Tilley Pearsall Genealogy Database

Person Page 1

Chester Burdick Pearsall

M, #1, b. 26 August 1888, d. 21 January 1983

Parents

FatherEdgar Randolph Pearsall (b. 3 November 1854, d. 1 May 1913)
MotherMary Palmer Ferris (b. 20 June 1856, d. 8 February 1949)

Family: Roxana Mabel Pratt (b. 18 January 1893, d. 19 January 1985)

SonMason Pratt Pearsall+ (b. 9 March 1921, d. 30 September 2001)
DaughterMary Ferris Pearsall+ (b. 18 October 1923, d. 5 April 2013)
DaughterAlice Crane Pearsall+ (b. 2 November 1924, d. 15 January 2006)

Biography

Birth26 August 1888Chester Burdick Pearsall was born on 26 August 1888 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.1,2
Photo Family Group1898In 1898, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Left to right: James, Ethel, Ferris, Harriet, Father holding Helen.
Katherine, Mother holding Virginia.
Chester, and Bill Anderson in front.
Graduation1910He graduated 1910 from Lehigh University, M.E., in Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania,
Address18 June 1910As of 18 June 1910, Chester lived at 122 Fitzhugh St. in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. In a letter to his mother dated 18 June 1910, Chet wrote that Collins (a friend working at the same company) "took me around to several places in search of a room. I had gone to the Y.M.C.A beforehand and had gotten several addresses of boarding houses. I finally landed at 122 Fitzhugh. It is a corner house, a very nice, old fashioned place. I have a side room, which I think will be quite comfortable. The present occupant will not leave till Monday, so I am staying with Collins until that time. Board and rent will amount to $6.50 -- a little higher than I had hoped for, but the best I could do. This is a great city. It seems to be up-to-date in every particular."
Employment20 June 1910As of 20 June 1910, Chester was employed in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, by M. D. Knowlton Co. He was assisted in getting the job by one of his professors at Lehigh, Professor Klein. The manager, Mr. Hawkins, was a personal friend of Prof. Klein. Chet said in a letter to his mother in early June Mr. Hawkins "is a man who takes personal interest in his men and advances them as they show ability." He started out in the drafting room.

Edgar Hawkins was the husband of Nana Pratt, the sister of Mason D. Pratt, and aunt of Chet's future wife, Roxana Pratt.
National Guard2 October 1912Chester enlisted in the National Guard 2 October 1912 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. At the time, he was living at 122 South Fitzhugh St., mispelled on his service card as Fitsburgh. The card lists his age as 24, Grade" Private, Organization: Mounted Scouts, 3rd Infantry, N.G., N.Y. In a letter to his mother of 10 June 1913, he says "Next month I will have to take a week off for Camp at Farnham, N.Y." Perhaps this was for the National Guard. I have some photos of his father at a military encampment, so perhaps his father was also in the Guard, I should look into that.
EmploymentJuly 1913As of July 1913, Chester was employed in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, in outside sales . He describes some of his sales trips in a letter to his mother. It does not give any hints as to whether this is still for M. D. Knowlton, or for another company, but due to a later letter I think he still worked for M.D.K. at this time.
Draft Registration23 May 1917Chester registered for the draft on 23 May 1917, Rochester, Monroe County, New York, Details from his Registration Card: age 29, Residence 83 So. Fitzhugh in Rochester, born 26 Aug 1888 in Westfield, New Jersey. Occupation: Mechanical Engineer. Employer: M.D. Knowlton & Co, 29 Elizabeth St., Rochester, NY. Have you a dependent solely dependent on you? No. Marital status: Single. Race: White. Prior military service rank: Private. Branch: Infantry. Years: 3. Nation or state: N.G.N.Y. Do you claim exemption from draft (specify grounds): "Principle (sic) means of support of mother". Height: Tall. Build: Medium. Eyes: Blue. Hair: Brown. Disability: No.

Chet's father had died in 1914, and evidently he started sending funds to his mother after that time. He notes in letters from army training camp that she should expect monthly checks from Washington. In her letters to Chet in later years she starts each letter thanking him for his check, often detailing what necessity she plans to spend it on.
Military Enlistment26 December 1917Chester enlisted in the military on 26 December 1917 USA School of Military Aeronautics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, in Buffalo, New York,
Anecdote21 April 191821 April 1918: While at the School of Military Aeronautics in Ithaca, Chet refers to being a member of the Masons. "I expect to obtain an over-Sunday pass. Will go up to Rochester to get my Third Degree in Masonry."
Military Transfer11 June 1918Chester received a military transfer 11 June 1918 to Souther Field, Aviation Training Camp, in Americus, Georgia,
EngagementOctober 1918He and Roxana Mabel Pratt were engaged in October 1918. On 31 Oct 1918, Chet's mother wrote a letter to Roxana, congratulating her and hoping to soon have the pleasure of meeting her. She wrote to Roxana at 11 Warren Place, White Plains, New York. They met in November, as evidenced by photos of the couple there, dated on the back.
Marriage17 May 1919He and Roxana Mabel Pratt were married on 17 May 1919 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York,
DirectoryJune 1919As of June 1919 Chester was listed in the Rochester, Monroe County, New York, directory at 33 Pinnacle Rd. as home and salesman at 29 Elizabeth. With Roxanna.
Census8 January 1920He appeared in the census 8 January 1920 at 33 Pinnacle Road, 14th Ward, ED 156, in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. Chester is listed as: Head, married to Roxanna, Renter, Mechanical Engineer.3
AddressJune 1920As of June 1920, Chester lived at 181 Culver Rd. in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, and as of 2017, the house can be seen on Google street view, and still has the same front porch with balcony above.
Child Born9 March 1921On 9 March 1921 at 181 Culver Rd., in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, Chester and Roxana had their first child, a son, Mason Pratt, named after her father.
Child Born18 October 1923On 18 October 1923 at 181 Culver Rd, in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, Chester and Roxana had their second child and first daughter, Mary Ferris, named after Chet's mother.
Child Born2 November 1924On 2 November 1924 at 181 Culver Rd., in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, Chester and Roxana had their third and last child, Alice Crane.
Address1925As of 1925, Chester lived at 50 Werner Pk in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, In the Rochester Directory for 1925 they are still listed on Culver Rd., but in the census they are on Werner.
Census1 June 1925He appeared in the census 1 June 1925 at 50 Werner Pk in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. Chester is listed as: "Chester D., Head, age 35, Sales Engineer; Roxana P., Wife, 32, Housework; Mason P., son, age 4; Mary F., daughter, age 1; Alice, daughter, 209." I think the 209 represents days -- Alice was born in November of 1924. Block 6, ED 1, Ward 14.
Census18 April 1930He appeared in the census 18 April 1930 at 26 Homer Street, Ward 21, ED 28-181, in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. Chester is listed as: as Head, with Roxana P., wife, Mason P., son, Mary F. and Alice, daughters, and Esther Schilstra, age 15, servant. Esther's sister Gladys appears to be the servant next door at #30, the Vincent Palmer residence.4
Employment12 May 1930As of 12 May 1930, Chester was employed by M. D. Knowlton, based on a letter from a Japanese customer sending a gift of appreciation to him at his business address.
Address31 July 1937As of 31 July 1937, Chester lived at 1029 Harvard Street in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, described in his lease as a single house and two car garage, for $75 per month. The lease states that the Landlord agrees to release the Tenant in the second year of the lease with 60 days notice if the Tenant is required to move from the city for business reasons. The family lived on Harvard St. until they moved in September of 1939 to 18 Green Street in New Canaan, CT. So perhaps Chet knew at the time that a transfer might be coming up.
Photo Family Groupabout 1938About 1938, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Top row: Helen Pearsall; Mason Claiborne Deaver; Mary Ferris Pearsall (Molly); Mason Pratt Pearsall; J. Howard Shoemaker, 3rd; Chester Burdick Pearsall; Eleanor Pearsall

Center row: Janet Pearsall; Antoinette Pearsall (Mrs. James Ferris Pearsall); Virginia Lee Pearsall Picker; Alice Pearsall; Virginia Stocker Pearsall; Mary Palmer Ferris Pearsall; Katharine Pearsall Leggett; Lindley Hoag Leggett, Jr.

Front row: William Royce Shoemaker; Katharine Morgan Leggett; Joan Alice Picker; Virginia Lee Picker
Moved1 September 1939As of 1 September 1939, Chester moved to 18 Green Street New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut, He signed a one-year rental agreement for the house, for $50 per month. This rental lease was renewed yearly through Sep 1943.
Employment28 September 1939As of 28 September 1939, Chester was employed in New York City, New York County, New York, by Container Co. as a salesman. On the occasion of his move to New Canaan, he received a letter from the President, Hans Eggerss. One paragraph states, "Appreciating that our request for you to come into New York under Frank has brought about some adjustment in your living, we are arranging to change your remuneration as of September first to $500 a month in place of the $450 you have been receiving." Also, "Getting back to the matter of the new arrangement for your working out of the New York office direct, I feel certain that both the Company and you personally are going to benefit by this adjustment. Frank's guidance and counsel will be invaluable and without doubt the new adjustment in the eastern territory will give you bigger and better opportunities..."

Therefore, it appears that he has already been working for Container Co. for some period.
Census4 April 1940He appeared in the census 4 April 1940 at 18 Green Street in New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut. Chester is listed as: S.D. 4, E.D. I-78. Listed as "Chester V. Pearsall, 18 Green Ave., Head, Renter, $50, not a farm. Age 41, Education completed College 4 yrs., Born in New Jersey, residence Rochester, employed, hours worked 50, Sales Engineer, Fibreboard industry, class of worker Private Sector, salary $5000+, more than $50 from sources other than money wages or salary" (not sure if this means commission). Chet's age is wrong, he was 51. Listed in the household were "Roxana P, wife, age 47, two years of high school; Mason P., son, age 19, 4 years high school; Mary F., daughter, age 16, 2 years high school; and Alice C, age 15, one year high school."
History NoteDecember 1942In December 1942 the following event took place: Container Co. merged with Continental Can Corporation. Therefore, Chet became an employee of Continental Can. Hans Eggerss of Container Co. moved into an executive position there and remained the head of Chet's division for some years, as evidenced by yearly Christmas letters received by Chet in the 1940's. Eggerss retired from Continental Can in Dec 1955.
Photo Family Group1943In 1943 Chet, Mason and Mason Pratt
Moved11 September 1943As of 11 September 1943, Chester moved to 3 Brooks Road New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut, which they purchased on that date for $15,500.
Photo Family GroupAugust 1947In August 1947, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Chet, his mother Mary Ferris Pearsall, his son Mason holding Holly
Noteafter 1972After 1972, Chet's Memories of Childhood To My Sisters - Katharine, Helen, Virginia, Eleanor

At the turn of the century, 1900, I was twelve years of age and aware of responsibilities as becomes the 5th child in a family of 9. Our home was unpretentious, yet adequate for our needs. My daily chores included cleaning of lamp chimneys, trimming the wicks, and keeping kerosene in the several lamps. We had no gas or electricity. I also was expected to scuttle coal from the lean-to in back of the kitchen to the sizable kitchen range , which used "pea" coal, and the upstairs hall stove, a "nut" burning Franklin, which would supply some heat upstairs for winter days when the hall was dressing room for most of us. 'There was no central heating, but we had a fireplace in the living room, put to good use; also a fireplace in the dining room, but it was more or less blocked off and was rarely used. The kitchen coal range provided heat for the adjacent dining room.

We three boys, Ferris, James and I, occupied a largish bed-room above the dining-room. Jim and I had the double bed with a mattress that sagged and gave us considerable trouble at night keeping one another on side. Older brother Ferris had his own iron frame bed.

Water for bathing had to be brought up from the kitchen; hot water from the big range. We all kept decently clean, using upstairs pans or the washtub. Saturday was bath day. We took turns of course, and there was naturally considerable to-do about it, to cleanse us all.

Much later a bathroom was installed; also a central heating plant supplying heat as needed throughout and wonderful hot water from the spigot.

A contribution to the improvement in the homestead occurred in 1906 or 1907 for which I take credit. Mother sorely needed better kitchen facilities. The kitchen was two or three steps down from dining-room and the floor was old and difficult if not impossible to keep clean. Also, the lean-to shed which housed the coal bins was ram-shackle. I drew up a plan for remodeling the kitchen and dispensing with the out-shed. In due time it was completed, including town water. I don't recall whether the old kitchen coal range was abandoned at that time in favor of an electric range, but I believe so.

The above recollections are of 112 Ferris Place, formerly Union Place, Westfield. Now that I, Chester, am the oldest of the Edgar Pearsall tribe, events I may recall before 1900 antedate my sisters. I hope to have pep enough to recount events prior to 1900, when our home was with Grandmother and Grandfather Ferris on Broad Street.

But that's another story. I'm sending this recollection to Helen to peruse and perhaps amend. Helen, please pass it on to Katherine, and then to Virginia, and to Eleanor.

Whether the younger generation is interested in "olden times" is a question. We know a great deal about our ancestors, back many generations, but our own Grandmother Pearsall whom I so well remember, has left no trace of her parentage. Presumably she was a "Morgan", yet if not mistaken, I hazily recall someone telling me that she was a VanDerhoeft, or some such dutch ancestry. In any event, I recall her as one of the finest of Christian characters, on a par with our own Mother.

Whatever betides us, we can and will be proud of our ancestry, both Ferris and Pearsall lineage.

I have not attempted to recount the many incidents that all five of us will recall more or less vividly. Perhaps one of my sisters will do this. One reason for this recording is to impress upon me, and all four of my sisters, plus their children, the change, for better or worse, after seventy-odd years in way of life. And it roils me to hear and read about the critical attitude of much of our citizenry, complaining about this and that, from our President and on down to the garbage collection. This generation is just spoiled-rotten spoiled-myself not excluded. Folks have been rudely awakened to the fact that other countries than dear old U.S.A. have their "druthers" - and money, even the dollar, won't buy everything.

It's just as well that "Americans" must come to accept the inevitable. If we're sound in mind we will profit by it

As a 6 to 8 year old, I recall that men and. women, mostly from Europe, came to America with precious little except willingness and ability to work for wages; all to their credit. It paid off - after a generation or two, and for the most part they have become our esteemed citizens and neighbors. Our democracy has made this possible . I think all should realize and acknowledge it with-out 'beefing", especially those who have been aided so magnificently by opportunities America has offered.

My old bones are forever complaining but why not at my age! However, the mind is holding up quite well so I can spend, in spare hours, thinking back to Union Place days -- and beyond, when Grandfather's spacious property on Broad and Prospect, I spent my first four years.

Katherine was the last to be born at the Broad Street house. I remember when I was moved from the crib in Dad and Mother's room to a double bed, with James. That made 3 of us in the "boys room". And in September, 1893, the day we "all" walked thru the orchard to Union Place and across the road to our "new" home (Grandfather deeded it to Mother when she was married.). That day I remember so well, James carrying baby Katherine in his arms.

I trust you will accept this memorabilia in the spirit written, and add a contribution.

[NOTE: His sister Virginia also wrote down some memories of her childhood, which are transcribed on her page.]
Photo Family GroupMay 1977In May 1977, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. On Steps: Chet with his sisters, Katharine top left, then Chet, Virginia. Eleanor seated left and Helen right.
Photo Family GroupSeptember 1979In September 1979, in Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut. Chet, his sister Helen, his niece Kate Downham, and his son-in-law, David Tilley, with whom he lived at that time.
Photo Family Groupabout 1981About 1981, in Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut. Mason, Molly, Alice, with Chet and Roxana
Death21 January 1983He died on 21 January 1983 at Home of David B. Tilley in Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut,
Obituary27 January 198327 January 1983, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, Westfield Leader Obituary:. Chester B. Pearsall

Former Westfield resident Chester B. Pearsall, 94, died Friday, Jan 21 at the home of his daughter, Alice B. Tilley, with whom he lived in Litchfield, Conn.

He was born Aug. 26, 1888 in Westfield, the son of the late Edgar R. and Mary Ferris Pearsall. A graduate of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., he was a member of Tau Beta Pi.

During World War I, he was a pilot with the Army Air Corps. Mr. Pearsall retired from Continental Can Co., where he had been a sales manager.

In addition to Mrs. Tilley, Mr. Pearsall is survived by his wife, Roxana Pratt Pearsall; a son, Mason P. Pearsall of Houston, Tex.; a daughter, Mary P. Dickson of Salisbury, Vt.; two sisters, Miss Helen Pearsall of Westfield and Mrs. Virginia Picker of Haddonfield; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services and burial were private.
Burial Plot1986Chester and Roxana have a gravestone at Fairview Cemetery, in Chet's home town, near several generations of Pearsall and related family members.
Last Edited14 January 2023

Citations

  1. [S30] Jim Ferris, compiler, "Ferris, John CD ROM"; "JOHN" 1.1.3.1.1.3.1.5, Ancestral File (30 Jul 1999)
  2. [S75] Mason Delano Pratt, Genealogy of Richard Henry Pratt and his wife Anna Laura Mason Pratt (San Francisco, California: Privately Printed, availble online https://archive.org/details/genealogyofricha00prat/page/6/mode/1up, May, 1943), p. 10. Hereinafter cited as Pratt Genealogy.
  3. [S76] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com, Image 14 of 21, Sheet 7B.
  4. [S77] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com, Image 37 of 111, Sheet 19A.

