My name is Dale O'Bear. My grandfather was John Henry O'Bear. John Henry was born 25 Nov 1881, in Indeoendence County, Arkansas. He died 24 Sep 1960 in Granite City, Illinois, Madison County. John Henry married Rhoda Evelyn Rice 12 Jul 1903 in Lake City, Arkansas, Craighead County. I have a copy of their marriage license, but his parents are not listed.
John and Rhoda had three children: Virgie Lee O'Bear, Forrest Nathaniel O'Bear (my father), and Raymond O'Bear.

Uncle Raymond told me he THINKS Grandpa told him there was a name change but is not sure. Uncle Raymond also told me that Grandpa had 2 sisters that died as teens. Another fact that I can not prove or disprove.

Is anybody out there that has a connection to this line of O'Bears? If so please contact me at dale@adams.net
I have been told the name could have been Ober. I hear there was a rift in the family, therefore the name change. Apparently Grandpa wated to sever all ties with the family.