David Shear

David Shear (September 16, 1896 – December 6, 1968) was an American businessperson and politician in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Born in Congress Poland in 1896, Shear and his family emigrated to the United States in 1907, settling in Romney, West Virginia. After serving in the United States Army during World War I, Shear started his career in the mercantile business and he became the owner of Shear's Department Store in Romney. Shear's political career began in 1933 when he was elected to the Romney town council, eventually serving as mayor for nine terms from 1951 until he died in 1968. Under his leadership, the town of Romney saw significant improvements in infrastructure and community services, including enhancements to the water system and the establishment of various civic initiatives.

In addition to his mayoral duties, Shear was actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the American Legion and B'nai B'rith, and played a role in the founding of the Romney Fire Company and the Romney Lions Club. He was noted for his contributions to public service and community welfare, serving on various boards and committees throughout his life. Shear married Annett Burger in 1954 and died on December 6, 1968, leaving a legacy of civic engagement and community improvement. His remains were interred at Mikro Kodesh Beth Israel Cemetery in Baltimore.

Early life and family David Shear was born in Congress Poland, Russian Empire, on September 16, 1896. He was the son of Nathan Shear and his wife Lena Caplon Shear, and he was one of ten children—six daughters and four sons—born to the couple who survived to adulthood. His siblings included brothers Coleman and Jacob Shear and sisters Sarah Shear Kaufman and Hilda Shear Wasser. When Shear and his family relocated to Romney, they first stayed with the Bennett family before moving to a vacant schoolhouse, and then moving into a large house on Main Street. Shear's mother Lena later died in Washington, D.C., in 1950.

Following his discharge, Shear entered the mercantile business in 1919, On July 6, 1936, Shear was appointed to serve on the council's street, water, and ordinance committees. In total, Shear served on the Romney town council for five terms from 1933 to 1941.

Hampshire County Public Assistance Council In 1942, Shear became a member of Hampshire County's Public Assistance Council, and he served as the council's chairperson from 1943 to 1957.

Mayor of Romney Shear served as mayor of Romney for nine terms, from 1951 until his death in 1968.

At the time Shear commenced his first term as mayor, the Romney municipal government was in debt and its physical equipment consisted of a couple of old trucks. In January 1958, Shear proclaimed the week of February 2, 1958, as Religious Emphasis Week for Romney citizens to engage in regular public worship at the church or synagogue of their faith, daily family prayer, and religious education of children. In May 1961, Shear endorsed and offered his municipal administration's support to the Romney Volunteer Fire Company proposal to construct a public swimming pool at School Street and West Rosemary Lane. That same month, he encouraged Romney and Hampshire County residents to participate in Governor Wally Barron's "Keep West Virginia Clean and Green" highway clean-up initiative, which was initiated in Hampshire County by a clean-up parade in Romney.

In March 1962, Shear officially opened the town's Easter Seals campaign by purchasing the first sheet of easter seals from the Hampshire County Society for Crippled Children and Adults and in his mayoral proclamation for this event, he stated, "By uniting in spirit and action through the Easter Seal Campaign, we help restore strength, hope, and financial independence to the handicapped."

Shear was mayor of Romney when the town celebrated its bicentennial anniversary in the summer of 1962, and he also served on the board of directors of Romney Bicentennial, Inc., In his letter to mark the occasion in Romney Bicentennial, 1762 – 1862 – 1962, Shear wrote:

In June 1968, under Shear's leadership, Romney completed further improvements to its municipal water system and water plant, and the town received $125,000 in direct grants and $25,000 in supplementary grants from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration for the project. These improvements to the Romney municipal water system attracted the Kinney Shoe Company factory, and enabled expansions to the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and Hampshire Memorial Hospital. and received a five-year certificate of appreciation for his service to the system in 1957. In May 1957, Shear announced his intention to seek reelection as mayor for a third term. He served on the board until 1958.

Community and civic affairs Shear was a member of many community and international organizations, including B'nai B'rith; Romney Lions Club; Romney Fire Company; American Legion, Hampshire Post No. 91; Loyal Order of Moose, Romney Lodge 1371; Boy Scouts of America, Potomac Council; the Hampshire County Welfare Board; the Hampshire County Draft Board; and the Hampshire Memorial Hospital board of directors. On July 10, 1964, Shear became an incorporator of the Hampshire Development Corporation. Shear played an active role in organizing the Romney Fire Company, serving as its vice president, and was a charter member of the Romney Lions Club in 1947. Shear was a member of Clinton Lodge 86 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and in 1967, he was awarded a 50-year service pin. In 1933, Shear served as the Hampshire County representative for the American Legion West Virginia Department initiative to compile a record of graves for veterans of all wars in Hampshire County. In 1944 and 1945, Shear served as the American Legion West Virginia Department's 10th district commander. Shear served as district commander from 1945 to 1946, In February 1958, Shear was appointed a general member of the American Legion's National Distinguished Guests Committee by National Commander John S. Gleason Jr. He also served as trustee for the American Legion building in Romney. He was reelected to the board of directors in 1964.

Personal life Shear was a member of the Beth Jacob Congregation in Cumberland, Maryland, and served as vice president of the synagogue. On March 24, 1954, Shear married Annett Burger of Baltimore in the study of Rabbi Joseph Schimelman in Cumberland, Maryland.