Roxana Mabel Pratt

F, #2, b. 18 January 1893, d. 19 January 1985

Parents

FatherMason Delano Pratt (b. 23 January 1865, d. 14 October 1947)
MotherMabel Crane (b. 13 January 1866, d. 23 March 1941)

Family: Chester Burdick Pearsall (b. 26 August 1888, d. 21 January 1983)

SonMason Pratt Pearsall+ (b. 9 March 1921, d. 30 September 2001)
DaughterMary Ferris Pearsall+ (b. 18 October 1923, d. 5 April 2013)
DaughterAlice Crane Pearsall+ (b. 2 November 1924, d. 15 January 2006)

Biography

Birth18 January 1893Roxana Mabel Pratt was born on 18 January 1893 in Steelton, Pennsylvania.
Census7 June 1900She appeared in the household of Mason Delano Pratt in the census 7 June 1900 at 330 Spruce St in Steelton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Mason is listed as head, born Jan 1865, age 35, married 11 years, born in Indiana, both parents born in New York, Homeowner with mortgage.
Mabel, wife, born Jan 1866, age 34, married 11 years, 4 children, 4 living, born in Wisconsin, Father born in Vermont, mother in New York.
Sarah, daughter, born June 1890, age 9.
Richard H., son, born Dec. 1891, age 8.
Roxana, daughter, born Jan 1893, age 7.
Marion, daughter, born July 1894, age 5.
Sarah E. Crane, mother-in-law, born June 1833, age 66, widowed, 3 children, 2 living, born in New York, father born in Connecticut, mother in Vermont.
Maria Washington, servant, black, born June 1871, age 38, widowed, age 39, married 12 years, 1 child, 1 living, born in Virginia.
Lizzie Johnston, servant, black, born Aug. 1874, age 20, single, born in Virginia.
In the 1905 directory his home address is listed as Bellevue and 21st.1
Photo Family Group1905In 1905, in Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania. Mabel and her family L. to R., Alex, Marion, Mabel, Grandma Crane, Sarah, Roxana, Dick. I found this photo tucked away in an old folder I had forgotten, and it is the photo that allowed me to identify the house they lived in on Bellevue Rd.
Photo Family Group1905In 1905, in Pennsylvania. Possibly taken at Carlisle, or Harrisburg. I am guessing the date because Alex who was born in 1901 looks about 4. Girls usually lowered their dresses to full length by 16, maybe 15. Sarah was born in 1890, and is wearing a long dress here. One more brother, Dick, is not in the photograph.
Newspaper Mention30 October 1908She was mentioned in a newspaper report about Mabel Crane when 30 October 1908 edition of the Harrisburg Telegraph, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, reported that Mrs. Mason D. Pratt and Miss Roxanna Pratt, 1100 Green Street, are at The Preston, Wernersville, for a stay of several weeks.

The South Mountain health resorts, or sanatoriums, west of Reading, PA, attracted many guests from eastern cities in the late 1800's and early 1900's , to enjoy the mountain air, exercise, and health services.

From the website of the <1 href="http://www.berkshistory.org/ " target="new">Berks History Center:
"The 'Preston Sunny Side' summer resort was established by Dr. James S. Preston in 1880 and operated by his son James after 1882. The buildings were of stone and frame, three stories high, and were connected by covered piazzas. There were accommodations for 125 guests. The piazzas commanded a magnificent view of the Lancaster Valley. The grounds were picturesque and attractive, comprising an extensive woodland park. The mountain in the rear of the resort reaching to the doors was studded with large pine, cedar, and dogwood trees. A beautiful sight, especially in the spring of the year. The resort consisted of over 500 acres, mostly woodland. The observatory on the mountain summit presented a panorama, including the most complete view of both the Lancaster and the Lebanon Valleys."

An advertisement for a similar resort, The Mountain Home, in Wernersville, from the 1882 Pennsylvania Gazatteer, is also attached.
Photo Family Groupabout 1912About 1912 MD Pratt and family and his parents
EngagementOctober 1918Chester Burdick Pearsall and Roxana Mabel Pratt were engaged in October 1918. On 31 Oct 1918, Chet's mother wrote a letter to Roxana, congratulating her and hoping to soon have the pleasure of meeting her. She wrote to Roxana at 11 Warren Place, White Plains, New York. They met in November, as evidenced by photos of the couple there, dated on the back.
Marriage17 May 1919Chester Burdick Pearsall and she were married on 17 May 1919 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York,
Newspaper Mention22 May 1919The 22 May 1919 edition of the The Harrisburg Patriot, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, reported Mr. and Mrs. Mason Delano Pratt, of Baltimore, have announced the marriage of their daughter, Miss Roxana Mabel Pratt, to Chester Burdick Pearsall of Rochester, N.Y. The wedding was solemnized Saturday, May 17, at Rochester. The Pratt family is widely known in this city, having lived here for a number of years. Mr. Pratt for a short time was with the old Pennsylvania Steel Company and lived for a year or more on Cottage Hill, Steelton, later moving to the Haehnlen home in Bellevue Park, and then to Green and Herr Streets. He was president of the Engineers' Society in 1912 and closed his offices in the First National Bank Building, where he was a consulting engineer, to accept a position as city engineer in Baltimore. Colonel Richard Henry Pratt, father of M.D. Pratt, was for years superintendent of the Carlisle Indian School. Mrs. Pearsall attended Central High School and later the Seiler School.
Child Born9 March 1921On 9 March 1921 at 181 Culver Rd., in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, Chester and Roxana had their first child, a son, Mason Pratt, named after her father.
Child Born18 October 1923On 18 October 1923 at 181 Culver Rd, in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, Chester and Roxana had their second child and first daughter, Mary Ferris, named after Chet's mother.
Child Born2 November 1924On 2 November 1924 at 181 Culver Rd., in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, Chester and Roxana had their third and last child, Alice Crane.
Witness1925As of 1925, Roxana Mabel Pratt lived at 50 Werner Pk in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, In the Rochester Directory for 1925 they are still listed on Culver Rd., but in the census they are on Werner.
Census1 June 1925She appeared in the household of Chester Burdick Pearsall in the census 1 June 1925 at 50 Werner Pk in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. Chester is listed as "Chester D., Head, age 35, Sales Engineer; Roxana P., Wife, 32, Housework; Mason P., son, age 4; Mary F., daughter, age 1; Alice, daughter, 209." I think the 209 represents days -- Alice was born in November of 1924. Block 6, ED 1, Ward 14.
Newspaper Item24 April 1929According to the 24 April 1929 edition of the ,Mrs. Henry Marvin of Jamestown spent the week-end with her cousin, Mrs. Chester Pearsall of Homer Street.
Census18 April 1930She appeared in the household of Chester Burdick Pearsall in the census 18 April 1930 at 26 Homer Street, Ward 21, ED 28-181, in Rochester, Monroe County, New York. Chester is listed as as Head, with Roxana P., wife, Mason P., son, Mary F. and Alice, daughters, and Esther Schilstra, age 15, servant. Esther's sister Gladys appears to be the servant next door at #30, the Vincent Palmer residence.2
Witness31 July 1937As of 31 July 1937, Roxana Mabel Pratt lived at 1029 Harvard Street in Rochester, Monroe County, New York, described in his lease as a single house and two car garage, for $75 per month. The lease states that the Landlord agrees to release the Tenant in the second year of the lease with 60 days notice if the Tenant is required to move from the city for business reasons. The family lived on Harvard St. until they moved in September of 1939 to 18 Green Street in New Canaan, CT. So perhaps Chet knew at the time that a transfer might be coming up.
Witness1 September 1939As of 1 September 1939, Roxana Mabel Pratt moved with Chester Burdick Pearsall to 18 Green Street New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut, He signed a one-year rental agreement for the house, for $50 per month. This rental lease was renewed yearly through Sep 1943.
Witness11 September 1943As of 11 September 1943, Roxana Mabel Pratt moved with Chester Burdick Pearsall to 3 Brooks Road New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut, which they purchased on that date for $15,500.
Photo Family GroupMay 1977In May 1977, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Chet with his sisters on the front porch at Aunt Helen's.
Photo Family Groupabout 1981About 1981, in Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut. Mason, Molly, Alice, with Chet and Roxana
Death19 January 1985She died on 19 January 1985 in Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut,
Witness1986Chester and Roxana have a gravestone at Fairview Cemetery, in Chet's home town, near several generations of Pearsall and related family members.
Last Edited6 November 2018

Citations

  1. [S81] , 1900 Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com.
  2. [S77] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com, Image 37 of 111, Sheet 19A.

Edgar Randolph Pearsall

M, #3, b. 3 November 1854, d. 1 May 1913

Parents

FatherPhineas Carman Pearsall (b. 6 September 1817, d. 28 May 1896)
MotherCatherine Ann Morgan (b. 6 September 1821, d. 24 May 1908)

Family: Mary Palmer Ferris (b. 20 June 1856, d. 8 February 1949)

SonFerris Randolph Pearsall+ (b. 24 August 1882, d. March 1935)
DaughterEthel Pearsall+ (b. 29 December 1883, d. 2 January 1935)
SonJames Ferris Pearsall+ (b. 9 July 1885, d. June 1972)
DaughterHarriet Wheelock Pearsall (b. 27 January 1887, d. 4 September 1923)
SonChester Burdick Pearsall+ (b. 26 August 1888, d. 21 January 1983)
DaughterKatharine Morgan Pearsall+ (b. 27 October 1892, d. 1979)
DaughterHelen May Pearsall (b. 20 September 1896, d. 14 March 1993)
DaughterVirginia Lee Pearsall+ (b. 11 January 1898, d. 3 May 1993)
DaughterEleanor Carman Pearsall+ (b. 12 February 1900, d. 27 October 1982)

Biography

Birth3 November 1854Edgar Randolph Pearsall was born on 3 November 1854 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.1
Census1870He appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 1870 at Ward 21 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as age 52, Real Estate Agt, no real estate, $500 personal estate, b. New Jersey, with
Catharine, age 48, b. New Jersey,
Carrie, 27, At home,
Lavina, 19, At home,
Matilda, 17, At home,
Edgar, 15, Clerk in Store,
Charles 9.
All children b. New York.2
Directory1878As of 1878 Edgar was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 726 Monroe as reporter.
Church AffiliationMay 1878As of May 1878, Edgar was affiliated with Janes Methodist Episcopal School, Bowronville, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He assisted with the Annual Sunday School parade, which was a major Brooklyn event. The Brooklyn Eagle devoted almost a full page on May 23rd to a detailed account of the event. The largest parade was in Brooklyn proper, but a smaller parade in the "locality of Bowronville, known as the Eastern Sunday School Union" parade, was also described. Bowronville was the area now called Bushwick. Sunday Schools from 7 churches participated, Reformed, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Methodist Episcopal. One of the M.E. churches was Janes, with which Edgar was associated. See some short excerpts from the newspaper, attached.
Church AffiliationDecember 1878As of December 1878, Edgar was affiliated with Johnson St. Methodist Episcopal Church, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. He conducted the "Young People's prayer meeting" on Monday evenings. See attached.
Directory1879As of 1879 Edgar was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 726 Monroe as reporter.
Newspaper Mention2 May 1879The 2 May 1879 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, reported on the activities of the Brooklyn Association of Christian Workers. They have been holding revival services recently, and among the most active members is "P.C. Pearsall, of the Pearsall family." See attached.3
Census5 June 1880He appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 5 June 1880 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Phineas is listed as Phineas C., age 64, Tailor, with
Catherine M, 59, wife, Keeping house, and
Edgar E, 25, son, Reporter.

They are living next to Edward L. Embree, age 30, agent for a Salt Co., and Martha, 26 wife, keeping house, and Royal B, age 6, son, and Alvah L, age 2 son.
Marriage27 October 1881Edgar Randolph Pearsall and Mary Palmer Ferris were married on 27 October 1881 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey,
Position1885As of 1885 Edgar served as editor of the Union County Standard in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, which he continued through 1888, when his brother Alfred took over.
Directory1885As of 1885 Edgar was listed in the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, directory at Broad nr Prospect. as publisher (New York).
Photo Family GroupNovember 1889In November 1889, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. The names are noted on the back of the photo:
Grandmother Grandfather Ferris
Aunt Elizabeth Briggs Aunt El (Ferris) Father (Edgar R. Pearsall)
holding Chester
James Ferris
Harriet
Mother (Mary Ferris Pearsall)
Ethel
Photo Family Group1898In 1898, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Left to right: James, Ethel, Ferris, Harriet, Father holding Helen.
Katherine, Mother holding Virginia.
Chester, and Bill Anderson in front.
Photo Family Groupabout 1901About 1901, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Standing in back, Ethel
Seated, the grandparents: James R. Ferris and Harriet Hawkins Ferris, and to their right, Mary Ferris Pearsall, their daughter./
Next row: Aunt Kate Briggs, Harriet holding Eleanor, Aunt Elizabeth Briggs, Aunt El (Ella Ferris) and standing by the steps, James.
Bottom row: Chester, a friend (Willie Wells) Edgar R. Pearsall , Helen, Katharine, and in front Virginia.

Eleanor was born in Feb 1900.

The puzzle in this picture is, how are Kate and Elizabeth Briggs Aunts of the girls? Kate's first husband was Pierre W. Briggs, brother of Elizabeth, so the cousinage is through Briggs. It may be on the Ferris side, because the Briggs line does go back to Peekskill. The Briggs do have a Fowler spouse 4 generations back in Peekskill, and Peter Ferris married a Fowler. Maybe they were sisters? However, that would make these Briggses James R's 3rd cousins once removed, quite a distant relationship once it gets down to the girls.

Maybe it could be through Hawkins? But they were from Long Island. Searching the Hawkins Genealogy for Briggs does not yield any hits. On the Pearsall side, I don't find any Briggs in the prior 2 generations. A search of the Clarence Pearsall Genealogy for Briggs does not yield any hits.
Census1910He appeared in the census 1910 at 112 Ferris Place in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Edgar is listed as: Pearsall, Edgar R. (Head, age 54, first marriage, married 27 years. Newspaper editor.)
Mary F. (Wife, age 51, 9 children, all living)
Ethel (daughter, age 26, single)
James F. (Son, age 24, Single, telephone linesman)
Harriet W. (daughter, age 23, single)
Chester B. (son, age 21, single, in school)
Catherine (daughter, age 17, single, in school)
Helen (daughter, age 14, single, in school)
Virginia (daughter, age 12, in school)
Elenor (daughter, age 10)
Death1 May 1913He died on 1 May 1913
Burial3 May 1913He was buried on 3 May 1913 at Fairview Cemetery, Ferris Plots, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.
Obituary7 May 19137 May 1913, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Westfield Leader, page 11:, Obituary:. "NEWSPAPER MAN PASSES AWAY
Edgar R. Pearsall, Old Time Resident Succumbs After a Short Illness
Large Church Funeral
Edgar Randolph Pearsall passed away at his home on Ferris Place last Thursday morning, after an illness of three weeks' duration. Mr. Pearsall had been a resident of this town for the past thirty-two years, and was well known as a journalist and military man. He was the founder of the Union County Standard, and all his life had been identified with newspaper work.
Mr. Pearsall was born in Brooklyn on November 3, 1854, he spent his early life in that city until he moved to Westfield.
Mr. Pearsall served as bill clerk in the Assembly when Charles N. Coddling was one of the representatives from Union county. He was an exempt fireman, being one of the original members of the Westfield Hook and Ladder Company. He was also a member of Fireside Council, Royal Arcanum, and of the Immediate Aid.
For many years the deceased was prominent in military affairs. He was connected with the National Guard for eighteen years, enlisting in Company C, of Elizabeth, when that organization was known as the Phil Kearny Guard, under command of Major DeHart. Later Mr. Pearsall joined Company K, of Plainfield, and after serving as a private, was promoted to the rank of corporal. Later he became sergeant, and three years ago was commissioned second lieutenant. He held this rank until his commission expired last February. For several years he had charge of the Boys' Brigade of Westfield.
Mr. Pearsall leaves a widow, three sons, Ferris R. and Chester B. Pearsall of Westfield, and James F. Pearsall of Melrose, Fla. He also leaves six daughters, the Misses Harriet, Helen, Virginia, Eleanor and Catherine Pearsall of Westfield, and Miss Ethel Pearsall, of Jacksonville, Fla.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the First M.E. church, the Rev. A.W. Hayes, of Madison, and the Rev. Dr. C.M. Anderson, of Plainfield, former pastors of the church, officiating. The service was largely attended, and included delegations from the fire department, Royal Arcanum and State militia, with which the deceased was closely identified for many years. The bearers were Ferris and Chester Pearsall, sons of Mr. Pearsall, and C.E. Pearsall, L.M. Pearsall, J.H. Pearsall, and R.C. Pearsall, nephews of Mr. Pearsall. Interment took place in the family plot in Fairview Cemetery."
Last Edited8 December 2022

Citations

  1. [S13] Clarence E. Pearsall with Hettie May Pearsall and Harry L. Neall, History and Genealogy of the Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco, CA: H.S. Crocker Company, Inc., 1928), Chap42 pg 1328 sec 16. Hereinafter cited as Pearsall Genealogy, CEP.
  2. [S84] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com.
  3. [S159] , Brooklyn Daily Eagle 1841 - 1902 Brooklyn Public Library Online, Brooklyn, New York, http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/eagle/, 2 Mar 1879, p. 2, 2 Mar 1879, p. 2

Mary Palmer Ferris

F, #4, b. 20 June 1856, d. 8 February 1949

Parents

FatherJames Royce Ferris (b. 7 February 1818, d. 26 October 1908)
MotherHarriet Eliza Hawkins (b. 31 August 1824, d. 26 August 1914)

Family: Edgar Randolph Pearsall (b. 3 November 1854, d. 1 May 1913)

SonFerris Randolph Pearsall+ (b. 24 August 1882, d. March 1935)
DaughterEthel Pearsall+ (b. 29 December 1883, d. 2 January 1935)
SonJames Ferris Pearsall+ (b. 9 July 1885, d. June 1972)
DaughterHarriet Wheelock Pearsall (b. 27 January 1887, d. 4 September 1923)
SonChester Burdick Pearsall+ (b. 26 August 1888, d. 21 January 1983)
DaughterKatharine Morgan Pearsall+ (b. 27 October 1892, d. 1979)
DaughterHelen May Pearsall (b. 20 September 1896, d. 14 March 1993)
DaughterVirginia Lee Pearsall+ (b. 11 January 1898, d. 3 May 1993)
DaughterEleanor Carman Pearsall+ (b. 12 February 1900, d. 27 October 1982)

Biography

NoteNote by Edgar Leggett:
Phone conversation with Mason C. Deaver on 26 Sept, 2000 He recalls grandmother Pearsall telling how she was in Nashville, TN in 1864 at age 8 seeing the "defeated confederate soldiers straggling into town". Her father ran a Union army store in Nashville. At the time of Grandmother's tale telling, she was in Lexington visiting Uncle Mason and Ethel. She probably had taken the train to Lexington or Buena Vista. Mason remembers Grandmother telling stories about her grandfather telling stories about George Washington.

["Grandmother" here is Mary Palmer Ferris Pearsall. ]
NoteFamily Photographs These two portraits hung in the living room of Helen Pearsall in Westfield, NJ, and had presumably hung there when her mother, Mary Palmer Ferris Pearsall, was living. Helen always lived with her mother and continued living in the same home until towards the end of her life, she went into a senior living center in or near Wilmington, Delaware.

In the attached photo of Helen and her brother Chet, you can see one of the portraits over the mantelpiece.

The portraits are in possession of the Downham family. A curator at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum in Williamsburg, VA, estimated that they were painted around 1840. This is based on their clothing styles and the style of the chairs. There is no signature or other information on them.

