My Genealogy Hound

PHINEAS PEARL was numbered among the enterprising pioneer citizens of Michigan, and from 1840 until the time of his death was intimately associated with the growth and progressive interests of Berrien County. The parents of Mr. Pearl were natives of Wales, but early emigrated to the United States and made their home in New England. Vermont was the birthplace of our subject, and in the Green Mountain State he was reared and educated, and on arriving at mature years married Miss Fannie Hatch, daughter of Capt. Josiah Hatch, who faithfully served seven years in the Continental army during the War of the Revolution. Josiah Hatch, by birth an Englishman, detested King George thoroughly, exhibiting his allegiance to his adopted country in the most pronounced fashion. He celebrated the 4th of July in an especially enthusiastic manner, and, a man of broad intelligence and force of character, was a prominent and highly-respected citizen. Our subject and his good wife were the parents of six children, who were in order of their birth: Lewis W.; Warren H.; Mary, wife of James Jackway, deceased; James; Adaline, widow of Selden Hill, residing near Benton Harbor; and George a citizen of Harper, Kan.

Mr. Pearl emigrated with his wife and family to Michigan in 1833 or 1834, at which time most of the State was comparatively a wilderness. Some six years later, in 1840, he located permanently in Berrien County, where he profitably invested in land, at one time owning over four hundred acres. A lifetime Democrat and an ardent admirer of Andrew Jackson, he actively participated in the public events of the day and was deeply interested in both local and national issues. Liberal spirited, he was always ready to assist in matters of mutual welfare and when, after a life of busy care and usefulness, he passed away, was mourned as a kind friend and true citizen. His son, Lewis W., was a native of New York State, where our subject and his wife settled in a very early day. Lewis Pearl was born in 1815, and was but a child when he removed with his father and mother to another part of the Empire State, locating then in Jefferson County, where they remained until they journeyed, in about 1833, to Monroe County, Mich. In his new home Lewis Pearl followed the occupation of a carpenter and joiner, but in 1841 bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Berrien County, and in the spring of the year entered upon the improvement of the acres located in the woods. He spent many days and weeks with axe in hand, and through unvarying industry and excellent management has accumulated three hundred acres of valuable property. In March, 1843, Lewis W. Pearl and Miss Juliette Enos were united in marriage. Mrs. Pearl was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Enos, old-time residents of New York, but later well-known settlers of Michigan. Our subject and his wife were the parents of ten children, all of whom lived to adult age. Two sons, Fred and Ralph, are successful commission merchants of Omaha, Neb. The other members of the family are all residents of Berrien County. In September, 1861, the name of Lewis Pearl was enrolled as a private in Company B, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, but, rapidly promoted for efficient service, he rose from the ranks and became First Lieutenant, Captain and Major. Maj. Pearl was engaged in the Sixteenth Corps at Shiloh, participated in the siege of Vicksburg, was in the Trans-Missouri Department in Arkansas and remained in active duty until the close of the war, being mustered out at Camden, Ark., the troops finally disbanding in 1866. After the war the soldier, once more becoming a civilian, returned to the daily round of agricultural pursuits. Maj. Pearl is widely known and esteemed by a large acquaintance. His residence, erected by himself, is one of the landmarks of Berrien County. Politically, he is, as was his father, a stanch Democrat, and for nine years filled with ability the office of Supervisor of Benton Township, holding the position prior to the Civil War. He served as Chairman of the Board, and under his earnest and well-directed efforts many progressive interests and needed improvements were rapidly advanced. Fraternally, Maj. Pearl is a Royal Arch Mason, a valued member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. A prominent factor amid the changing scenes of Michigan for more than half a century, Lewis W. Pearl has, as an upright man and loyal citizen, received the high regard of all his fellow-townsmen.