My Genealogy Hound

W. L. PEARSON, dealer in groceries, Troy. He was born in Troy Sept. 10, 1836, and was the son of Joseph Pearson, who was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Jan. 23, 1809, and with his parents came to Ohio, settling in Staunton Township; his father learned the saddler’s trade with a brother-in-law, Mr. Skinner, which he followed some years; he also attained considerable prominence in official life, discharging the duties of Sheriff two terms, was Probate Judge a similar length of time, was Justice of the Peace many years, and Postmaster during two Presidential administrations; he was an eminent lawyer, and a man of large mental caliber. Politically, he was Democratic, and a leader of that party, whose worth was recognized by all political factions; Mr. Pearson was a self-made man, in the fullest sense which the term implies. The early life of our subject was spent in Troy, where he received the rudiments of an education, which has been developed by his large experience in business life; in 1856, in this place, he embarked in the grocery business, which he operated in some years; in partnership with his brother J. E. Pearson, he engaged in the dry-goods business, in which they continued eight years, until J. E. Pearson’s death, when the stock in trade was disposed of; for a time, Mr. Pearson rested from the turmoil of an active business life to recruit his failing health, after which he engaged in his present business, carrying one of the finest stocks in Troy; his long acquaintance with the people, in conjunction with his popular business habits, commands for him a large and increasing trade. June 9, 1864, he was married to Lorena A. Conrey, who bore him one child, Lorena M., deceased; Mrs. P., is a daughter of Peter Conrey, one of the pioneers of Butler Co., who died in Centerville, Ind., and was connected with the prominent Methodist divines of his name; her mother is living and resides with our subject; he and his amiable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are exemplary Christian people. Maria Ludlow, mother of W. L., was born Sept. 19, 1816. She was married to Joseph Pearson Nov. 8, 1835, who died May 31, 1871.