I estimate that the girl is the elder of the two, perhaps 16 or 18. The boy could be perhaps 12, plus or minus a few years. The boy has blue eyes. The girl appears to have pierced ears. Both are holding a book, perhaps a Bible, or in her case, a hymnal. In his case, perhaps a schoolbook.

Speculating on their birthdates, based on the estimated painting date of 1840, and guesses on their ages, I estimated around 1823 for the girl and 1829 for the boy, or thereabouts.

The family of Mary's husband Edgar does not present two young family members of these ages in 1840. However, the family of Mary's father, James Royce Ferris, presents several possibilities. His brother, Josiah Seymour Ferris, Jr., was born in Peekskill, NY in November 1829, and he had several sisters who might qualify: Mary Ann b. Sep 1822, Eliza b. Apr 1825, and Lydia b. Jul 1827.

Another brother, Joseph, b. 1820, died as a child in 1826, and his only other brother, William, lived only 2 years, from 1835 to 1837.

Eliza married James Currey in 1843, and had a big family. Some of those descendants are DNA matches to descendants of Chester Pearsall, Mary's son.
Birth20 June 1856Mary Palmer Ferris was born on 20 June 1856 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.
Marriage27 October 1881Edgar Randolph Pearsall and she were married on 27 October 1881 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey,
Photo Family Group1898In 1898, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Left to right: James, Ethel, Ferris, Harriet, Father holding Helen.
Katherine, Mother holding Virginia.
Chester, and Bill Anderson in front.
Newspaper Mention25 May 1939The 25 May 1939 edition of the Courier-News, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, reported Two Homes Companions for 150 Years The article tells the story of the old Pearsall home at 112 Ferris Place in Westfield.
Death8 February 1949She died on 8 February 1949 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey,
BurialFebruary 1949She was buried in February 1949 at Fairview Cemetery, Ferris Plots, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.
Obituary10 February 194910 February 1949, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, Westfield Leader Obituary:. Mrs. Mary Pearsall, Prominent Methodist

Mrs. Mary Ferris Pearsall of 112 Ferris place, eldest member of the First Methodist Church here and its communion custodian, died Teusday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lindley H. Leggestt, Jr., of 339 East Broad street, where she was visiting. Mrs. Pearsall, who was born here, was in her 92nd year.

Funeral services will be held in the church tomorrow at 3 o'clock with Bishop J. Wesley Lord of Boston, former pastor, officiating.

Mrs. Pearsall was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Royce Ferris, who were the donors of a portion of the land on which the Methodist Church was built. She has been a member of the church for 80 years.

Her husband, Edgar R. Pearsall, died in 1913 and three of her nine children also predeceased her. Surviving are two sons, James F. Pearsall of Plainfield and Chas. [sic] B. Pearsall of New Canaan, Conn.; four daughters, Mrs. Leggett, Miss Helen Pearsall at home; Mrs. Alfred M. Picker of Westmont and Mrs. J. Howard Shoemaker of Garden City, N.Y.1
Research Note13 November 199013 November 1990 Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. The Westfield Historical Society issued a release as follows:

Pre-Revolutionary Homestead Recognized

Commissioned by the Westfield Historical Society, Warren Township artist William T. Halsey has designed and crated a plaque designating this residence on Ferris Place as a pre-revolutionary landmark. Presentation of the plaque to Miss Helen Pearsall, owner of the house, was made on Tuesday, November 13, with officers of the Society and the artist in attendance.

This 18th century house is yet another pre-revolutionary homestead still standing in Westfield. It is believed that the structure, originally situated on the north side of Broad Street and east of Prospect, may have been built by Joseph Mills around 1750 or perhaps somewhat earlier. In 1857, Mrs. May Ferris Pearsall was born here; the following year her father, James R. Ferris, bought most of the original Mills tract (45 acres of land extending from Broad Street to what is now Dudley Avenue). Mr. Ferris's holdings also included the triangular block opposite his residence, now the site of 1st Nationwide Bank. The original Arcanum Building was located there on the southeast corner of Broad and Prospect Streets. The second floor of the Arcanum contained Westfield's largest auditorium and the ground floor housed the offices of the Westfield Leader, founded by Professor Edwin Francis, Principal of Schools and rival of Alfred E. Pearsall, Editor of the Union County Standard. That building and both newspaper plants were destroyed in the great fire of January 1892.

The Ferris House, which was moved to its present location around 1900, is beautifully maintained and furnished. Early hand-planinng marks are visible on basement beams; rafter pinning (with pegs) and hand-wrought rose-headed nails in the attic flooring are further evidence attesting to the age of thsi house. In the dining room a brick fireplace with its crane and its fine mantelpiece if typical of very early farmhouse style. Some of the window panes in the living room are of the old glass.

The plaque, an original design by Mr. Halsey, complements the antiquity of the house, featuring "CIRCA 1750" embellished on a slab of wood salvaged from the flooring of an old farmhouse and believed to be long-leaf yellow pine.
Last Edited14 January 2023

Citations

  1. [S677] Westfield Leader, 10 Feb 1949, p. 2; available online at the Westfield Memorial Library (http://www.digifind-it.com/westfield/home.php)

Phineas Carman Pearsall

M, #5, b. 6 September 1817, d. 28 May 1896

Parents

FatherPeter Roebuck Pearsall (b. 1 May 1790, d. 28 March 1878)
MotherAbigail Carman (b. 1 September 1794, d. 20 April 1870)

Family: Catherine Ann Morgan (b. 6 September 1821, d. 24 May 1908)

DaughterEliza Pearsall (b. 12 March 1840, d. 10 June 1842)
DaughterJulia Anna Pearsall+ (b. 6 September 1841, d. 18 July 1916)
DaughterCaroline Jacobs Pearsall+ (b. 8 July 1843, d. 1936)
DaughterEmma Pearsall (b. 23 March 1845, d. 10 June 1851)
SonAlfred Everson Pearsall+ (b. 18 April 1847, d. 28 April 1919)
SonFrederick Pearsall (b. 11 February 1849, d. 4 April 1849)
DaughterLavenia Watson Pearsall+ (b. 25 May 1851, d. 24 April 1921)
DaughterMatilda Lawson Pearsall+ (b. 9 November 1852, d. 21 May 1935)
SonEdgar Randolph Pearsall+ (b. 3 November 1854, d. 1 May 1913)
DaughterLaura Anta Pearsall (b. 19 November 1856, d. 11 January 1863)
SonRollin Burdick Pearsall (b. 7 July 1861, d. 30 July 1879)
Phineas Carman Pearsall

Biography

GenealogySee attached image from the Clarence Pearsall 3-volume genealogy of the Pearsall family for Phineas's page.
Birth6 September 1817Phineas Carman Pearsall was born on 6 September 1817.
EducationHe was educated in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, as written in his obituary.
Employmentabout 1837As of about 1837, Phineas was employed in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, by his uncle James F. Randolph on the Fredonian newspaper. His uncle was married to Sarah Kent Carman, his mother's sister.
Marriage15 May 1839He and Catherine Ann Morgan were married on 15 May 1839 in Middlesex County, New Jersey, New Jersey County Marriages database lists her at her marriage as Cathrn Van Derhoof.

Maggi Downham sent for the image from the NJ State Archives, which is attached. The archivist wrote in an accompanying letter to Maggi that it reads Cath. A. VanDerhoof. The minister cited at the bottom of the listing is G. A. Raybold, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

1876 Minutes of the Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, available on Google books, on pages 159 and 160, has a biography of George A. Raybold.1,2
Census1840He appeared in the census 1840 in North Brunswick Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Phineas is listed as: Phineas Pearsall,
1 male 10-14
1 male 20-29
1 female under 5 [Catherine had her first daughter in March 1840]
1 female 10-14
2 females 20-29
1 female 40-49 [this could be his divorced mother Abigail, who was 46]

Phineas is the last name on the page, on image 76 of 83 on Ancestry.com. The first name on the page is Peter S. Pearsall. The name at the bottom of image 75 could be Garret Pearsall. There is also an N.W. Pearsall on image 70. Alice ("Elcy") Vanderhoef, Catherine's mother or stepmother, in 1840 the widow of James Vanderhoef, is listed on image 5 of 83 for North Brunswick.
Child Born12 March 1840On 12 March 1840 in New Jersey, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Eliza
Child Born6 September 1841On 6 September 1841 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Julia Anna
Death of Daughter10 June 1842On 10 June 1842, Phineas suffered the loss of his daughter Eliza.
Child Born10 August 1843On 10 August 1843 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Caroline Jacobs Pearsall. Rollin White gives the date of his mother's birth as 10 Aug, 1843, and says her parents were already living in Brooklyn. The 1850 census says that Caroline was born in New Jersey.
Movedabout September 1843As of about September 1843, Phineas moved to 27 Butler Street, between Smith and Court, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, from New Jersey3
Occupationabout 1844About 1844 Phineas worked at Coenties Slip in Manhattan, New York County, New York, as a store owner. According to Rollin White's letter to Chester Pearsall in 1974: "Another story handed down by mother relates to grandfather's financial status in his earlier years, his business standing as a younger man...According to my hand-down, Grandfather was a very prosperous and successful business man having a thriving business in the form of a 'Ship Store'. This store was located on what was then known as Counches Slip (spelling uncertain). I suppose this store was located somewhere down on East River, from the nature of the business it doubtless was located on or near the water. At any rate, it had everything for sale needed for seafaring men and ships going down to sea. I cannot give date of this period, but aside from this I feel sure this story is very accurate."

According to Wikipedia, Coenties Slip is on the East River, from Pearl Street to South Street, 2 blocks. A number of pronunciations are reported for Coenties including KOH-en-teez, KWIN-seez, KWEN-chiz and KWIN-cheez.

You can see the location on the attached maps.

The Forgotten New York website points out that Herman Melville mentions Coenties Slip in Moby-Dick, Chapter 1: "Circumambulate the city of a dreamy Sabbath afternoon. Go from Corlears Hook to Coenties Slip, and from thence, by Whitehall, northward. What do you see? Posted like silent sentinels all around the town, stand thousands upon thousands of mortal men fixed in ocean reveries."

Forgotten New York goes on to relate: "The name “Coenties” is old Dutch as Dutch can be since it recalls an early landowner from New Netherlands era, Conraet Ten Eyck, a tanner and shoemaker. He was nicknamed Coentje, or “Coonchy” to the British, and over time settled into this spelling. Ten Eyck Street in Brooklyn’s East Williamsburg was also named for him. "

There were ferries back and forth to Brooklyn, as described in the attached excerpt from the 1845 Doggett Directory. The ride cost 2 cents.4
Church AffiliationPhineas was affiliated with Old John Street Methodist Episcopal Church, in New York City, New York County, New York. The church was located at 44 John Street between Nassau and William Streets. It was built in 1841 and is the oldest Methodist congregation in North American, founded on 12 Oct 1766.

According to Rollin White's letter, "Grandfather was a man of great musical talent, and was at one time chorister at John Street Methodist Church, one of the prominent churches in New York City. Grandfather had made great preparation for the Easter service at this great triumphant Easter season. He had procured the services of a famous singer, Janet Cullen. Now Janet Cullen was a Presbyterian and was not accustomed to those shouting Methodists who demonstrated in this manner to give vent to their feelings and emotions of joy and happiness and approval when listening to a sermon or music. Back in those early pioneer days of Methodism, it was nothing unusual to hear a solid old member come out with a loud "Amen, Hallelujah, Praise the Lord," to give approval to what the preacher was saying or the singer was singing. So in the midst of the beautiful Easter Anthem Janet Cullen was singing, pouring out words of victory like a bird of paradise, the preacher shouted out his spirit of approval in tones of joy and happiness, and in volume equal to that of Janet Cullen, he shouted "Amen, Hallelujah."

Stunned by these words she did not understand, Janet Cuooen stopped short in her song. Grandfather understanding exactly what had happened, and why, picked up the words of the song, and reassured by the support of grandfather's voice, Janet Cullen picked up the words and fell in with the cadence of the song, and together they completed it to its beautiful conclusion, and, I hope< without anything unusual noticed by the audience. As soon as the service was over and the choir was breaking up, Janet Cullen came rushing up to grandfather and said, "Oh Mr. Pearsall, why was the preacher shouting at me the way he did?" Grandfather then had to explain to her that the preacher was so thrilled by her song that he was simply giving expression to his feelings of joy and happiness."4
Child Born23 March 1845On 23 March 1845 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Emma.
Church Affiliation22 November 1845As of 22 November 1845, Phineas was affiliated with Pacific Street Church, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is shown on the Quarterly Conference Minutes for 22 Nov 1845 and 9 May 1846. For 7 Aug 1846, it lists "withdrawn".

From "A History of the city of Brooklyn" by Henry R. Stiles, 1867:

The Pacific Street M. E. Church is built in the romanesque style of brown stone, and is the most costly and attractive of the churches of this denomination in the city. On Tuesday evening, October the 1st, 1844, a few persons belonging to the denomination met at the house of Aaron B. Marvin, corner of Court and Livingston streets, to deliberate as to the purchase of the property formerly occupied by the South Presbyterian church, on Pacific street, between Court and Clinton, as a place of worship for the Methodists in South Brooklyn. A committee was appointed which lost no time in effecting the proposed purchase for the sum of $6,500. The Rev. George Peck, D.D., then editor of the Quarterly Review, having been appointed to take charge of the movement, preached the first sermon on Sunday, October 13, 1844. On the Sunday following, October 20, the church was formally organized under its present charter, as the fifth separate Methodiststation in the city of Brooklyn, forty persons connecting themselves by certificate with the new society. [9] It is a singular circumstance that notone of the original official members is now in connection with this church. Most of them have " fallen asleep," and others have removed to other places or churches. The society continued to worship in this place till the 18th of May, 1851, when they removed to their present beautiful edifice, on the corner of Clinton and Pacific streets.

Child Born18 April 1847On 18 April 1847 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Alfred Everson. The name may have been from Nicholas Evertson, later Everson, the father of Margaret Evertson, who was the wife of Captain James Morgan.
Child Born11 February 1849On 11 February 1849 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Frederick.
Death of Son4 April 1849On 4 April 1849, Phineas suffered the loss of his son Frederick.
Census20 July 1850He appeared in the census 20 July 1850 at 10th Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as: Fineas, age 38, Occupation: clothing, born New York.
Catharine, age 27, born New Jersey.
Julia age 9, born New Jersey.
Caroline, age 6, born New Jersey.
Alfred, age 3, born New York, and
Susan Vanderhoff, age 20, born New Jersey.5
Child Born25 May 1851On 25 May 1851 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Lavinia Watson.
Death of Daughter10 June 1851On 10 June 1851, Phineas suffered the loss of his daughter Emma.
Child Born9 November 1852On 9 November 1852 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had Matilda Lawson The name Lawson may have been from Abigail's sister Isabel who married William Lawson.
Child Born3 November 1854On 3 November 1854 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Edgar Randolph. The Randolph name came from Phineas's uncle James Fitz Randolph, husband of his mother's sister.
Census25 June 1855He appeared in the census 25 June 1855 at Tenth Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as: Phineas, age 36, born New York County, Resident of this city 12 yrs, Occupation Clothier, native, owner of land.
His wife Catharine is 32, born in New Jersey, 12 yrs resident here.
Children: Julia (13, born in New Jersey),
Caroline (12, born in New Jersey),
Alferd (sic)(8, born in Kings Co.),
Levina (4, born Kings Co.),
Matildia (sic)(2, born Kings Co.)
Edgar (8/12, born in Kings Co.).
Also Servant, Mary Dowley, age 21, born in New Brunswick, Alien.
They are living in a brick half-double.6
Directory1856As of 1856 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 27 Butler Street as as Phineas C., clothing, 22 1/2 South, N.Y. 22 1/2 South Street in Manhattan was right around the corner from Coenties Slip where Phineas reportedly had a ship store at some point. So Phineas commuted to Manhattan to work. A Samuel Richards is also listed at 27 Butler.
Child Born19 November 1856On 19 November 1856 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Laura Anta.
Directory1857As of 1857 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 29 Butler Street as Phineas C. clothier, 31 Coenties slip, New York, home 29 Butler. In this directory there are 38 entries for Coenties Slip, including several shipchandlers at #27 (John W. Fox, Orin Cowl, Thomas C. Dodd, Thomas Graham, sailmaker, Richard Robson, lighter, William Simpson, pumpmaker, and Ezra F. Lewis at #26). Other entries are merchants, drugs, fish, blockmaker, lighter, pilot, agent, liquors, flour at #28, stevedores, forwarding, sailmakers, saloon, inspector, grain measurer, city weigher. So it was a busy, bustling, diverse street (one block long).

Other entries at 29 Butler this year were William Herring, Steamboat Captain, Harvey Farrington, junior merchant on Pearl St. in New York.
History Note1857In 1857 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, the following event took place: The Hanson Place Methodist Church was erected. Phineas's obituary says that he was involved in the organization of this church. It was dedicated 3 Jan 1859. A Sunday school building was constructed in 1860. In 1863 a parsonage was built, and construction for a larger church was begun in 1873 and dedicated 4 Jan 1874.
Church AffiliationPhineas was affiliated with Hansen Place Methodist Episcopal Church, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York,where he was one of the organizers. For listing of FHL films of ME Churches in NYC, 1785-1893
History NoteSeptember 1857In September 1857 the following event took place: The Panic of 1857. In Phineas's obituary, his son says that he "failed in '57, but subsequently met all claims, sustaining his reputation for the highest business integrity to the last."

Rollin White writes in his 1974 letter, "Along about this time a great financial panic struck the country when grandfather was at the height of his usiness success. Businessmen everywhere were taking bankruptcy and managing by this device to save their business, and grandfather could have done the same. But his sense of honesty would not let him take this means of escaping his debts. He paid all his debts, every last penny he ever owed any men he paid in full and as a result he went "broke" and he never got on his feet again.

Grandfather was a tailor by trade, and after he lost his business he actually went out and got a job in a sweat shop in an effort to maintain his family but never did he again get in any affluent condition as before his failure."

