Margrate Shears Born: circa 1803 Alsace, France Died: 20 December 1880 (probably) Adams Township, Lucas County, Ohio

Margrate was of German descent. Her maiden name was Neck.

She married Martin Shears, presumably in Alsace.

Margrate emigrated with her family in 1846.

Between 1829 and 1840, Martin and Margrate had three children:

1. Magdalena (Lena) (12 Mar 1829 - 7 Dec 1912)
   She married George Williams (b. 1824)
2. unknown male (circa 1834 - 1846)
   He died at the age of twelve during the voyage to America, and was buried at sea.
3. Ursula (24 Jun 1840 - 16 Aug 1913)
   She married Herman Joseph (Joe) Meiring (1833-1883)

Margrate and Martin lived on a farm on the south side of Hill Avenue. She worked as a housekeeper.

Margrate died at about age 77 from pneumonia; she had been sick for five days. Her husband died just a few days later. They were buried in Calvary cemetery in Toledo. Their grave is an unmarked one behind the Meiring graves.