BEAR: Genealogy of the Bear Family & Biographical Record of the Descendants of Jacob Bear, 1747-1906.By Walter Scott Bear Near Newville, Penna lies the homestead of Jacob Bear, who was born in July, 1747, this record does not state where. He married Catherine Snyder in 1775. Catherine was born in Germany in March, 1752. Jacob's father was Ephraim. His son Ephraim Jr. preserved the family record. Jacob and Catherine had seven children, three died in early childhood. (216+p., Illus, Index, 1906)