Wikipedia has an article on the panic of 1857, with this introduction: "The Panic of 1857 was a financial panic in the United States caused by the declining international economy and over-expansion of the domestic economy. Because of the interconnectedness of the world economy by the 1850s, the financial crisis that began in late 1857 was the first worldwide economic crisis.[1] In Britain, the Palmerston government circumvented the requirements of the Peel Banking Act of 1844, which required gold and silver reserves to back up the amount of money in circulation. Surfacing news of this circumvention set off the Panic in Britain.[2]

Beginning in September 1857, the financial downturn did not last long; however, a proper recovery was not seen until the American Civil War.[3] The sinking of the SS Central America contributed to the panic of 1857, as New York banks were awaiting a much-needed shipment of gold. American banks did not recover until after the civil war.[4] After the failure of Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company, the financial panic quickly spread as businesses began to fail, the railroad industry experienced financial declines, and hundreds of workers were laid off.[5]

Since the years immediately preceding the Panic of 1857 were prosperous, many banks, merchants, and farmers had seized the opportunity to take risks with their investments and as soon as market prices began to fall, they quickly began to experience the effects of financial panic."
Directory1858As of 1858 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 3d av n. 17th. as "clothing", with work address of 31 Coenties Slip. This address is a change from the address later mentioned by family members on Butler St. Also listed at this address was Theodore M. Vanderhoef, a salesman.

The next directory available on the Brooklyn Library website is for 1862, and Phineas Pearsall is not listed in that directory. There are 10 Vanderhoef's, not including Theodore, and none at 3rd and 17th.
Census7 July 1860He appeared in the census 7 July 1860 at 2nd District, 9th Ward, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as: F. Pearsall, age 43, Merchant Tailor, no real estate, Personal Estate of $5000. Born in NY. With
Catherine (28 [error, she was 38], born in Jersey),
Julia (19, born in Jersey), Caroline (17, born in Jersey), Alfred (13, born in New York),
Lavinia (8, born in New York),
Matilda (6, born in New York),
Edgar (4, born in New York) and
Laura (2, born in New York).
Alfred, Lavinia, Matilda and Edgar are listed as attending school.7
Child Born7 July 1861On 7 July 1861 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Rollin Burdick. Burdick was named after the husband of their oldest living daughter, Julia, 20 years older than Rollin, who had married Chester F. Burdick.
Directory1863As of 1863 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at Reed av. n. Hancock as working in "music."
Death of Daughter11 January 1863On 11 January 1863, Phineas suffered the loss of his daughter Laura.
Directory1864As of 1864 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at Jefferson n. Reed av working in "music."
Directory1865As of 1865 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at Jefferson c. Reed av. as musician.
Census9 June 1865He appeared in the census 9 June 1865 at 9th Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as: Phineas C., 47, born N.J., married once, Prof. Music,
Catherine, 42, wife, born N.J., mother of 10 children, married once,
Carrie J., 21, born N.J., single, school teacher
Alfred E., 18, born Kings, single, Dry Goods, Clk.
Lavenia W., 14, born Kings
Matilda L., 12 born Kings
Edgar F. [not correct initial], 9, born Kings
Charles F. 11/12 [looks like 3 11/12, but I don't know if they list months for children over one year. Also says F for female.] Born Kings.
Living in a frame home of value $1500, not a property owner

Charles F. Pearsall is a child I have not seen listed for them. If the listing says 3 years and 11/12, he would have been born in July, 1861, which is the birthdate of Rollin Burdick. If only 11/12, born in 1864, and must have died before 1870. And Rollin is not listed on this census, when he should be. And they reported 10 children, of which 4 had already died before 1865, and even counting Rollin it should have been 11, so I am doubting this Charles.

I have never found church baptism records for this family in Brooklyn.
Directory1866As of 1866 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at Jefferson c. Reed av. as working in "music." Phineas is not listed in the 1867 , 1868, or 1869 directories. 1870 is not available on the Brooklyn Library website.
Census1870He appeared in the census 1870 at Ward 21 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as: age 52, Real Estate Agt, no real estate, $500 personal estate, b. New Jersey, with
Catharine, age 48, b. New Jersey,
Carrie, 27, At home,
Lavina, 19, At home,
Matilda, 17, At home,
Edgar, 15, Clerk in Store,
Charles 9.
All children b. New York.8
Directory1871As of 1871 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at Putnam av. n Patchen av. as working in real estate.
Directory1874As of 1874 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 626 Monroe as working in real estate. Phineas is also listed in the business directory under Music Teachers. John W. Oddle is also listed at this address.
Census19 June 1875He appeared in the census 19 June 1875 at 2nd E.D. of 25th Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as: Phoenias (58, born in New York County, Occupation: Real Estate, works in Kings County), Catherine A (56, wife, born in New Jersey), Edgar R. (18, born in Kings County) and Charles B. (14). They are living in the household of Henry Spence and family, who is listed as owner.
Directory1876As of 1876 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 726 Monroe as working in real estate.
Directory1878As of 1878 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 726 Monroe as agent. His son Edgar is listed also at the same address.
Moved1879As of 1879, Phineas moved to Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, as mentioned in his obituary.
Directory1879As of 1879 Phineas was listed in the Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, directory at 726 Monroe as agent. Neither Phineas nor his son Edgar are listed in the 1880 Brooklyn directory, which confirms their move to Westfield, New Jersey, in 1879.
Newspaper Mention2 May 1879The 2 May 1879 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, reported on the activities of the Brooklyn Association of Christian Workers. They have been holding revival services recently, and among the most active members is "P.C. Pearsall, of the Pearsall family." See attached.9
Death of Son30 July 1879On 30 July 1879, Phineas suffered the loss of his son Rollin.
Census5 June 1880He appeared in the census 5 June 1880 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Phineas is listed as: Phineas C., age 64, Tailor, with
Catherine M, 59, wife, Keeping house, and
Edgar E, 25, son, Reporter.

They are living next to Edward L. Embree, age 30, agent for a Salt Co., and Martha, 26 wife, keeping house, and Royal B, age 6, son, and Alvah L, age 2 son.
Directory1885As of 1885 Phineas was listed in the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, directory at Jerusalem Rd (home)., real estate - Broad nr Prospect.
Photo Family Group1889In 1889, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Phineas Pearsall Family Reunion 1889 Left to right: Mary Ferris Pearsall with James Ferris Pearsall standing in front of her. Edgar Randolph Pearsall holding Chester Burdick Pearsall (my grandfather). Roy Embree, Carrie White, Fred Burdick, Julia Pearsall Burdick, Matilda Pearsall Embree, Edward L. Embree behind Malilda, Bert Pearsall looking off to the right, Alfred Everson Pearsall, Clifford Pearsall, Ruth Pearsall (little girl with her head cocked), Ralph Pearsall, Leigh Pearsall, Jessie Burdick, Edgar Fitch holding lapel, Allen Fitch, Mabel Fitch. Front row, left to right: Starting with the girl in the little chair, Ethel Pearsall, Embree White, Phineas Carman Pearsall, the three children on the blanket: Harriet Wheelock Pearsall, Lawrence Embree, Ferris Randolph Pearsall. Pauline Embree (little girl in white next to Phineas) Catherine Morgan Pearsall, Chester Burdick holding Rollin Pearsall White, Lucy Fitch in little chair, Lavinia Pearsall Fitch, Bessie Fitch.
Photo Family Group1893In 1893, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Phineas and Catherine Pearsall at Embree Crescent, 1893
Death28 May 1896He died on 28 May 1896 in Ocean Side, Long Island, New York, at the home of Alexander A. Pearsall.
Obituary29 May 189629 May 1896, New York City, New York County, New York, New York Tribune Obituary:. Phineas Carman Pearsall, and old and respected resident of Westfield, N.J., died from apoplexy yesterday at the house of Alexander A. Pearsall, at Ocean Side, Long Island. He was born in this city seventy-nine years ago, and for many years was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By his efforts a number of Methodist congregations were organized in the outskirts of Brooklyn.

He leaves two sons, Alfred E. and Edgar F. Pearsall, who are both connected with the press of this city, and four married daughter. His body is to be taken to Westfield for burial.
Obituary30 May 189730 May 1897, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, Union County Standard Obituary:. A GOOD MAN AT REST
SQUIRE PEARSALL PASSES AWAY- Stricken with Paralysis at Rockville Centre, L.I.

While visiting members of his family at Rockville Centre, L. I., Squire Pearsall received a paralytic stroke early Thursday morning of last week. He rallied sufficiently to recognize his family, including his wife and eldest daughter, who had been summoned to his bedside from Virginia and Kansas; and for several days he remained happily conscious of the presence of his kindred. For twenty-four hours before his death, however, he lay in a state of coma out of which he passed peacefully into the Great Beyond.

For some time the Squire, as everybody called him, had not been well. He complained of dizziness and nausea; but his inherent good cheer never left him, even under the most trying circumstances. He had commenced a tour of last good byes to relatives and old friends. The angel of death overtook him in the beautiful home of his favorite nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander A. Pearsall at Rockville Centre. He had the best medical skill and a trained nurse to supplement the tender care of his devoted people; but in his seventy-ninth year, his time had come -- and he was ready!

Why should he not fall asleep in the utmost peace? For his life was a life of "Good will to men!"

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock at the Methodist Episcopal church.

Phineas Carman Pearsall was a direct descendant of John Carman, who in 1634 came to America and was one of the nine original joint purchasers of land from the Indians on Long Island, and gave the name of Hemstead (Homestead) to their settlement. John Carman's third son was the first white child born on Long Island. The Carmans and Pearsalls and Randolphs, through marriages in these early days, became allied. The late governor Randolph, of New Jersey, and the late Chancellor Theo Runyon were cousins of deceased. "Old Squire Pearsall" lived to be a great grand-sire and was always fond of talking revolutionary lore to his grand children; how their ancestors made it hot for the Tories and Hessians and how they made the red coats run.

Born in New York City, Sept. 6, 1817, he was the son of Peter Roebeck and Abigail Carman Pearsall; was educated in New Brunswick, N.J. where he was afterwards employed on the New Brunswick Fredonian, then owned by his uncle James F. Randolph. On May 15, 1838, he married Catherine Morgan Vanderhoef. Subsequently he engaged prosperously in business in New York City; endorsed other men's notes; paid dollar for dollar; passed through the crisis of '37; failed in '57; but subsequently met all claims, sustaining his reputation for the highest business integrity to the last. It was at that time that he went into his home and said: "Not everything is gone. I thank God that I have left me an honest reputation and my wife and children."

They reared seven children: Julia A..who became the wife of Rev. C. F Burdick: Carrie J., wife of James E. White; Lavinia W., the wife of Allen C. Fitch; [Matilda L., the wife of E. L. Embree -- the version this compiler copied from the Union Standard microfilm did not list Matilda. However, it has been added into the wording in the Clarence Pearsall book. The books also calls Rev. Burdick and James E. White 'the late.']; Alfred E., Edgar R., and the late Rollin B.-- all living excepting the latter, whose death occurred in 1879.

For years the deceased was chorister of The Old John Street church, New York. He was one of the organizers of the Hansen Place M. E. Church, Brooklyn. He came to Westfield with his family in 1879 and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. For many years he was a Justice of the Peace. He dies revered by his family. beloved by his friends and respected by his fellow citizens. Many a richer man, measured by the dollar sign, will die and be forgotten before the sweet memory of the "old Squire" dies out or the record of his goodness ceases to affect his mankind.

Alfred E. Pearsall1
Newspaper Mention4 October 1911He was mentioned in a newspaper report about James Royce Ferris when 4 October 1911 edition of the The Courier-News, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, reported on the dedication of the new Methodist Church of Westfield, NJ. In the article, several memorials were described:

"Windows in Prospect Street Side:
The large window, a memorial to Phineas C. Pearsall, Catherine Morgan Pearsall; Benjamin F. Ham, who held the offices of class leader, steward and trustee; and James R. Ferris, who in his time was class leader, Sunday School superintendent, steward and trustee, contains the symbols of the Four Evangelists on the shields in the tracery...The inscription on the Pearsall memorial reads: "Their children rise up and call them blessed" and on the Ferris memorial: "Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."
Last Edited11 February 2023

Citations

  1. [S29] Clarence E. Pearsall, History and Genealogy of The Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco: H.S. Crocker and Company, Inc., 1928), Vol III chap 42 sec 16 page 1328. Hereinafter cited as The Pearsall Family.
  2. [S619] Phineas Pearsall and Cathrn Van Derhoof, (15 May 1839), New Jersey County Marriages, 1682 - 1956: Digital Folder Number 004836078, Image Number 00046; New Jersey State Archives, Filmed by Family History Library, FHL Film 851752, Trenton, New Jersey
  3. [S563] , Census, Microfilmed, Ancestry.com census records, which states they lived in the city 12 years.
  4. [S641] Rollin White, (Buena Vista, Virginia) to Chester Burdick Pearsall, letter, 29 Mar 1974; privately held by Holly Kilpatrick., 2017. From David B. Tilley
  5. [S605] , 1850 Federal Census (), Image 26/282 ancestry.com.
  6. [S563] Census, Microfilmed, Ancestry.com census records, Image 22/84.
  7. [S85] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com, Image 152/240.
  8. [S84] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com.
  9. [S159] , Brooklyn Daily Eagle 1841 - 1902 Brooklyn Public Library Online, Brooklyn, New York, http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/eagle/, 2 Mar 1879, p. 2, 2 Mar 1879, p. 2

Catherine Ann Morgan

F, #6, b. 6 September 1821, d. 24 May 1908

Parents

FatherUnknown Morgan
MotherAlice J ("Elsie") Disbrow (b. about 1803, d. 30 March 1889)

Family: Phineas Carman Pearsall (b. 6 September 1817, d. 28 May 1896)

DaughterEliza Pearsall (b. 12 March 1840, d. 10 June 1842)
DaughterJulia Anna Pearsall+ (b. 6 September 1841, d. 18 July 1916)
DaughterCaroline Jacobs Pearsall+ (b. 8 July 1843, d. 1936)
DaughterEmma Pearsall (b. 23 March 1845, d. 10 June 1851)
SonAlfred Everson Pearsall+ (b. 18 April 1847, d. 28 April 1919)
SonFrederick Pearsall (b. 11 February 1849, d. 4 April 1849)
DaughterLavenia Watson Pearsall+ (b. 25 May 1851, d. 24 April 1921)
DaughterMatilda Lawson Pearsall+ (b. 9 November 1852, d. 21 May 1935)
SonEdgar Randolph Pearsall+ (b. 3 November 1854, d. 1 May 1913)
DaughterLaura Anta Pearsall (b. 19 November 1856, d. 11 January 1863)
SonRollin Burdick Pearsall (b. 7 July 1861, d. 30 July 1879)
Catherine Ann Morgan Vanderhoef Pearsall, 1821-1908

Biography

Research NoteParentage Question, part 1. The parentage of Catherine Ann Morgan is not known. David B. Tilley, when researching this line, sent for her death certificate in the hopes of learning her parents' names, but the Commonwealth of Virginia replied to him in 1975 that death registrations began in Virginia as of June 14, 1912.

As noted on her marriage, the State of New Jersey recorded her name at marriage as Cathrn Van Derhoof. D.B. Tilley believed, or had heard, that she had been adopted, or raised, by another family, perhaps the Van Derhoof's. He attempted to find adoption records in New Jersey without success.

In the family her maiden name has been recorded and referred to as Morgan. The marriage record is the only place I have seen Van Derhoof. When Alfred Everson Pearsall wrote Phineas Carman Pearsall's obituary in 1896, he stated that Phineas married "Catherine Morgan Vanderhoef". Numerous children in later generations had the middle name of Morgan. None were given the name of Vanderhoef.

In the death certificate of her daughter Julia Ann Burdick, Catherine's maiden name is given as Morgan.

In the 1850 Brooklyn, NY, census, Phineas and Catherine have 3 little children and Susan Vanderhoff (born in New Jersey) in the household. This is Amanda Susan Vanderhoef Gibbs Brown, daughter of Alice Disbrow Vanderhoef Letts.

In the 1858 Brooklyn, NY directory, Theodore M. Vanderhoef lives at the same address as Phineas and Catherine and family. This is the son of Alice Disbrow Vanderhoef Letts.

On 29 Mar 1974, my grandfather's uncle, Rollin White, wrote a letter to my grandfather Chester Pearsall. Rollin White was the son of Caroline Jacobs Pearsall, who was a sister to Chester's father Edgar Randolph Pearsall. Therefore Rollin and Chester were cousins, and Catherine Ann Morgan was their grandmother. Catherine Ann Morgan lived with Rollin's parents in Buena Vista, Virginia for the last 15 years of her life, 1893-1908. Rollin was born in 1886 and was 7 years old when his grandmother came to live with them. In this letter, Rollin relates a number of memories of his grandparents, and I quote here two paragraphs from this letter, which discuss Catherine Ann's parentage:

"I want to bring up a subject you mentioned in your letter, namely, why we know so little about the ancestry of grandmother Pearsall. I can tell you exactly why, grandmother would never tell anyone anything about her parenthood. Mother related a great deal of family lore to me before her death in 1936 and I learned from her that grandmother would never tell any member of the family, or anyone else, anything about her own parenthood, especially who her father was. In fact I recall how on one occasion when one of the children asked her a question about her father, grandmother turned to the whole family and said in a tone almost of anger, 'Don't ever mention that subject again.'

Now just why this subject was hidden so mysteriously and secretively in grandmother's heart, no member of the family seemed ever to know but the fact remains that this subject was one that she would never disclose to anyone and has gone down in family history as a dark secret that we can only speculate and guess on. But one thing seems to be certain that her father was a Morgan and I have always been under the impression that he was a direct descendent, perhaps a son, of Gen. Morgan of Revolutionary fame. At all events from the tales and stories handed down from my mother I am of the impression that there is a great mystery and secrecy hanging over the origin or parenthood of our dear grandmother Pearsall."

In March, 2017, this writer found a reference to "my granddaughter, Catherine Ann Morgan" in the will of John D. Disbrow, the husband of Susannah Morgan. With further research, I found that one of their daughters, Alice J. (Elsie) had married first a Vanderhoef, and had 4 - 6 children.

It appears that Alice (Disbrow) Vanderhoef raised Catherine Ann. Alice may have been her mother, with an out-of-wedlock birth by some Morgan male, before her marriage to James Vanderhoef. Unfortunately, the New Jersey federal censuses for 1790, 1800, 1810, and 1820 do not exist, which is a hindrance to New Jersey research. See Alice Disbrow's person page for more on her life and her children.

