Mannum, SA and died 24 Jun 1963 in Mannum, SA. He married Marguerita Lucy BUERMANN 03 Dec 1910 in Christ Church, Mt Barker SA. She was born 09 Jun 1889 in Mt Barker, SA and died 29 Jun 1963 in Adelaide, SA, daughter of Charles Wilhelm BUERMANN and Eva PALTRIDGE.

Other events in the life of Crawford Beaumont SHEARER
Occupation: 1953, David Shearer Ltd

Children of Crawford Beaumont SHEARER and Marguerita Lucy BUERMANN:
i. David Charles SHEARER was born 29 Oct 1911 in Mannum, SA and died 06 Apr 1998
ii. Margaret Crawford (Peggy) SHEARER was born 22 Aug 1915 in Mannum, SA and died 02 Apr 1996. She married Alexander Forbes SAGE Mar 1943. He was born 06 Jul 1911 in Port Lincoln, SA and died 22 Apr 1993 in Adelaide Hospital, SA, son of Charles SAGE.

3. Murray Darwin SHEARER was born 23 Sep 1885 in Mannum, SA and died 21 Nov 1967 in Mannum, SA. He married Lucy Marie WATSON 21 Nov 1914 in Adelaide, SA. She was born 05 Jan 1891 in Plympton, SA and died 04 Sep 1973 in Glenelg, SA, daughter of Harry WATSON.

Children of Murray Darwin SHEARER and Lucy Marie WATSON:
i. Benjamin Watson SHEARER was born 06 Sep 1915 in North Unley, SA and died 08 Jan 1943 in Middle East (Flying battle)
ii. Robert Watson SHEARER was born 18 Oct 1916 in North Unley, SA and died 20 Dec 1997
iii. Peter Watson SHEARER was born 17 Oct 1921 in Mannum, SA and died 29 May 2000

4. Maggie Florence SHEARER was born 09 Nov 1887 in Mannum, SA and died 06 Oct 1968 in Mannum, SA. She married Frank Ormsby CLINDENING 10 Jul 1916 in Adelaide, SA. He was born 07 Nov 1894 in East Adelaide, SA and died 08 Dec 1966.

Last updated : 18 Feb 2025

[1914] March 3. — International Latitude Station. — Mr. G. F. Dodwell, of the Adelaide Observatory(Government Meteorologist of S.A.), has spent a week in Mannum in connection with the latitude station at Mannum, and he has supplied the following particulars with regard to his visit: —The question of variations in the parallels of latitude (first discovered in 1882. and caused probably through the oscillation of the earth's surface), has been made an international subject, and taken up extensively in America and on the Continent, The Adelaide Observatory authorities have agreed to become one of many similar international latitude stations, to go into the subject of determining these variations. It has been found that the same parallel of latitude which passes through Buenos Ayres in the Argentine Republic, South America, crosses South Australia at somewhere near Mannum, and it is to discover as nearly as possible, this question of variation that Mr. Dodwell has been engaged upon here during the past week. Owing to better atmospheric conditions than Adelaide, the city authorities have decided to make Mannum the International Latitude Station, and future observations will be made from here. Mr. David Shearer, who has for years past made astronomy his favorite hobby, and who possesses a powerful telescope, has kindly consented to place his instrument and observatory at the disposal of the authorities, who have taken advantage of his generous offer, and for reasons above stated will make Mannum the S.A. station in lieu of Adelaide. Mr. Dolwell returned to the city on Saturday, and in future will visit Mannum periodically.

Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1954), Friday 13 March 1914, page 4

OBITUARY Mr. David Shearer

The death took place at Mannum on October 16, following a very short illness, of Mr. David Shearer, at the age of 85, a very well-known resident of Mannum, and a member of the firm of David Shearer & Co., Ltd., whose farming implements are widely known in this State and in other parts of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Shearer was born in the Orkney Island. In 1852 the family sailed in the Omega for South Australia. After being in business at Rice's Creek in 1874 he sold out and joined his brother at Mannum in 1877, and they decided to manufacture farming implements. To meet the needs of the district, which was heavily timbered with mallee and pines, they produced grubbing machines, ploughs, and harrows. In 1884 the firm began the manufacture of stump jump ploughs and then followed strippers and the Shearer plough shares.

In 1885 Mr. Shearer, as a hobby, began the study of horseless carriages and his experiments extended over 13 years. The vehicle, which was steam driven, caused a sensation when driven in the streets of Adelaide in 1900. Mrs. Shearer, whom he married in 1883, predeceased him in 1931.

The late Mr. Shearer served on - the Mannum District Council for 40 years and was a member of the Institute committee, progress association, and the rowing and rifle clubs. He took a keen interest in astronomy and had an observatory at his home. Members of the family are Messrs. Crawford and Murray Shearer, and daughter, Mrs. Clendinen.

Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1954), Thursday 29 October 1936, page 3

[1924] May 23. Mr. C. B. Shearer, left Mannum on Monday on a business trip to America. He has been given a commission by the Premier while in America to enquire into welfare matters and agricultural implement manufacture, Mr. Shearer expects to be away about five months.

