Ernest Gear

Ernest Frederick Gear (June 24, 1887 – December 16, 1955) was a businessman and politician in Newfoundland. As a member of the United Newfoundland Party supporting Frederick C. Alderdice, Gear served as the member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly (MHA) for Port de Grave from 1933 to 1934. He was the last person to be elected to the House of Assembly before the legislature voted to abolish itself in accordance with the recommendations of the Amulree Commission.

Early life and military service

Gear was born in St. John's as the son of businessman Henry Gear and Ellen Boyd (née McDougall). He was educated at the Methodist College in St. John's.

When the First World War broke out in August 1914, Gear was living in Canada. He enlisted as a Private in the 1st Canadian Division and was assigned to the 7th Battery of the Royal Field Artillery. Gear was gassed during the Battle of Hill 70 and wounded in the later stages of the Battle of Passchendaele. Upon returning home in St. John's, Gear took over as the managing director of his father's secondary business Gear and Company. The Dominion would eventually vote to join Canada in 1948.

Following the abolition of self-government, Gear returned to his business in St. John's. He died on December 16, 1955.

Electoral history