Another point to consider is the mystery of John D. Disbrow's eldest son, Daniel Morgan Disbrow. He is not mentioned in his father's will. I have no information on him. His absence from his father's will was mentioned by another Disbrow researcher, Jay W. Sterner, who wrote a booklet on the Disbrows in 1956. He stated therein, "Perhaps he was in disgrace. Jay (Sterner) Jr's mother-in-law remembers a ballad she heard as a girl anent "Dirty Danny Disbrow" that might possibly be the answer. " Some of our family members have suspected Daniel might be the father of Catherine Ann. However, then why would her grandfather have mentioned her as Catherine Ann Morgan? She would have been a Disbrow.
Research NoteParentage Question, part 2. In 1977, some old Westfield Union County Standard newspapers were digitized, and on the occasion, the Westfield Leader spoke with some members of the Pearsall family still living in Westfield. The article (attached) contained this sentence, "The motivating force behind the old "Standard" was the Pearsall family, who have been part of Westfield's history since one of their ancestors, James Morgan, a soldier on guard duty during the Revolution, shot the Rev. Caldwell, after he failed to give the proper password, and was hanged on Gallows Hill Road."

From this article, it seems that at least those Pearsalls had the impression that Catherine Ann Morgan was related in some was to the sentry James Morgan who was hanged. The Pearsall history in Westfield does not go back to the Revolution, however, since Phineas Carman Pearsall only moved there in 1879.

For all the known details about Sentry John Morgan, go to his person page on this website (linked in the following Reference Link).
Research NoteParentage Question, part 3. Some possibilities for the Morgan connection:

In addition to Sentry James Morgan discussed above, there was a large and prosperous Morgan family in the area of South Amboy, New Jersey in the 1700's and 1800's. The family was centered around two James Morgans, father and son. I will refer to them by their military titles to differentiate them.

Captain James Morgan 1734-1784, son of Charles and Abigail Morgan, born in South Amboy, married Margaret Evertson 27 Jun 1754. Served in the Revolution, rank of Ensign and then Captain. His son Nicholas was killed while on guard duty, Dec 1782. Margaret lived from 1731-1827.

The material below is pulled from a variety of detailed online sources, including an Ancestry Public Tree of Deirdre McIntosh and a Van Wickle website of John VanWicklin, and a number of other sources that looked well researched.. This is just notes to organize an overview of these families. I have NOT done research on these families, I am reporting easily available online data, so please do not take this as gospel.

Captain James Morgan and Margaret Evertson had a number of children:
Sarah --?
Abigail (1755-1809)
Margaret - ?
Nicholas (1755 - 1782) (killed in Revolution, no issue)
Major General James Morgan (1756-1822)(see below)
Susannah (1761-1853) (married John D. Disbrow 1780)(see below)
Sarah (1772-1835) (married Judge Jacob Charles Van Wickle, they had 9 children between 1795-1813)
Charles (1775 - 1848), moved to Pointe Coupee, Louisiana by 1807 when he married Hyacinthe Allain there, they had 8 children between 1808-1823)

Major General James Morgan, 29 Dec 1756 - 11 Nov 1822. Continental Army officer. Rank of Major General. Wounded and taken prisoner. Married (1) Catherine Van Brackle, who died 1802 at age 37. Married (2) Ann S. Van Wickle, 20 Oct 1805. United States Congressman from New Jersey's at-large district from 1811-1813. Ann Van Wickle died 13 Aug 1869, aged 85 years 2 months. and is buried at Morgan Manor, S. Amboy, NJ.

This Morgan family and affiliated families ran a stoneware pottery operation in South Amboy, among other business interests. They were also involved in a scandalous trial related to selling slaves to Louisiana in 1818. See attached document for the fascinating details of that incident.

Major General James Morgan's children with Catherine Van Brackle:
Ida Morgan (1791-1862)
Jonathan Morgan (1798-1867) (married Dinah Van Wickle)
Margaret Morgan

Major General James Morgan's children with Ann Van Wickle:
1. Catherine (Caty) Ann Morgan, b. 6 September 1806, S. Amboy Twp, NJ
2. Charles Morgan, b. 13 January 1808, S. Amboy Twp, NJ
3. Emeline Morgan, b. 29 December 1810, S. Amboy Twp, NJ
4. Mary D. Morgan, b. 18 January 1814, S. Amboy Twp, NJ
5. Almira Morgan, b. 10 May 1818, S. Amboy Twp, NJ

"Caty" married John Weatherill on 6 Sep 1824, and she died 29 Apr 1825. I am interested in this family because of the time frame and the name Catherine of Morgan's first wife and Catherine Ann for the first daughter of his second wife.

The book "History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey", p. 783, has an entry on Andrew J. Disbrow (1815-1890) who was a grandson of John Disbrow, the husband of Susannah Morgan, sister of Major General James Morgan. See attached biographical article.

One of the sons of John D. Disbrow and Susannah Morgan was Nicholas Morgan Disbrow, b. 1783, who married Mary, daughter of Cornelius P. Vanderhoef, in 1807.

Mary H. Van Derhoef (1787-17 Aug 1865, Matawan, Monmouth County ) daughter of Cornelius P. Vanderhoef, 1726-1816 and Phoebe Van E Hunn (1767-1808. Mary and Nicholas M. Disbrow had 12 children. Her father Cornelius died before our Catherine Ann was born, and her mother had long been dead.

Cornelius P. Vanderhoef and his wife (Phoebe V.E. Hunn) had a number of children besides Mary, including Thomas Hunn Vanderhoef (1789-1876, born in Monmouth County and died in Brooklyn, NY), and Samuel Cornelius Vanderhoef (1796-1847). I don't know if Cornelius P. Vanderhoef had siblings.

Another child of John D. and Susannah Morgan Disbrow was Alice J. (Elsie) Disbrow Vanderhoef Letts. After finding a bequest in the will of John D. Disbrow to his granddaughter Catherine Ann Morgan, I am considering this woman as a possible mother of Catherine Ann Morgan. I am connecting her as Catherine Ann's mother in this database SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING ABLE TO CONNECT CATHERINE ANN TO HER GRANDFATHER, JOHN D. DISBROW. I know that Elsie raised Catherine, but I do not know whether or not Elsie was Catherine's mother.

Catherine Ann Morgan Pearsall was involved with Alice's family as shown in the 1850 census and the 1858 Brooklyn Directory. If anyone is alive who knows the true story, and happens to see this page, please contact me at hollyfpk @ gmail.com.1
Birth6 September 1821She was born on 6 September 1821 in New Jersey. For the purposes of this database, I have connected Catherine with Alice Disbrow as mother. She may have been her biological mother, or just adoptive mother. However, as granddaughter of John D. Disbrow, I want to connect Catherine with that family. John D. was Alice's father.2
Mention11 April 1835As of on 11 April 1835, Catherine was mentioned with a special bequest in the will of her grandfather, John D. Disbrow, as follows: "I will and bequeath to my Granddaughter Catharine Ann Morgan the sum of Fifty dollars, to her, her heirs and assigns forever." The three other bequests in John's will were one to his wife, one to his oldest son, and the general assignment of his estate to all his children. No other grandchildren were mentioned although he had many.

$50 in 1835 is equivalent to almost $1500 in 2020.
Marriage15 May 1839Phineas Carman Pearsall and she were married on 15 May 1839 in Middlesex County, New Jersey, New Jersey County Marriages database lists her at her marriage as Cathrn Van Derhoof.

Maggi Downham sent for the image from the NJ State Archives, which is attached. The archivist wrote in an accompanying letter to Maggi that it reads Cath. A. VanDerhoof. The minister cited at the bottom of the listing is G. A. Raybold, of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

1876 Minutes of the Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, available on Google books, on pages 159 and 160, has a biography of George A. Raybold.2,3
Child Born12 March 1840On 12 March 1840 in New Jersey, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Eliza
Child Born6 September 1841On 6 September 1841 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Julia Anna
Death of Daughter10 June 1842On 10 June 1842, Catherine suffered the loss of her daughter Eliza.
Child Born10 August 1843On 10 August 1843 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Caroline Jacobs Pearsall. Rollin White gives the date of his mother's birth as 10 Aug, 1843, and says her parents were already living in Brooklyn. The 1850 census says that Caroline was born in New Jersey.
Child Born23 March 1845On 23 March 1845 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Emma.
Child Born18 April 1847On 18 April 1847 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Alfred Everson. The name may have been from Nicholas Evertson, later Everson, the father of Margaret Evertson, who was the wife of Captain James Morgan.
Child Born11 February 1849On 11 February 1849 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Frederick.
Death of Son4 April 1849On 4 April 1849, Catherine suffered the loss of her son Frederick.
Census20 July 1850She appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 20 July 1850 at 10th Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as Fineas, age 38, Occupation: clothing, born New York.
Catharine, age 27, born New Jersey.
Julia age 9, born New Jersey.
Caroline, age 6, born New Jersey.
Alfred, age 3, born New York, and
Susan Vanderhoff, age 20, born New Jersey.4
Child Born25 May 1851On 25 May 1851 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Lavinia Watson.
Death of Daughter10 June 1851On 10 June 1851, Catherine suffered the loss of her daughter Emma.
Child Born9 November 1852On 9 November 1852 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had Matilda Lawson The name Lawson may have been from Abigail's sister Isabel who married William Lawson.
Child Born3 November 1854On 3 November 1854 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Edgar Randolph. The Randolph name came from Phineas's uncle James Fitz Randolph, husband of his mother's sister.
Church Affiliationabout 1855As of about 1855, Catherine was affiliated with Pacific Street Church, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Catherine Pearsall is listed on the membership list. It is not dated, but many of the notes of members joining and leaving are in the 1850's.5
Census25 June 1855She appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 25 June 1855 at Tenth Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as Phineas, age 36, born New York County, Resident of this city 12 yrs, Occupation Clothier, native, owner of land.
His wife Catharine is 32, born in New Jersey, 12 yrs resident here.
Children: Julia (13, born in New Jersey),
Caroline (12, born in New Jersey),
Alferd (sic)(8, born in Kings Co.),
Levina (4, born Kings Co.),
Matildia (sic)(2, born Kings Co.)
Edgar (8/12, born in Kings Co.).
Also Servant, Mary Dowley, age 21, born in New Brunswick, Alien.
They are living in a brick half-double.6
Child Born19 November 1856On 19 November 1856 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a daughter, Laura Anta.
Census7 July 1860She appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 7 July 1860 at 2nd District, 9th Ward, in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as F. Pearsall, age 43, Merchant Tailor, no real estate, Personal Estate of $5000. Born in NY. With
Catherine (28 [error, she was 38], born in Jersey),
Julia (19, born in Jersey), Caroline (17, born in Jersey), Alfred (13, born in New York),
Lavinia (8, born in New York),
Matilda (6, born in New York),
Edgar (4, born in New York) and
Laura (2, born in New York).
Alfred, Lavinia, Matilda and Edgar are listed as attending school.7
Child Born7 July 1861On 7 July 1861 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, Phineas and Catherine had a son, Rollin Burdick. Burdick was named after the husband of their oldest living daughter, Julia, 20 years older than Rollin, who had married Chester F. Burdick.
Death of Daughter11 January 1863On 11 January 1863, Catherine suffered the loss of her daughter Laura.
Census9 June 1865She appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 9 June 1865 at 9th Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as Phineas C., 47, born N.J., married once, Prof. Music,
Catherine, 42, wife, born N.J., mother of 10 children, married once,
Carrie J., 21, born N.J., single, school teacher
Alfred E., 18, born Kings, single, Dry Goods, Clk.
Lavenia W., 14, born Kings
Matilda L., 12 born Kings
Edgar F. [not correct initial], 9, born Kings
Charles F. 11/12 [looks like 3 11/12, but I don't know if they list months for children over one year. Also says F for female.] Born Kings.
Living in a frame home of value $1500, not a property owner

Charles F. Pearsall is a child I have not seen listed for them. If the listing says 3 years and 11/12, he would have been born in July, 1861, which is the birthdate of Rollin Burdick. If only 11/12, born in 1864, and must have died before 1870. And Rollin is not listed on this census, when he should be. And they reported 10 children, of which 4 had already died before 1865, and even counting Rollin it should have been 11, so I am doubting this Charles.

I have never found church baptism records for this family in Brooklyn.
Census1870She appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 1870 at Ward 21 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as age 52, Real Estate Agt, no real estate, $500 personal estate, b. New Jersey, with
Catharine, age 48, b. New Jersey,
Carrie, 27, At home,
Lavina, 19, At home,
Matilda, 17, At home,
Edgar, 15, Clerk in Store,
Charles 9.
All children b. New York.8
Census19 June 1875She appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 19 June 1875 at 2nd E.D. of 25th Ward in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Phineas is listed as Phoenias (58, born in New York County, Occupation: Real Estate, works in Kings County), Catherine A (56, wife, born in New Jersey), Edgar R. (18, born in Kings County) and Charles B. (14). They are living in the household of Henry Spence and family, who is listed as owner.
Witness1879As of 1879, Catherine Ann Morgan moved with Phineas Carman Pearsall to Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, as mentioned in his obituary.
Death of Son30 July 1879On 30 July 1879, Catherine suffered the loss of her son Rollin.
Census5 June 1880She appeared in the household of Phineas Carman Pearsall in the census 5 June 1880 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Phineas is listed as Phineas C., age 64, Tailor, with
Catherine M, 59, wife, Keeping house, and
Edgar E, 25, son, Reporter.

They are living next to Edward L. Embree, age 30, agent for a Salt Co., and Martha, 26 wife, keeping house, and Royal B, age 6, son, and Alvah L, age 2 son.
Relocation1893In 1893, Catherine Ann Morgan moved to Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, Virginia, to live with her daughter Matilda Embree and family.
Census1900She appeared in the household of Edward Lawrence Embree in the census 1900 in Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Edward is listed as Edward L. Embree (Head, b. Aug 1850, age 49, married 28 years, b. NY and parents also, Treasurer, Columbian Paper Company)
Matilda L. (Wife, b. Nov 1852, age 47, married 28 yrs, 4 children, 4 living. b. NY and parents also. [Note, obviously an error, her mother is listed in the same household as b. New Jersey.] )
Royal B. (son, b. Oct 1873, age 26, single, b. NY, Book keeper, Paper Mill.)
Pauline (Daughter, b. Jan 1886, age 14, single, b. NY.)
Lois (Daughter, b. Aug 1893, age 6, singer, b. in Virginia.)
Pearsall, Catherine M. (Mother, b. Sep 1821, age 78, widowed, 0 children, 0 living [obviously incorrect], born in New Jersey.)
Death24 May 1908She died on 24 May 1908 in Buena Vista, Rockbridge County, Virginia,
Burial26 May 1908She was buried on 26 May 1908 at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.
Obituary26 May 190826 May 1908, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, Courier-News Obituary:. Westfield News: Mrs. Catherine Morgan Vanderhoef, widow of Phineas Carman Pearsall, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. L. Embree, in Buena Vista, Va., on Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Pearsall was in her 87th year, and is the mother of Alfred E. Pearsall, Edgar R. Pearsall and Mrs. A. C. Fitch, of this place. She had lived with her husband for a number of years, but for some time past had been making her home with her daughter in Virginia. Besides her four children, she is survived by a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The body was brought to this place today and funeral services will be held this evening at 8 p.m. from the Methodist church. The interment will be Fairview cemetery tomorrow morning.
Obituary27 May 190827 May 1908, Lexington, Virginia, The Lexington Gazette Obituary: See attached clipping.
Newspaper Mention4 October 1911She was mentioned in a newspaper report about James Royce Ferris when 4 October 1911 edition of the The Courier-News, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, reported on the dedication of the new Methodist Church of Westfield, NJ. In the article, several memorials were described:

"Windows in Prospect Street Side:
The large window, a memorial to Phineas C. Pearsall, Catherine Morgan Pearsall; Benjamin F. Ham, who held the offices of class leader, steward and trustee; and James R. Ferris, who in his time was class leader, Sunday School superintendent, steward and trustee, contains the symbols of the Four Evangelists on the shields in the tracery...The inscription on the Pearsall memorial reads: "Their children rise up and call them blessed" and on the Ferris memorial: "Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."
Last Edited24 January 2023

Citations

  1. [S689] Ed. W. Woodford Clayton, History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey: with Biographical Sketches of many of their Prominent Men (Philadelphia. Available on archive.org and googlebooks.: Everts & Peck, 1882), p. 783
  2. [S29] Clarence E. Pearsall, History and Genealogy of The Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco: H.S. Crocker and Company, Inc., 1928), vol III chap 42 sec 16 page 1328. Hereinafter cited as The Pearsall Family.
  3. [S619] Phineas Pearsall and Cathrn Van Derhoof, (15 May 1839), New Jersey County Marriages, 1682 - 1956: Digital Folder Number 004836078, Image Number 00046; New Jersey State Archives, Filmed by Family History Library, FHL Film 851752, Trenton, New Jersey
  4. [S605] , 1850 Federal Census (), Image 26/282 ancestry.com.
  5. [S792] United Methodist Church (New York City, New York and Vicinity), Baptism, Marriage and Other Records, Vol 27, Pacific Street Church; updated, collection name changed to new york, new jersey and connecticut, u.s., united methodist church records, 1775-1949, Ancestry.com ().
  6. [S563] , Census, Microfilmed, Ancestry.com census records, Image 22/84.
  7. [S85] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com, Image 152/240.
  8. [S84] , Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com.

James Royce Ferris

M, #7, b. 7 February 1818, d. 26 October 1908

Parents

FatherJosiah Seymour Ferris (b. 19 August 1788, d. 17 February 1882)
MotherElizabeth Royce (b. 6 September 1793, d. 18 February 1865)

Family: Harriet Eliza Hawkins (b. 31 August 1824, d. 26 August 1914)

DaughterHattie E. Ferris (b. 6 September 1853, d. 27 March 1860)
DaughterMary Palmer Ferris+ (b. 20 June 1856, d. 8 February 1949)
DaughterElla Lydia Ferris (b. 3 July 1859, d. 20 October 1930)

Biography

Family HistorySee attached family record. Found on a public tree on Ancestry.com.
Birth7 February 1818James Royce Ferris was born on 7 February 1818 at Henry Ward Beecher Farm in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York.1
Directory1846As of 1846 James was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 55 William St. as Furnishing, and home at 25 Vandam, also the listing of his father.

"Gentlemen's Furnishings" would have referred to clothing articles not made by tailors: Shirts, Cravats, Underwear, Hosiery, Suspenders, Gloves, Collars, and other articles of the male wardrobe.2
Directory1847As of 1847 James was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 80 Stanton St as James R Ferris, home. and he is still listed at 55 William St. for the furnishing business. His father is listed at home at 28 King.

