James Shearer
James Shearer (b. 7 April 1867, Clate, Whalsay, d. 25 March 1949. Symbister) was a County Councillor.
Biography
James was educated at Livister School and like many young men in Shetland took to the sea after completing his education. While in the merchant navy, he sustained an injury to his leg which ended that career, and he returned to Shetland where he became a fisherman. He was first on the vessel Union that operated out of Whalsay, and later he had a sailing boat built, named Ocean Spray.
He became a Commission Agent and in 1911 placed the first order for a steamer to be built for a Shetland owner. This was the Lily Jane, registered in Lowestoft and operated by a crew of Lowestoft men. He then had another two steamers built, Star of Thule and Maid of Thule (later known as Clings Water). All three of his boats entered service at the outbreak of WWI. At that point, James joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and served throughout the war, at one point being in charge of boom defence at the southern mouth of Lerwick's harbour.
His nephew, Magnus was also involved in Local Government.
Political Career
- Whalsay And Skerries County Council By-Election July 1910
- County Council Election December 1910
- County Council Election December 1913
External Links
| Zetland County Council | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Charles Stobie |
Member for Whalsay and Skerries 1910-1919 |
Succeeded by Edwin Hyde 
|