[1924] May 16. Mr. C. B. Shearer, of the firm of David Shearer Limited, was tendered a social by the employees of the firm in the Mannum Institute, on Friday evening, May 16. In addition to large numbers of employes, a number of townsmen, representing various institutions, with which Mr. Shearer is connected, were present Mr. A. G. Bolto chairman of the Welfare Committee, connected with the company, presided. After the loyal toast had been honoured the Chairman proposed the toast of "Our Guest," and in doing so said he had known Mr. Shearer for 21 years. They were all glad their guest was going away as his forthcoming visit to America would be of great importance to the firm's industry. Mr. Shearer would probably see and acquire more up to date methods of manufacture, and they hoped would benefit in health by his trip across the seas. The trip of their guest would benefit not only the company, but also the town. Although David Shearer Limited was established in the little town of Mannum, its reputation was Commonwealth wide, and even extended to the older countries, so that the trip of their guest would be of benefit to far more than Mannum. He hoped Mr. Shearer would have a pleasant and profitable trip and would also benefit in health.
Mr. R. Latter felt that the fact of Mr. Shearer's going to America with the object of graining new ideas would bene-fit not only the town, hut each employee of the company. He wished their guest God speed.
Mr. P. H. Ingerson had found Mr. Shearer a man of very good qualities and an employer of the best. Behind their guest's treatment of his employees was a feeling of humanity and he was esteemed by all. He wished Mr. Shearer a safe trip.
Mr. P. H. Gartrell asked Mr. Shearer while in America to look up the Welfare question. The welfare of the men was the key to successful business. He joined with the other speakers in wishing Mr. Shearer a successful trip.
Mr. S. B. von Doussa (Hospital Board) said Mr. Shearer had given them a lot of assistance on the Hospital Board. He felt sure, the company was doing right in sending their guest to America. The result of the visit would be of profit to the company and the town.
Mr. W. Paddon, (Hospital Board) said Mannum largely owed its prosperity to David Shearer Limited, and the fine business it had built up. Mr. Shearer's visit to America would result in another forging ahead of the village. The information their guest would obtain would have this effect. With regard to the hospital, David Shearer Limited had been very generous to that institution. He wished their guest a pleasant and profitable trip.
Mr. W. W. Gilbert (Institute Committee) in supporting said Mr. Shearer had been a member of the Institute Committee for a number of years and had looked after the interests of the institution and its members. He would no doubt visit institutes when in America and bring back ideas which could be applied to the Mannum institution, and the committee would be pleased to back him up.
Dr. M. W. Sprod (Progress Association) said previous speakers had mentioned welfare; the Progress Association was the welfare committee of the town. It had been in existence for some years and practically everything of value to the town had been secured by that body. Only two subjects were barred—politics and religion. Every person was eligible for membership and all were welcomed to the meetings. There were no social distinctions, all were working for the betterment of the district. The technical school came from the Progress Association, the telephone system, new post office and school, the hospital, the electric light and extension—all had been the result of the association's work. Mr. Shearer had been a tower of strength to the Progress Association and its leader ever since its inception. The new ideas which their guest would get in America would be of great value to the town and State.
Mr. H. M. Dingle and H. O. Wilksch also supported on behalf of the Progress Association.
Capt. J. G. Arnold, on behalf of the Rowing Club and himself wished Mr. Shearer bon voyage. By the help of the Mannum people and the generosity of the Shearer family the club was still afloat. It was remarkable that the little town of Mannum had been selected to represent the State in the recent great race. They had knocked hard at the finish and next year would open the door. Mr. Shearer was a keen observer and his going away would be a good thing for the company and the town. He was always keen about the business and the welfare of the men. Mr. Shearer had been a great help to him, personally, in his business.
Mr. W. K. Porter (Rowing Club) also supported. The toast was enthusiastically honoured.
Mr. C. B. Shearer said it gave him a great amount of pleasure to be with them all. He appreciated what had been said and thanked those who had worked hard to arrange the evening. It afforded him pleasure to know that good feeling existed between the company and its employes. He had not realised the extent of the good feeling until that night. If a company and its employes worked amicably together there was success—if not, failure. He thought before many years were past there would be a great alteration in that respect. He believed there should be more co-partnership in industry. The success of the business was due to his father and uncle, who had started it many years ago. When he came into it the business was running smoothly and he had an easy time. The company had been fortunate in having a good class of men and the success of the business was largely due to their co-operation and loyalty. If, when in America, he could get any good ideas with reference to welfare, he would pass them on to the Welfare Committee. The Premier (Mr. John Gunn) had instructed him with a commission to enquire into welfare matters, and agricultural implement manufacture, while in America. With regard to the town institutions with which he was connected, his work had been a pleasure. There were a splendid body of men on the committee who were all doing their best to further the interests of the town. Anything he saw of benefit to the town he would bring it home and assured them that he would come back the same Australian as when he left.
Mr. E. R. Baseby (chairman of the District Council of Mannum) gave "The Town and Industries of Mannum," to which Mr. David Shearer and Capt. J. G. Arnold responded.
The chairman, on behalf of the employes of David Shearer Limited, presented Mr. Crawford Shearer with a case of pipes as a token of their good will. Mr. Shearer returned thanks for the gift which was acceptable and much appreciated. During the evening musical and vocal items were rendered by the Mannum Orchestra. Messrs. Parham, Dingle, Bock and Wind. A most successful and pleasant evening was brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," by the company.

Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1954), Friday 23 May 1924, page 1

See ADB biography

Return to main page

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse