Judge Bellvard J. Orear, P. O., Orearville, Was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, June 24, 1838. His father Catlett Orear, was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, and moved to Kentucky at an early date, and while in Kentucky was married to Sarah R. Caldwell. They had three children, two of which are living. B. J and Dr. W. C. They came to Saline county in 1843, and first settled where he now resides, about ten miles east of Marshall. Bellvard, the oldest son, was only six years old when his father moved to Saline county, and his education was obtained at the common schools of this county. In 1856, he went to the state university and remained three years, but did not graduate. He then taught school three years in Boone and Saline counties, and then went to farming, in which pursuit he has been engaged ever since, merchandising in Orearville for two years, 1872 and 1873. In 1861, he was first married to Miss Maggie H. Brown, of Callaway county. They had three children, all living; Annie B., Sallie J., and Celsus. His first wife died February 12, 1871, and was buried at Orearville. The second time, he married Miss Sarah E. Brooks, of Johnson county, Missouri, June 1, 1873. They have one child, Lester. The second wife died September 13, 1875, and was buried at the same place as his first. May 23, 1878, he married Miss Mary McMahan, of Johnson county. In November, 1878, he was elected judge of the county court, from the first district. In 1865, he bought the farm he now lives on, ten miles east of Marshall, and has 320 acres of splendid land. In the fall of 1863, he enlisted as private in the Confederate army, company K, Wood’s regiment, Jackman’s brigade, and was discharged in 1865. Was in the battles of Lexington, Little Blue, Westport, Ft. Scott, and Newtonia.