80 Stanton was the address of his wife's father, Charles Hawkins, who died in 1845.
Marriage3 March 1847He and Harriet Eliza Hawkins were married on 3 March 1847 in New York City, New York County, New York,3,4
Relocation1848In 1848, James Royce Ferris moved to Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.
Directory1849As of 1849 James was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 28 King Street as (home) and place of business (Furnishing) 55 William St. Josiah S. is listed at the same address, 28 King, as a Clerk. It is possible that this refers to Josiah Jr, but most likely Josiah Sr.5
Directory1850As of 1850 James was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 55 William St. as Furnishing, home at 28 King St.
Census17 July 1850He appeared in the census 17 July 1850 at Ward 8 in New York City, New York County, New York. James is listed as: James R. (30, Merchant, b. N. York)
Harriet Ferris (25, b. N. York)
Elizabeth Hawkins (45, b. Rhode Island)
Bridget Mountain (18, b. Ireland)

Ward 8 was the west side of Greenwich Village.

Two dwellings up the page is Cyrus Ferris, age 60, Merchant, with Elizabeth, age 43, and Angeline, age 25. I note that because Angeline was also the name of one of James' sisters.

They are living next to Seymour Strong (40) and his wife Eliza. Just noting because Strang was a Westchester County family with which his family was later associated by marriage. Just in case it is really Strang.

Image 17/531, Ancestry
Directory1855As of 1855 James was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 55 William St. as "Gents Fur'ing", with home at 56 King St. In the same directory, David A. Herrick is also listed as Gentlemen's Furnishings, at 95 William (home Adelphi, Brooklyn). He was the Herrick of Herrick, Ferris and Co. which underwent financial suspension in the 1957 panic.

David A. Herrick had formerly been in business with Israel W. Scudder as Herrick and Scudder, also a Gentlemens' Furnishings business.

David A. Herrick was in the furnishings business earlier in Brooklyn. See attached ad from the Brooklyn Evening Star, 7 Dec 1846, when he operated a business from No. 72 Maiden Lane.6
Census6 June 1855He appeared in the census 6 June 1855 at Ward 8 in New York City, New York County, New York. James is listed as: Jas. R. (age 33, born in Westchester County, married, resided 10 years in this city, Merchant, homeowner) (Indexed as Ferus on familysearch)
Harriet E. (age 30, Wife, born in New York, married, resided 30 years in this city)
Harriet E. (age 1, born in New York)
Elizabeth Hawkins (age 53, mother, born in Queens, widowed, lived 33 years in this city)
Jane McCarthy (age 25, Servant, born in Ireland, lived 5 years in this city, cannot read or write)
Relocation1856In 1856, James Royce Ferris moved to Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.
Directory1856As of 1856 James was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 296 Broadway as "gents furnish", home New Jersey. So at this time, James is commuting, and the business has moved to Broadway.

Josiah, his father, is listed as a clerk, home at 56 King. Josiah S. Jr., his brother, is listed as gents' furnishing, 296 Broadway, home 28 King St. So his brother is working with him in the clothing store.

David A. Herrick is listed as gents' fur., 296 Broadway, home 202 Adelphi, Brooklyn.7
Church Affiliation1856As of 1856, James was affiliated with Westfield Methodist Church, in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. The local church had been recently incorporated, 27 Mary 1851, and was given independent status in 1853, when the first pastor was appointed, Rev. Thomas Campbell. He had been leading Methodist Sunday services since about 1850 in Westfield. A plain frame church was built in 1851, on West Broad St. on land donated by Matthias Clark. Before the building was built, meetings were held on lawns of members, or at John M. Clark's Town Tavern.

When James R. Ferris moved to Westfield, he soon became very active with this group. He was the leader of the project to build a new church after the Civil War. "After service one morning, he started a building fund with a contribution of $3,500. Effingham Embree, S.G. Hanson and F. B. Ham added a $1,000 each" and before the day was over about one-third of the required amount was pledged.

James purchased the old church for $1,400, and moved it to the opposite side of Broad St, east of Prospect St., and converted it to other uses.

"A deeply religious man, Mr. Ferris was devoted to the home church, and the guiding spirit of its activities for 50 years -- precentor of the choir, superintendent of the Sunday School, a trustee. A tall, angular man, with snow white hair and flowing beard, he resembled a patriarch in appearance, and all eyes were fixed upon him when, at the first strains of the organ, he arose to lead the singing. He had a powerful voice and sang with great fervor -- at 70. His daughter, Miss Ella Ferris, was the organist."1
Newspaper Mention14 April 1857The 14 April 1857 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, reported two advertisements of property for sale, one by James R. Ferris and the other by David A. Herrick. Herrick was James' business partner in the Gentlemens' Furnishing business. 1857 was the year of the financial panic. It looks like they were trying to raise money to stay afloat. 202 Adelphi was actually where David Herrick and family lived, so this must have been a stressful time for them. By this time, James had bought property in New Jersey. See attached.
Newspaper Mention15 October 1857The 15 October 1857 edition of the Buffalo Courier, Buffalo, New York, reported on New York City business failures in the Panic of 1857. These lists were reprinted from New York papers, and appeared in many papers, including the Raleigh Weekly Standard, North Carolina, and the London Standard, England.

The Raleigh paper listed, among other business "suspensions", "Herrick, Ferris & Co., Gentlemen's furnishing goods." The business is listed in Trow's 1857 New York Directory at 296 Broadway. It is listed in Wilson's 1858 Business Directory of New York City, "Herrick, Ferris & Co., 48 Warren St."

This was James's business. Even after he moved to Westfield, he commuted to New York for his business.
Property Record1858James was involved in a property transaction in 1858 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. He bought a house on East Broad Street, and also 45 acres known as the Elias Mills Tract, which ran from E. Broad St. to a line along what later became Dudly Ave. He built a new home on the property, and had the old home moved farther back in the property to what is now Ferris Place.

The old home became the residence of his parents, Mr. And Mrs. Josiah S. Ferris. After Mary Ferris married Edgar Randolph Pearsall, they moved back into the older house.

By 1939, when a newspaper article was written about the house, the newer home James built had been razed.

2015 Article about 112 Ferris Place.
Census9 July 1860He appeared in the census 9 July 1860 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. James is listed as: James R (40, Merchant, married, Real Estate $3000, Personal $300, b. New York)
Hariet E. Ferris (28, b. New York)
Mary Ferris (3, born in New Jersey)
Hattie E. Ferris (6, born in New York)
Ellen Ferris (1, born in New Jersey)
Elizabeth Hawkins (54, born in New York)
Phebe Ross (70, Real Estate $400, Personal $100, born in N. J.) [This is the first entry in this household on the census form]
Levina Wood (16, Servant, born in New York)
John Vap (40, Farm Laborer, b. New York)
Draft Registration30 June 1863James registered for the draft on 30 June 1863, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Listed as James R., age 44, Merchant, born in New York.
Census1865He appeared in the census 1865 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. James is listed as: James R. Ferris
Harriet E. Ferris
Mary P. Ferris (child 5-16)
Ella L. Ferris (child 5-16)
Josiah S. Ferris
Francis Curry (child 5-16)
Elizabeth Hawkins

This is the New Jersey State Census. It does not give any further information, it is basically a resident list.
Census17 August 1870He appeared in the census 17 August 1870 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. James is listed as: James R. (52, Ret. Merchant, Real Estate $20,000, personal $700, b. New York, Father of Foreign Birth)
Harriett E. (45, Keeps House, b. NY)
Ella L. (11, b. in New York, attends School)
Henry (9, b. in New York, attends School)
Josiah S. (83, Fancy Goods Dealer, personal estate $600, b. in New Brunswick, the columns Father and Mother of Foreign Birth both checked off)
Catharine Shaunnessy (21, Domestic, born in Ireland, cannot read or write, both father and mother of Foreign Birth)
Hawkins, Elizabeth (69, b. in NY)
Census7 June 1880He appeared in the household of Josiah Seymour Ferris in the census 7 June 1880 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Josiah is listed as Josiah S. (92, Father, widowed, formerly Merchant, Health: old age. Born in Canada, parents b. New York)
James R. (60, Son, married, Mercantile Agency, b. NY, parents Canada)
Harriet (50, Wife, married, Keeping House, b. NY and parents also)
Mary P. (22, daughter, single, b. New Jersey, parents NY)
Ella L. (20, daughter, single, b. New Jersey, parents NY)
Kate Wood (40, servant, married, cannot read or write, born in Ireland)

Image 21/45
Directory1885As of 1885 James was listed in the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, directory at Broad, corner Prospect., as (no occupation listed) in the Boyd's Combined Directory of Plainfield, Somerville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Dunellen, Westfield, Fanwood.
Census11 June 1900He appeared in the census 11 June 1900 at 90 Prospect Street in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. James is listed as: James R. (Head, b. Feb'y 1818, age 82, married 52 years, b. new York and parents also, occupation: landlord, owns home with mortgage)
Harriet E. (Wife, b. Aug 1824, age 75, married 52 years, 3 children, 2 living, born in New York and parents also)
Ella L. (Daughter, b. Apr 1859, age 41, single, b. in New York and parents also, Teacher in Music)8
Death26 October 1908He died on 26 October 1908 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey,
Obituary28 October 190828 October 1908, New York City, New York County, New York, New York Times Obituary:. James Royce Ferris, a retired merchant of Westfield, N.J., is dead at his home there at the age of 91 years. He was born in Peekskill and was engaged in mercantile pursuits until ten years ago.
Obituary30 October 190830 October 1908, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, Union County Standard Obituary:. JAMES R. FERRIS DEAD.
One of Westfield’s Oldest and Best Loved Citizens Passes Peacefully Away.
IN HIS NINETY-FIRST YEAR.
Came to Westfield Fifty Years Ago – A Life Long Republican and Devout Christian – Built First Town Hall.

James Randolph Ferris, one of Westfield’s oldest and most respected citizens, died at his home on Prospect street, Monday afternoon. Mr. Ferris had been confined to his bed since last April. Ten years ago he had had a stroke of apoplexy from which he never fully recovered, and since that time he has taken but little part in active work. He died very peacefully. The members of his family were at his bedside when the end came.

James Randolph Ferris was born at Peekskill, New York, February 19, 1818, at what is known as the old Henry Ward Beecher farm, which was also the homestead of his father and grandfather. He received his education in the schools of his native town, and early in life entered the mercantile business. During the war he engaged in the men’s furnishing business in Nashville, Tennessee, with great success. Returning North he established himself in business in New York City, where he gained the reputation of being one of the most accurate and capable rating agency experts in the business. Fifty years ago, Mr. Ferris came to Westfield to spend his summers, and he liked the country so well that he bought property on Broad street, east of the present site of the First M.E. Church. The land comprised a large farm and extended north to Dudley avenue. Here Mr. Ferris built a handsome home, which has since been removed to face Prospect street.

Mr. Ferris was always one of Westfield’s most active and patriotic citizens. He was a life long Republican, and although he never held office, he took a leading part in the councils of his party and was a liberal contributor to the party cause.

In the early days of Westfield there was no public meeting place, and Mr. Ferris lead the enterprise which resulted in the building of Aeolian Hall, afterwards known as Arcanum Hall, which was located at the corner of Broad and Prospect streets, and was totally destroyed by fire many years ago. He was also one of the prime movers in the organization of Fairview Cemetery Association, and one of the first members of the Board of trustees of that association. He likewise took an active part in the development of the Westfield public schools.

Mr. Ferris was a devoutly religious man, and it was to this work that he gave his best efforts. Born in the Methodist faith, he became actively identified with the local denomination upon his coming to Westfield. He was a trustee of the church for fifty years, and superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years being succeeded in that office by the late Robert Rutherford Sinclair, his personal friend. Mr. Ferris was a liberal contributor to all religious enterprises particularly those promoted by his own denomination. The Methodist Church still has the record of the services he rendered, and his name is to be found on the roll of honorary trustees. Mr. Ferris represented the best in our American citizenship, and will long be remembered as one of the town’s exemplary citizens.

He is survived by a widow and two daughters, Mrs. Edgar R. Pearsall, of Union Place, and Miss Ella Ferris. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren live to pay tribute to the ideals of citizenship and fatherhood which he exemplified in his home.

At the special request of Mr. Ferris, the funeral services were private from his late residence, Wednesday evening, at 8 o’clock, the Rev. Dr. Addison W. Hayes, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. The pall bearers were his three grandsons, Ferris, James and Chester Pearsall; his son-in-law Edgar Pearsall, his nephew Joseph Ferris, and William S. Hurst. The interment was at Fairview, yesterday morning.
Newspaper Mention4 October 1911The 4 October 1911 edition of the The Courier-News, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, reported on the dedication of the new Methodist Church of Westfield, NJ. In the article, several memorials were described:

"Windows in Prospect Street Side:
The large window, a memorial to Phineas C. Pearsall, Catherine Morgan Pearsall; Benjamin F. Ham, who held the offices of class leader, steward and trustee; and James R. Ferris, who in his time was class leader, Sunday School superintendent, steward and trustee, contains the symbols of the Four Evangelists on the shields in the tracery...The inscription on the Pearsall memorial reads: "Their children rise up and call them blessed" and on the Ferris memorial: "Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."
Newspaper Mention10 February 1949The 10 February 1949 edition of the Westfield Leader, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, reported "Some Chapters of Early Methodism", with an article about the contributions of James Royce Ferris to the early Methodist Church in Westfield. See attached.
Last Edited5 February 2024

Citations

  1. [S677] "Some Chapters of Early Methodism", Westfield Leader, 10 Feb 1949, p. 2.; available online at the Westfield Memorial Library (http://www.digifind-it.com/westfield/home.php)
  2. [S273] New York City Longworth's American Almanac, New-York Register and City Directory (: D. Longworth, late 1700's - early 1800's), 1847, p. 138. Hereinafter cited as New York City Longworth's Directory.
  3. [S86] , 1850 Census Online, As viewed on ancestry.com.
  4. [S881] Katharine Searle McCartney, "Copy of Family Record of the Elias Mulford and Elizabeth Gardiner Families and Descendants", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, 43 (Jan 1912), viewed on FindMyPast, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org), p. 65
  5. [S828] Doggett's New York City directory (New York: John Doggett, Jr., and Co., 1800's), 1849/50, p. 153. Hereinafter cited as New York City Doggett's Directory.
  6. [S273] New York City Longworth's Directory, p. 281.
  7. [S273] New York City Longworth's Directory, p. 273.
  8. [S81] , 1900 Census Online, Viewed on ancestry.com.

Harriet Eliza Hawkins

F, #8, b. 31 August 1824, d. 26 August 1914

Parents

FatherCharles Hawkins (b. 15 October 1792, d. 31 March 1845)
MotherElizabeth Ketcham (b. 6 September 1801, d. 18 July 1879)

Family: James Royce Ferris (b. 7 February 1818, d. 26 October 1908)

DaughterHattie E. Ferris (b. 6 September 1853, d. 27 March 1860)
DaughterMary Palmer Ferris+ (b. 20 June 1856, d. 8 February 1949)
DaughterElla Lydia Ferris (b. 3 July 1859, d. 20 October 1930)

Biography

Birth31 August 1824Harriet Eliza Hawkins was born on 31 August 1824 in New York.1
Marriage3 March 1847James Royce Ferris and she were married on 3 March 1847 in New York City, New York County, New York,2,1
Census1865She appeared in the household of James Royce Ferris in the census 1865 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. James is listed as James R. Ferris
Harriet E. Ferris
Mary P. Ferris (child 5-16)
Ella L. Ferris (child 5-16)
Josiah S. Ferris
Francis Curry (child 5-16)
Elizabeth Hawkins

This is the New Jersey State Census. It does not give any further information, it is basically a resident list.
Census7 June 1880She appeared in the household of Josiah Seymour Ferris in the census 7 June 1880 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Josiah is listed as Josiah S. (92, Father, widowed, formerly Merchant, Health: old age. Born in Canada, parents b. New York)
James R. (60, Son, married, Mercantile Agency, b. NY, parents Canada)
Harriet (50, Wife, married, Keeping House, b. NY and parents also)
Mary P. (22, daughter, single, b. New Jersey, parents NY)
Ella L. (20, daughter, single, b. New Jersey, parents NY)
Kate Wood (40, servant, married, cannot read or write, born in Ireland)

Image 21/45
Death26 August 1914She died on 26 August 1914 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey,
Obituary28 August 191428 August 1914, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, Union County Standard Obituary:. MRS. H.E. FERRIS DIED SUDDENLY
Was In Her 90
th Year and For Many Years Prominent in Methodist Church Work

Mrs. Harriet E. Ferris, widow of James R. Ferris, died suddenly at her home, 129 Prospect street, on Tuesday morning at 5:30, after a severe attack of acute indigestion which she endured for an hour and a half. Mrs. Ferris would have been 90 years old next Monday if she had lived. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. M.F. Pearsall and Miss Ella Ferris, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mrs. Ferris was born in New York, August 31, 1824 and had been a resident of this town for fifty-six years. Her husband died about six years ago. Mrs. Ferris had resided here since the town was a farming district, the Ferris family owning much of the land along what is now known as Prospect street, from Broad street to Dudley avenue, the upper part of Prospect street and Ferris place, having been opened by them.

For many years Mrs. Ferris was a member of the First Methodist church and was one of its most prominent workers. She was for over forty years president of the Ladies Aid Society of that church. She was also active in missionary and charitable lines and her effective work in the organizations with which she was affiliated is well remembered by the older residents of the town. She was one of the charter members of the older circulating library and was later a trustee of the Westfield Public Library.

Mrs. Ferris was always active in movements for the welfare of the town and only relinquished her work when rheumatism affected her activity. She had all her faculties until the last, was a diligent reader and bright conversationalist, keeping in close touch with National and State and local events and was deeply interested in the European war. Her death removes one of the oldest residents of the town and a noted figure from church and literary work.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at 3:30 and will be conducted by Rev. G. Franklin Ream, of the First Methodist church, assisted by Rev. Dr. C.M. Anderson, of Plainfield, a former pastor of Mrs. Ferris. Interment will be made in Fairview Cemetery.
Newspaper Mention2 September 1914The 2 September 1914 edition of the Westfield Leader, Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, reported The funeral of Mrs. Harriet E. Ferris, aged 90 years, of 129 Prospect street, was held at her late home last Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, the Rev. G.F. Ream, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiating, assisted by the Rev. C.M. Anderson, of Plainfield.

Vocal selections were rendered by Mrs. L.M. Pearsall and Mrs. Frank Moffett. Interment was in the family plot in Fairview cemetery. The bearers were Ferris and Chester Pearsall, grandsons of the deceased; Herbert Ferris, J.H. Pearsall, J.W. Fallon and W.S. Hurst. The funeral was largely attended.

