My Genealogy Hound

John E. Pearson. The milling interests of California, Mo., are ably represented by Mr. Pearson, who is the proprietor of the California City Mills. He was born in Milton, Middlesex Co., N. J., on the 16th of August, 1831, his parents being John and Sarah M. Pearson. The father was born in Pointon, Lincolnshire, England, and the mother, Sarah M. Noe, near Metuchen, Middlesex Co., N. J. The father emigrated from England to New Jersey in 1829, and married in 1830. After learning the miller’s trade in England, he followed it in Ireland, Scotland and France. After remaining in New Jersey some time, he went to New York State, and in 1834 located in Livingston County, at Olmsted’s Mills, which he superintended in building, and managed for fourteen years. Later he resided at Wadsworth’s Mills, Avon, N. Y., for four years. He then moved to his farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1854. His widow still survives him. Eight children were born to their union, five of whom are living: John E., Harriet P., Robert N., Sarah C. and Emeline. John E. Pearson is the eldest of their family, and was reared and educated in Livingston County, N. Y., attending the Big Tree Academy at Geneseo. From sixteen until twenty-one years of age he was learning the miller’s trade under his father at Wadsworth’s Mills, Avon, N. Y. In September, 1852, he started west for Missouri, and worked at his trade in St. Louis until 1857, then going to Illinois, where he ran mills until 1860. While in Illinois he helped raise the first company that was captained by Mr. Osterhause, at Lebanon, Ill.; thence back to St. Louis, superintending, building and running mills until 1868, when he came to California, Mo., and purchased the California City Mills, in connection with Joseph Crane. These were thus operated until 1877, when he purchased Mr. Crane’s interest in the business and leased his part of the property, and has since conducted the business alone. In 1884 he put in the new roller process at a great expense, and now manufactures an excellent quality of flour, his mill having a capacity of 100 barrels per day. The engine is seventy-five horse power, and the building is of stone, brick and frame. Mr. Pearson has been a member of the school board for many years, and has served as a member of the city council several terms. He is a Select Knight of the A. O. U. W. In 1856 he was married to Mary C. Bartling, of St. Louis, by whom he became the father of eight children, six of whom are living: Charles H., Stella, John B., Robert N., Nella P. and Cornelia Pearson.