Born in Miami, Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1809, and there grew to manhood, receiving a very liberal education for the times. He was united in marriage, in the year 1832, with Miss Mary E. Wile, who was born in Miami, Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1815. In 1840 the family left Ohio, going to St. Louis, where Mr. Fear was employed as a clerk, but the following year he came to Burlington, leaving his family in St. Louis, and embarked in the mercantile business, returning for his family and bringing them to their new home during the following year. He continued in the mercantile business until 1853, at which time, his health failing, he had to abandon it. A stanch Democrat in politics, he was nominated and elected to the State Legislature, during the time when its sessions were held in Iowa City. Mr. Fear was always of very studious habits and was a finished scholar, but few in Des Moines County being better posted in its history and affairs than was he. Ten children graced the union of this worthy couple. He was a man of more than ordinary ability.