SPEAR, Charles, philanthropist, born in Boston, Massachusetts, 1 May, 1801; died in Washington, D. C., 18 April, 1863. He became a Universalist minister, and was settled over societies in Brewster and Rockport, Massachusetts, but afterward removed to Boston, where he devoted many years to prison-reform, urging upon legislatures the adoption of measures for the benefit and reformation of convicts. He also visited prisons and took discharged convicts to his own home. sometimes six at a time, keeping them till they found employment. During his last efforts in behalf of the prisoners of war in Washington he contracted a disease which resulted in his death. His second wife, Catharine Swan Brown, is now (1888) writing his life. He published "Names and Titles of Christ" (Boston, 1842) ; "Essays on the Punishment of Death" (1844); "Plea for Discharged Convicts" (1844); and "Voices from Prison," a selection of poems (1849). He edited " The Prisoner's Friend" (Boston, 1848-'54), a monthly periodical, and was connected with several religious newspapers. -His brother, JOHN M., also devoted himself to the cause of prison-reform near Boston, and wrote "Labors for the Prisoner" (Boston, 1848) ; " Messages from the Superior State" (1852);" Twelve Discourses on Government" (1853); and "The Educator" (vol. i., 185%