Amos Pearsall, is a
retired manufacturer and capitalist whose residence is in
McGregor. For a period of about forty years this
gentleman has been identified with the interests in
McGregor, as in the spring of 1856 he embarked in the
livery business in this place, and later established the
carriage works, which have been among the prominent local
industries up to the present time. By the exercise of his
unusually fine business qualities, Mr. Pearsall, in the
legitimate line of his trade, managed to secure a
comfortable fortune, and has always been known to be a
man of honor and strict integrity.
Amos Pearsall, the father of our subject, was born in the
Empire State and was the son of Henry Pearsall, who was
of Scotch-Irish extraction and emigrated from England to
America; he became one of the early settlers of New York
State, and was there devoted to agricultural pursuits.
Our subject’s father passed his entire life in the
same state and there his death occurred. His wife, in her
girlhood, Clara Nichols, was also of English descent, and
was a daughter of John Nichols, both natives of New York.
A. Pearsall of this narrative was born in Chenango
County, N. Y., in 1822, and in the public schools near
his home received his early education. He remained under
the parental roof until past his majority, when he
determined to try his fortune in the west. About the year
1847 he came to the west, selling goods for the New York
firm of Emmons & Pearsall, he being the junior
partner. For about five years he was engaged in
merchandising in Trumbull County, Ohio, and thence west
to Plattville, Wisconsin, there continuing to reside
until the year 1854.
In the spring of 1856 Mr. Pearsall came to McGregor,
which has been his home ever since. In 1871, up to which
time he was in the livery business. He formed a
partnership with a Mr. Holly, under the firm name Holly
& Co., opening the McGregor Carriage Works. After
some time had passed the senior partner sold out his
interest and the firm subsequently became A. Pearsall
& Son. The firm built up a fine trade in this part of
the state, and most of the fine buggies and carriages
that traverse the roads of this and adjoining counties
are manufactured by them. Employment was furnished in
this business to a large number of men, and only the best
quality of work was turned out.
In the spring of 1894 the business was sold, and since
that time our subject has been retired. He has laid by
ample means for the remainder of his life, and may justly
enjoy the fruits of his former years of trial.
A pronounced Republican, Mr. Pearsall has always been
active in promoting the interests of his party; he is a
loyal patriot and a citizen in the best sense. He is a
charter member of Beezer Lodge No. 137 A. F & A. M.,
and also belongs to the chapter and commandery. Moreover,
he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and though never desirous of public office, for
a number of years was induced to hold the position of
County Supervisor, in which he acquitted himself
admirably.
In March, 1849, Mr. Pearsall married Miss Amelia Church,
whose birth occurred in the Empire State, and who is the
daughter of Billings Church and the grand daughter of
Richard Church, both prominent in the upbuilding of
Chemango County, N. Y. The maiden name of Mrs. Pearsall’s
mother was Nancy Lander, whose birth also occurred in New
York.
Two sons and two daughters have blessed the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Pearsall: George who is Vice-President of the
State Savings Bank at Des Moines; Josephine, wife of J.
N. Baird of McGregor; Charles A. and Clara N., Mrs. J. C.
Lewis, also of this city.
In all circles, business, fraternal and social, Mr.
Pearsall has the goodwill and warm friendship of all who
have been thrown in contact with him in any manner, for
he is a man of good qualities, genial and courteous in
his treatment of his fellow citizens, and active in
whatever tends to promote and advance the best interests
of the community.
~source: Portrait and Biographical Record
of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman
Pub. Co., 1894; pg 443-444
~transcribed by Suzanne Terrell
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