Looking for information on James Shearer b. 1857. Had a son Firmmer b. 1893 who, according to family legend, got into a fight with his father in law, who fell and was killed. Firmmer was tried, convicted of murder and sent to prison in Indiana. He escaped, went to Kansas and changed his name to Harry Beal. Beal was his mother's maiden name.
If anyone can shed some light or has suggestions about ways to research this, please contact me at lcpeters@columbus.rr.com.