[Soloist Mrs. Leigh Morgan Pearsall was the former Mary Ellen Moffett.]
Last Edited3 December 2022

Citations

  1. [S881] Katharine Searle McCartney, "Copy of Family Record of the Elias Mulford and Elizabeth Gardiner Families and Descendants", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, 43 (Jan 1912), viewed on FindMyPast, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org), p. 65
  2. [S86] , 1850 Census Online, As viewed on ancestry.com.

Josiah Seymour Ferris

M, #9, b. 19 August 1788, d. 17 February 1882

Parents

FatherJoseph Ferris (b. 15 November 1757, d. 23 November 1841)
MotherLydia Seymour (b. 27 February 1763, d. 25 September 1837)

Family: Elizabeth Royce (b. 6 September 1793, d. 18 February 1865)

DaughterAngeline Betts Ferris (b. 9 April 1815, d. 21 January 1913)
SonJames Royce Ferris+ (b. 7 February 1818, d. 26 October 1908)
SonJoseph Ferris (b. 16 October 1820, d. 24 January 1826)
DaughterMary Ann Royce Ferris (b. 22 September 1822)
DaughterEliza Royce Ferris+ (b. 7 April 1825, d. 18 July 1912)
DaughterLydia Seymour Ferris (b. 24 July 1827)
SonJosiah Seymour Ferris, Jr.+ (b. 10 November 1829, d. 21 October 1871)
DaughterEmily Ferris (b. 7 April 1833, d. 29 April 1837)
SonWilliam Ferris (b. 6 May 1835, d. 6 May 1837)

Biography

Family Bible1800'SRecords from Family Bible Or a similar volume for recording important family events.1
Bio DetailA paragraph on the Ferris family. from "Andrew Warde and His Descendants", 1597-1910 by George K. Ward, A.T. De La Mare Publishing Company, New York, 1910.2
Birth19 August 1788Josiah Seymour Ferris was born on 19 August 1788 in St John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Church Affiliation1808As of 1808, Josiah was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal, in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York. "from his twentieth year", according to an obituary.
Marriage23 February 1813He and Elizabeth Royce were married on 23 February 1813 in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York,3,4
Census1820He appeared in the census 1820 in Cortlandt Manor, Westchester County, New York. Josiah is listed as:
one male under ten
one male 26 - 45 [Josiah was 32]
1 female under 10
1 female 16 - 26 [Elizabeth was 26]

They had been married seven years, and had a son and two girls. Since only one of the girls is listed here, perhaps one died young.

In reference to Elizabeth's possible mother, she is not living with this family and I don't see a Mrs. Royce listed separately.

One in manufacturing

Neighbors: Father Joseph Ferris. John and Jabez Lounsbury, John Badeau, Bethuel Washburn, Josiah Pugsby, John and Isaac Deniker, Thomas Currey, James Briggs, Benjamin Ward, David Birdsell.
Census1840He appeared in the census 1840 in Cortlandt Town, Westchester County, New York. Josiah is listed as: one male 5-10 [William was 5]
one male 20-30
one male 40-50 [Josiah was 52]

one female 5-10
one female 10-15
one female 15-20
one female 40-50 [Elizabeth was 47]
Death of Father23 November 1841On 23 November 1841, Josiah suffered the loss of his father Joseph. Josiah is treated differently in his father's will from the other seven children of Joseph. Joseph stated in his will that his property would be divided eight ways, and the other seven children would receive their 1/8th after a one-year period. However, the executors are instructed to invest Josiah's share, and to pay him the interest yearly, and on his death, pay out the principal to his children.

Josiah was the eldest child of Joseph. Joseph had 3 executors, two of whom were friends, and one was his youngest son, William Belden Ferris.

This provision is curious. At the time the will was written, Josiah was also living in Cortlandt Town, where his father lived. He was married and already had all 9 of his children, who ranged in age from 3 to 23.

A possible reason that springs to mind is that his father did not think Josiah would handle the money responsibly.
Directory1845As of 1845 Josiah was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 25 King St. as Inspector. Josiah is not listed in the 1840 or 1842 directory.

He is listed in 1846, p. 138, as Ferris, Josiah S. , Inspector, 25 Vandam.5
Directory1846As of 1846 Josiah was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 25 Vandam St. as Inspector. His son is also living at 25 Vandam, and Furnishing business at 55 William St.
Directory1847As of 1847 Josiah was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 28 King Street as Josiah S. Ferris, inspector.6
Directory1849He was mentioned in the directory listing of James Royce Ferris in 1849 in New York City, New York County, New York, at 28 King Street which said (home) and place of business (Furnishing) 55 William St. Josiah S. is listed at the same address, 28 King, as a Clerk. It is possible that this refers to Josiah Jr, but most likely Josiah Sr.7
Census-not found1850Josiah has not been found on the census of 1850
Directory1850As of 1850 Josiah was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory at 28 King Street as Clerk.8
Property Record1860Josiah was involved in a property transaction in 1860 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. The Courier-News of Bridgewater, NJ on 4 Oct 1937 ran a story on 'Old Days' in Westfield told by J. Warren Brown. A paragraph from his story read:

"It was in the year 1861 that my father and mother, with their six children, moved from 81 Grand Street, New York City, to Westfield. Our coming was heralded as a great event. Two large vans, with four horses each, transported the goods, taking nearly one entire day. In 1860 my father bought a farm of 25 acres on Jerusalem Road (now Clark Street) from Josiah Ferris, father of the late James R. Ferris, for $3000. This farm consisted of good productive soil with about six acres of woodland. Edgewood Avenue now occupies the old lane which ran through the center of the property."

I wonder of J. Warren Brown was related to the Brownne family into which Josiah's daughter Angeline married. She married Robert H. Brownne in New York about 1835 and they had a number of children.
Census1860He appeared in the census 1860 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Josiah is listed as: Josiah Ferris (age 70, Farmer, real estate $1500, personal $150, b. New York)
Elizabeth Ferris (age 60, b. New York)
Frances Ferris (age 10, b. New York.)
Census1865He appeared in the household of James Royce Ferris in the census 1865 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. James is listed as James R. Ferris
Harriet E. Ferris
Mary P. Ferris (child 5-16)
Ella L. Ferris (child 5-16)
Josiah S. Ferris
Francis Curry (child 5-16)
Elizabeth Hawkins

This is the New Jersey State Census. It does not give any further information, it is basically a resident list.
Census17 August 1870Josiah Seymour Ferris appeared in the household of James Royce Ferris in the census 17 August 1870 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. James is listed as James R. (52, Ret. Merchant, Real Estate $20,000, personal $700, b. New York, Father of Foreign Birth)
Harriett E. (45, Keeps House, b. NY)
Ella L. (11, b. in New York, attends School)
Henry (9, b. in New York, attends School)
Josiah S. (83, Fancy Goods Dealer, personal estate $600, b. in New Brunswick, the columns Father and Mother of Foreign Birth both checked off)
Catharine Shaunnessy (21, Domestic, born in Ireland, cannot read or write, both father and mother of Foreign Birth)
Hawkins, Elizabeth (69, b. in NY)
Census7 June 1880Josiah Seymour Ferris appeared in the census 7 June 1880 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey. Josiah is listed as: Josiah S. (92, Father, widowed, formerly Merchant, Health: old age. Born in Canada, parents b. New York)
James R. (60, Son, married, Mercantile Agency, b. NY, parents Canada)
Harriet (50, Wife, married, Keeping House, b. NY and parents also)
Mary P. (22, daughter, single, b. New Jersey, parents NY)
Ella L. (20, daughter, single, b. New Jersey, parents NY)
Kate Wood (40, servant, married, cannot read or write, born in Ireland)

Image 21/45
Death17 February 1882He died on 17 February 1882 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey,
Obituary18 February 188218 February 1882, Obituary:. "Ferris - On Friday, Feb. 17, Josiah S. Ferris, in his 94th year. Funeral services on Monday 20th at 2 p.m. at the residence of his son, James R. Ferris, Westfield, NJ. Trains leave foot of Roberts Street at 1 pm."9
Obituary Mention1 February 1913He was mentioned in the obituary of Angeline Betts Ferris, on 1 February 1913. Mrs. Angelina Betts Brownne, 98 years old, the widow of Robert H. Brownne, died Monday of apoplexy at the home of her son, Dr. Robert H. Brownne, Spruce street and Atlantic avenue, Morris Park, L.I. Mrs. Brownne was a native of Peekskill, N.Y. and was the daughter of Josiah Ferris, who was at one time sheriff of Westchester County.
Last Edited8 April 2023

Citations

  1. [S827] Ferris Family Record Copy (Family Records, 1800's), Digital copy privately held by Helen Pearsall, Westfield, NJ, mid-1900's (Descendant). This looks like it was copied from the Family pages of a Family Bible, or another volume meant to record family events. I think this list was copied by Aunt Helen Pearsall, and given to her brother Chester, or to my uncle David Tilley. It came to me, Holly Kilpatrick, in a box of David Tilley's files.
  2. [S1002] George Kemp Ward, Andrew Warde and his descendants, 1597-1910 (New York: A.T. De La Mare Publishing Company, 1910), p. 510; digital images, archive.org, Internet Archive (https://archive.org/details/andrewwardeandh00unkngoog/page/n11/mode/1up : accessed
  3. [S2] A Ferris Family Tree, the Descendants of Jeffrie Ferris, James G. Ferris, email address, Brownsboro, Alabama, online https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/tree/45050807/family?usePUBJs=true
  4. [S158] "David B. Tilley Research Notes 1950 - 1965", 1950-1965, David Brown Tilley (1928 - 1989) (Easton, PA, Danby, NY, and Litchfield, CT), to Holly Kilpatrick (East Bangor, PA), marriage date from DBT notes.. Hereinafter cited as "DBT Notes."
  5. [S880] Groot and Elston New York City directory (106 Fulton St., New York: Groot and Elston, 1800's), 1845, p. 142. Hereinafter cited as New York City Groot and Elston Directory.
  6. [S273] New York City Longworth's American Almanac, New-York Register and City Directory (: D. Longworth, late 1700's - early 1800's), 1847, p. 146. Hereinafter cited as New York City Longworth's Directory.
  7. [S828] Doggett's New York City directory (New York: John Doggett, Jr., and Co., 1800's), 1849/50, p. 153. Hereinafter cited as New York City Doggett's Directory.
  8. [S273] New York City Longworth's Directory, p. 173.
  9. [S158] David Brown Tilley (1928 - 1989), "DBT Notes."

Elizabeth Royce

F, #10, b. 6 September 1793, d. 18 February 1865

Parents

FatherWilliam Royce (b. 1764)
MotherElizabeth Redmond (b. about 1769, d. 8 May 1848)

Family: Josiah Seymour Ferris (b. 19 August 1788, d. 17 February 1882)

DaughterAngeline Betts Ferris (b. 9 April 1815, d. 21 January 1913)
SonJames Royce Ferris+ (b. 7 February 1818, d. 26 October 1908)
SonJoseph Ferris (b. 16 October 1820, d. 24 January 1826)
DaughterMary Ann Royce Ferris (b. 22 September 1822)
DaughterEliza Royce Ferris+ (b. 7 April 1825, d. 18 July 1912)
DaughterLydia Seymour Ferris (b. 24 July 1827)
SonJosiah Seymour Ferris, Jr.+ (b. 10 November 1829, d. 21 October 1871)
DaughterEmily Ferris (b. 7 April 1833, d. 29 April 1837)
SonWilliam Ferris (b. 6 May 1835, d. 6 May 1837)
Elizabeth (Royce) Ferris

Biography

Birth6 September 1793Elizabeth Royce was born on 6 September 1793 in Northamptonshire, England. Her birth date is inscribed on her gravestone.1
Immigration Group Member1794Elizabeth Royce immigrated along with William Royce in 1794 in New York. according to the memoirs of his great-grandson, J. S. Currey. Currey wrote that they came in a ship captained by Capt. White. The family group consisted of William, his wife Elizabeth, their daughter Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's sister Keren-Happuch Redman.

See attached for the information written by J.S. Currey, on file at the Evanston Historical Society, Evanston, IL.2
Research Note18101810 Cortlandt Town, Westchester County, New York, Census Entry for Royce. Three years before Elizabeth's marriage, there was only one Royce entry in Westchester County for Royce:

Mrs. Royce:
one male under 10 [William?]
one male 10-15
1 female under 10
1 female 10-15 [Maria?]
1 female 16-25 [this could have been Elizabeth]
1 female 26-44

Mrs. Royce would have been born between 1766 and 1784. If this is Elizabeth at 17 as the eldest child, Mrs. Royce would have had children between 1793 and say, 1805. Mr. Royce may have died sometime after say, 1804.

That would put Mrs. Royce's birthdate closer to 1773.

There is a burial in the Cortlandt Manor Hillside Cemetery for a William Royce, b. 1804, d. 1864. This could have been the boy under 10 above.
Marriage23 February 1813Josiah Seymour Ferris and she were married on 23 February 1813 in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York,3,4
Death18 February 1865She died on 18 February 1865 in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey,
Burial20 February 1865She was buried on 20 February 1865 at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey.
Last Edited24 December 2022

Citations

  1. [S287] Find a Grave Website, online www.findagrave.com, photos of gravestones
  2. [S999] Josiah Seymour Currey, The Papers of J. Seymour Currey: In the Collections of the Evanston Historical Society, Collection Number 117 (Evanston, Illinois: Between 1869 and 1929); 4 archival boxes, (https://connect.historyit.com/PublicSites/browse/603/0?account=evanstonhistorycenter : accessed
  3. [S2] A Ferris Family Tree, the Descendants of Jeffrie Ferris, James G. Ferris, email address, Brownsboro, Alabama, online https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/tree/45050807/family?usePUBJs=true
  4. [S158] "David B. Tilley Research Notes 1950 - 1965", 1950-1965, David Brown Tilley (1928 - 1989) (Easton, PA, Danby, NY, and Litchfield, CT), to Holly Kilpatrick (East Bangor, PA), marriage date from DBT notes.. Hereinafter cited as "DBT Notes."

Joseph Ferris

M, #11, b. 15 November 1757, d. 23 November 1841

Parents

FatherJonathan Ferris (b. 15 July 1732, d. 26 August 1798)
MotherRachel Dean (b. 21 July 1735, d. 6 May 1779)

Family: Lydia Seymour (b. 27 February 1763, d. 25 September 1837)

SonJosiah Seymour Ferris+ (b. 19 August 1788, d. 17 February 1882)
DaughterMary Ferris (b. 10 May 1790, d. 6 May 1875)
SonJoseph Charles Ferris (b. 6 September 1792, d. 18 September 1877)
DaughterLydia Amelia Ferris+ (b. 4 July 1794, d. 3 December 1873)
SonBenjamin Ferris (b. 11 October 1796)
DaughterSarah (Sally) Ferris+ (b. 20 June 1798, d. 1 April 1886)
SonEdward Seymour Ferris (b. 15 June 1800, d. 12 May 1849)
SonJohn Ferris (b. 20 September 1802, d. 29 November 1820)
DaughterAnne Post Ferris (b. 25 December 1803, d. 28 September 1897)
SonWilliam Belden Ferris+ (b. 21 July 1807, d. 24 February 1888)

Biography

Family Bible1800'SFamily Bible or similar Family Record Volume Copy1
Birth15 November 1757Joseph Ferris was born on 15 November 1757 in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York. Josiah Seymour Ferris's 1870 census said that both of his parents were of Foreign Birth, as well as himself.
Marriage25 December 1786He and Lydia Seymour were married on 25 December 1786 Lydia's sister Mary married Finch Gildersleeve, who was the father of Thomas Gildersleeve, who married Ann Post Ferris, who was Lydia and Joseph Ferris's daughter.

I have often wondered why the children were born in St. John, although his father Jonathan supposedly served in the Revolution, and Josiah's daughter Eliza married a Currey whose family served in the Revolution.

On the United Empire Loyalists website, there are a number of Ferris's of Westchester County or Stamford, listed as Loyalists, including a Joshua. Joseph had a brother named Joshua. There is a Joseph, but with a different death date. The timing and location are so specific to Loyalists, it raises the question.
Addressabout 1787As of about 1787, Joseph lived in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. This date is approximate.
Addressabout 1801As of about 1801, Joseph lived in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York.
Census1820He appeared in the census 1820 in Cortlandt Town, Westchester County, New York. Joseph is listed as: 2 males 10-16
1 male 16-26
1 male 26-45
1 male 45+ [Joseph and Lydia were both 63]

1 female 10-16
1 female 16-26
1 female 45+

3 in Agriculture
Will26 November 1838He signed a will on 26 November 1838 in Cortlandt Town, Westchester County, New York. I, Joseph Ferris, of the town of Cortlandt, in the County of Westchester and State of New York, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this my last Will and testament, in the manner and form following, namely:

I will and order that all my property of every kind and description remain unsold and undivided for the term of one year after my decease.

I give and bequeath the use of all my house, except the lower or ground story, and all my back yard, and garden for the term of one year from my decease, to my daughter Mary Summerbell, I give also to her all the fire wood and provisions I may have on hand at the time of my decease, I further more give to her the use of all my household furniture, of every description during the said year after my decease.

I will and order my executors to rent out the basement or lower story of my house, for the term of said one year after my decease and to place the rent in my general stock.

I will and order and hereby empower my executors to sell all my real and Personal estate as soon after the expiration of the first year after my decease as they may deem best and most expedient and after defraying all necessary expenses and paying all my honest debts, I will and order the remainder to be disposed of in the following manner, namely:

First: I give and bequeath to my two grandsons, Joseph Summerbill and Benjamin Summerbill, to each of them the sum of seventy five dollars.

Second: I will and order my executors to divide all the remainder of my estate into eight equal shares and I order and empower them or either of them beginning at the first named, to put out at interest one of said eight shares and to pay the interest on said share to my son, Josiah B. Ferris, yearly during his natural life and after his decease, I will and order my said executor or executors to divide the said share equally among all his surviving children.

Third: I will and order my executors to pay over the remaining seven shares at the time before mentioned equally to my seven children, namely to Mary Summerbill, Joseph Charles Ferris, Lydia A. Blakeney, Edward, Sally Lent, Ann Gildersleeve, and William B. Ferris equally share and share alike.

Lastly: I appoint my friend, Doctor James Fountain, of Yorktown, and William H. Briggs, of Cortlandtown, and my son William B. Ferris, executors to this my last Will and testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.

In witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 26th day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.
Joseph Ferris (seal)
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Joseph Ferris to be his last Will and testament, in the presence of us who have signed our names as witnesses in the presence of the testator, and in the presence of each other:
Wm Royce
Samuel W. George

I, Joseph Ferris, do hereby make, ordain and publish this Codicil to my above Will and testament, namely:
I will and bequeath all my wearing apparel to my son, Charles Ferris, and I hereby order this Codicil to be annexed to and form a part of the above my last Will and testament.
Joseph Ferris (seal)
Wm Royce
Samuel W. George


See attached will, and related documents from when his will was proved.
Death23 November 1841He died on 23 November 1841 in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York,
Burial25 November 1841He was buried on 25 November 1841 at Hope Methodist Church Burial Ground, Baldwin Place, in Somers, Westchester County, NJ. Inscription: "Joseph Ferris died Nov 23, 1841 age 84 years"

This was the West Somers Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery, on Tomahawk Street (Rt. 118) (also known as the Tomahawk Chapel). Joseph also has a Findagrave listing for Tomahawk Chapel Cemetery.2
Probate Record4 March 1842Joseph was listed in probate records on 4 March 1842 in Cortlandt Town, Westchester County, New York. in the matter of proving the last Will and testament and Codicil Annexed, of Joseph Ferris, deceased.

To:
Josiah S. Ferris, Mary Summerbill, Thomas Blakeney and Lydia A., his wife, Jacob Lent and Sarah his wife, and William B. Ferris, all of the County of Westchester, Joseph Charles Ferris, of the State of Pennsylvania, and William B. Ferris, his attorney, Edward Ferris, residing in Putnam County, Thomas Gildersleeve and Ann his wife, of the City and County and State of Newo York, the next of kin and heirs at law of Joseph Ferris, late of the County of Westchester, deceased,

Whereas, William B. Ferris, of the town of Cortlandt has lately applied to our Surrogate of the County of Westchester to have a certain instrument in writing bearing date the 26th day of November, 1838 purporting to dispose of both real and personal estate duly proved as the last Will and testament of the said deceased and Codicil annexed of Joseph Ferris, deceased late of the town of Cortlandt...

The full text of the will proving are attached with the Will, see entry date 26 Nov 1838..
Last Edited25 April 2019

Citations

  1. [S827] Ferris Family Record Copy (Family Records, 1800's), Digital copy privately held by Helen Pearsall, Westfield, NJ, mid-1900's (Descendant). This looks like it was copied from the Family pages of a Family Bible, or another volume meant to record family events. I think this list was copied by Aunt Helen Pearsall, and given to her brother Chester, or to my uncle David Tilley. It came to me, Holly Kilpatrick, in a box of David Tilley's files.
  2. [S287] Find a Grave Website, online www.findagrave.com, Hope Methodist Church Cemetery, Baldwin Place, NY

Lydia Seymour

F, #12, b. 27 February 1763, d. 25 September 1837

Parents

FatherLt. William Seymour (b. 10 October 1735, d. 1 May 1821)
MotherLydia St. John (b. 8 September 1737, d. 21 January 1829)

Family: Joseph Ferris (b. 15 November 1757, d. 23 November 1841)

SonJosiah Seymour Ferris+ (b. 19 August 1788, d. 17 February 1882)
DaughterMary Ferris (b. 10 May 1790, d. 6 May 1875)
SonJoseph Charles Ferris (b. 6 September 1792, d. 18 September 1877)
DaughterLydia Amelia Ferris+ (b. 4 July 1794, d. 3 December 1873)
SonBenjamin Ferris (b. 11 October 1796)
DaughterSarah (Sally) Ferris+ (b. 20 June 1798, d. 1 April 1886)
SonEdward Seymour Ferris (b. 15 June 1800, d. 12 May 1849)
SonJohn Ferris (b. 20 September 1802, d. 29 November 1820)
DaughterAnne Post Ferris (b. 25 December 1803, d. 28 September 1897)
SonWilliam Belden Ferris+ (b. 21 July 1807, d. 24 February 1888)

Biography

Birth27 February 1763Lydia Seymour was born on 27 February 1763 in Norwalk, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Marriage25 December 1786Joseph Ferris and she were married on 25 December 1786 Lydia's sister Mary married Finch Gildersleeve, who was the father of Thomas Gildersleeve, who married Ann Post Ferris, who was Lydia and Joseph Ferris's daughter.

I have often wondered why the children were born in St. John, although his father Jonathan supposedly served in the Revolution, and Josiah's daughter Eliza married a Currey whose family served in the Revolution.

On the United Empire Loyalists website, there are a number of Ferris's of Westchester County or Stamford, listed as Loyalists, including a Joshua. Joseph had a brother named Joshua. There is a Joseph, but with a different death date. The timing and location are so specific to Loyalists, it raises the question.
Death25 September 1837She died on 25 September 1837 in Peekskill, Westchester County, New York,
Burial27 September 1837She was buried on 27 September 1837 at Hope Methodist Church Cemetery, Baldwin Place, in Somers, Westchester County, New York. Inscription: "Lydia Ferris consort to Joseph died Sep 11 1837 age 74 yrs 7 mos 16 days:1
Last Edited3 August 2018

Citations

  1. [S287] Find a Grave Website, online www.findagrave.com, Hope Methodist Church Cemetery, Baldwin Place, NY

Peter Roebuck Pearsall

M, #13, b. 1 May 1790, d. 28 March 1878

Parents

FatherUriah Pearsall (b. 1760, d. 22 November 1847)
MotherCatherine Roebuck (b. 1765, d. 6 July 1791)

Family 1: Abigail Carman (b. 1 September 1794, d. 20 April 1870)

SonLewis C. Pearsall
DaughterJulia Pearsall
DaughterHuldah Pearsall+ (b. 1815)
SonPhineas Carman Pearsall+ (b. 6 September 1817, d. 28 May 1896)
SonJarvis Roebuck Pearsall+ (b. 17 January 1820, d. 29 October 1887)
DaughterMary Pearsall (b. 1826, d. February 1888)

Family 2: Hannah Frost (b. 20 March 1809, d. 18 February 1886)

DaughterNancy Jane Pearsall (d. 2 March 1888)
SonJarvis Roebuck Pearsall (b. 28 February 1832)
DaughterMary Jane Young Pearsall (b. 23 August 1834, d. 7 October 1837)
DaughterCatharine Roebuck Pearsall (b. 21 April 1837, d. 17 October 1916)
DaughterIsabella Sweitser Pearsall (b. 21 February 1840, d. 13 February 1899)
DaughterAnna Sweitser Pearsall+ (b. 31 October 1842, d. 8 April 1887)
SonJames Frost Pearsall (b. 11 August 1846)
SonWilliam Bancroft Pearsall (b. 3 September 1848, d. 6 August 1915)
DaughterEliza Sullivan Pearsall (b. 18 January 1853, d. 2 January 1900)
DaughterJulia Mothershead Pearsall+ (b. 2 November 1856, d. 6 February 1932)

Biography

GenealogySee attached image of Peter's page from the 3-volume Pearsall genealogy1
Birth1 May 1790Peter Roebuck Pearsall was born on 1 May 1790 in Long Island, New York.2
Baptism6 July 1791He was baptized on 6 July 1791 at St. George's Church in Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. "Pearsall, Peter Roebuck, parents Uriah & Catherine, South Hempstead, July 15, 1791. Baptized by Rev. Thomas Lambert Moore, Rector of St. George's Church, Hempstead, from the Second Book.3,4
Education1794He was educated in 1794 at Nazareth Hall in Nazareth, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, from age 4 to age 17, placed there by his grandfather, Jarvis Roebuck, after his mother died. He went under the name of Roebuck until he was about 12 when he first met his father. After that he used the surname Pearsall.5
Residence1807As of 1807 Peter lived in New York City, New York County, New York, after he left Moravian Hall.5
Marriage18 November 1813He and Abigail Carman were married on 18 November 18136,1
Divorce15 December 1826He and Abigail Carman were divorced on 15 December 1826 in Middlesex County, New Jersey. by an act of the General Assembly of New Jersey.
Marriage20 July 1829He and Hannah Frost were married on 20 July 1829 in Beardstown, Pennsylvania,
RelocationMay 1847In May 1847, Peter Roebuck Pearsall moved to Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.
Census1850He appeared in the census 1850 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. Peter is listed as: Peter R. Pearsall (age 60, Prof. of Music, b. NY)
Hannah Pearsall (age 45, b. Pa.)
Nancy J. Pearsall (age 20, b. Pa.)
James R. Pearsall (age 18, b. Pa.)
Isabella S. Pearsall (age 10, b. Pa.)
Catherine R. Pearsall (age 13, b. Pa.,)
Anna S. Pearsall (age 8, b. Ohio)
James Frost Pearsall (age 4, b. Ohio)
William B. Pearsall (age 2, b. Indiana)
Obituary25 March 187825 March 1878, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, Indianapolis News Obituary:. Professor Pearsall

Professor Pearsall died yesterday morning at a quarter past 12 o'clock. From the instant that he was stricken with paralysis on Tuesday morning last until his death, he was unconscious. Peter Roebuck Pearsall was born at Hempstead, Long Island, May 1, 1790. When 11 years of age he was sent to the Moravian school at Nazareth, Pa., where he remained until he was 18 years of age, when he became book-keeper in a wholesale commission house in New York city. On the breaking out of the war of 1812 he volunteered in a New York regiment, serving as a private during the war. After the war he engaged in the brokerage and commission business in New York, where he accumulated a considerable fortune, which, when the professor was nearly 50 years of age, was swept away through the failure of others for whom he had endorsed. He was a fine German and French scholar, and with natural musical talent which had been highly cultivated, when adverse fortune came upon him he turned his accomplishments into a means of support. After teaching at Brownsville, Pa., at Mount Vernon and Granville, Ohio, in May 1847, he came to this city. He was the pioneer professional teacher of music of Indianapolis.

The "old professor" as he was lovingly called, was one of the most kind hearted and genial of gentlemen. There was a courtly affability in his manner that was as far removed from stiffness as it was from sycophancy. The children were his especial pets and friends, and they flocked around him on all occasions, and never failed to receive kind words, hear an amusing story, which he told with inimitable grace, or take a lesson in practical politeness which a Chesterfield could hardly improve upon. The ragged and tinted little gamins of the northwest quarter of the city, the children of obscurity and crime along the canal, as well as those of better birth, always paid deferential tribute to the nobility of his character.

Professor Pearsall's old pupils, male and female, met at the chapel of Christ church at 3 o'clock this afternoon, took action and made arrangements to attend his funeral. The funeral will take place from Christ church tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Services by Rev. E. A. Bradley.
***************************************
A death notice also appeared in the Chicago Tribune on the same day:
Indianapolis, Ind., March 24, Peter Roebuck Pearsall, the first music-teacher in Indianapolis, and one of the oldest residents, died today of an apopelectic stroke received last Wednesday. He was aged 88.
*******************************
Another article in the 26 Mar 1878 issues of the Indianapolis News adds some further information:
"The remains were taken to the Crown Hill Cemetery, and deposited in the chapel vault. They will be buried privately in a few days. The pall bearers were M.A. Stowell, A.G. Willard, J.B. McChesney, S.V. Morris, S. Goldsberry, H.L. Benham, Albert Gall and Edward Ketcham. The choir was composed of those who took part in Professor Pearsall's last concert. A large number of relatives were at the funeral, including his widow, two sons and four daughters, one daughter, Mrs. Lockhart, of San Francisco, being unable to get here."
Death28 March 1878He died on 28 March 1878 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana,
Burial30 March 1878He was buried on 30 March 1878 at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.
Last Edited12 August 2023

Citations

  1. [S13] Clarence E. Pearsall with Hettie May Pearsall and Harry L. Neall, History and Genealogy of the Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco, CA: H.S. Crocker Company, Inc., 1928), p. 1325. Hereinafter cited as Pearsall Genealogy, CEP.
  2. [S13] Clarence E. Pearsall with Hettie May Pearsall and Harry L. Neall, Pearsall Genealogy, CEP, pg 1325 chap. 42 sec. 14.
  3. [S29] Clarence E. Pearsall, History and Genealogy of The Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco: H.S. Crocker and Company, Inc., 1928). Hereinafter cited as The Pearsall Family.
  4. [S1031] St. George's Episcopal (1-110), Presbyterian (11-137), Methodist (138-141), Burials, Appendix (142-152), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Microfilm of typescripts at the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, New York City, p.77; FHL microfilm Film 17693, DGS 8200927
  5. [S13] Clarence E. Pearsall with Hettie May Pearsall and Harry L. Neall, Pearsall Genealogy, CEP, Chapter 42, p. 1326.
  6. [S884] Howard S. F. Randolph, "The Family of Richard Carman of Woodbridge, New Jersey", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, 81 (Apr 1950), viewed on FindMyPast, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org), p. 104

Abigail Carman

F, #14, b. 1 September 1794, d. 20 April 1870

Parents

FatherPhineas Carman (b. 9 September 1762, d. 25 February 1827)
MotherHuldah Ayers (b. 14 July 1763, d. 11 October 1849)

Family: Peter Roebuck Pearsall (b. 1 May 1790, d. 28 March 1878)

SonLewis C. Pearsall
DaughterJulia Pearsall
DaughterHuldah Pearsall+ (b. 1815)
SonPhineas Carman Pearsall+ (b. 6 September 1817, d. 28 May 1896)
SonJarvis Roebuck Pearsall+ (b. 17 January 1820, d. 29 October 1887)
DaughterMary Pearsall (b. 1826, d. February 1888)

Biography

Birth1 September 1794Abigail Carman was born on 1 September 1794.1,2
Marriage18 November 1813Peter Roebuck Pearsall and she were married on 18 November 18132,3
Divorce15 December 1826Peter Roebuck Pearsall and she were divorced on 15 December 1826 in Middlesex County, New Jersey. by an act of the General Assembly of New Jersey.
Death20 April 1870She died on 20 April 18704
Burial22 April 1870She was buried on 22 April 1870 at Rockville Cemetery in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York. Plot: Line 2 W.
Last Edited12 November 2018

Citations

  1. [S687] Family Bible Record of Family of Phineas Carman of New Jersey, Holy Bible: with the HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL NOTES contained in Baskerville's Edition (New Brunswick, New Jersey: William Elliot and Robert Eastburn, 1809), owner Transcribed by Marian Crawford Unknown. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~carman/phineas/.
  2. [S884] Howard S. F. Randolph, "The Family of Richard Carman of Woodbridge, New Jersey", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, 81 (Apr 1950), viewed on FindMyPast, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org), p. 104
  3. [S13] Clarence E. Pearsall with Hettie May Pearsall and Harry L. Neall, History and Genealogy of the Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco, CA: H.S. Crocker Company, Inc., 1928), p. 1325. Hereinafter cited as Pearsall Genealogy, CEP.
  4. [S287] Find a Grave Website, online www.findagrave.com

Uriah Pearsall

M, #15, b. 1760, d. 22 November 1847

Parents

FatherHezechiah Pearsall (b. about 1740, d. before 15 November 1782)
MotherMartha Bedell (b. about 1745)

Family 1: Catherine Roebuck (b. 1765, d. 6 July 1791)

SonJarvis Pearsall+ (b. about December 1781)
SonPeter Roebuck Pearsall+ (b. 1 May 1790, d. 28 March 1878)

Family 2: Ann Cornell (b. 1772, d. 30 June 1836)

DaughterFannie Pearsall
DaughterJulia Ann Pearsall
SonDavid Pearsall
SonHollett Pearsall (b. 19 October 1797)
SonJacob Pearsall
SonHewlett Pearsall
SonCornwell (Cornell) Pearsall+ (b. 6 January 1801, d. 15 February 1866)
SonCharles Pearsall
SonOliver Denton Pearsall+ (b. 14 October 1805, d. 18 June 1870)
SonTredwell Pearsall (b. 1817, d. 30 May 1883)

Biography

Research NoteHempstead, Nassau County, New York. Copy of the census taken in 1698, Hempstead, LI: HK Downloaded the PDF from Internet Archive, www.archive.org, Book contributor Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, Digitizing sponsor, Internat Archive. Many Pearsalls.
Birth1760Uriah Pearsall was born in 1760.
Marriage8 August 1781He and Catherine Roebuck were married on 8 August 1781 at St. George's Church in Hempstead, Nassau County, New York,1
Marriage22 April 1792He and Ann Cornell were married on 22 April 1792
Death22 November 1847He died on 22 November 1847 in Near Rockaway, Long Island, New York,
BurialHe was buried at Sand Hole Methodist Protestant Churchyard, near "Pearsalls", in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York.
Last Edited22 December 2016

Citations

  1. [S1031] St. George's Episcopal (1-110), Presbyterian (11-137), Methodist (138-141), Burials, Appendix (142-152), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Microfilm of typescripts at the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, New York City, p. 86 (image 92/223 on familysearch file 008200927); FHL microfilm Film 17693, DGS 8200927

Catherine Roebuck

F, #16, b. 1765, d. 6 July 1791

Parents

FatherJarvis Roebuck (b. 17 March 1720, d. 20 November 1793)
MotherSusannah Catherine House (b. 1723, d. 14 August 1799)

Family: Uriah Pearsall (b. 1760, d. 22 November 1847)

SonJarvis Pearsall+ (b. about December 1781)
SonPeter Roebuck Pearsall+ (b. 1 May 1790, d. 28 March 1878)

Biography

BaptismCatherine Roebuck was baptized in Location Unknown. familysearch film 007766062, includes Trinity Parish Baptisms 1749-1809, Trinity Church starts at image 728/1629, and the R's are from 1037-1056. No Roebucks in listing.
Research NoteName. In many places, Catherine's name is shown as Caroline. However, in her marriage entry in the church register, and the entries of her boys baptisms, she is listed as Catherine.
Birth1765She was born in 1765 in New York City, New York County, New York.
Marriage8 August 1781Uriah Pearsall and she were married on 8 August 1781 at St. George's Church in Hempstead, Nassau County, New York,1
Death6 July 1791She died on 6 July 1791 in Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, "Wife of Uriah, age at death 26."2
Burial8 July 1791She was buried on 8 July 1791 at St George's Episcopal Church Graveyard in Hempstead, Nassau County, New York.
Last Edited15 February 2023

Citations

  1. [S1031] St. George's Episcopal (1-110), Presbyterian (11-137), Methodist (138-141), Burials, Appendix (142-152), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Microfilm of typescripts at the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, New York City, p. 86 (image 92/223 on familysearch file 008200927); FHL microfilm Film 17693, DGS 8200927
  2. [S1031] , Microfilm of typescripts at the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, New York City

Hezechiah Pearsall

M, #17, b. about 1740, d. before 15 November 1782

Parents

FatherHenry Pearsall (b. about 1710)
MotherMartha

Family: Martha Bedell (b. about 1745)

SonUriah Pearsall+ (b. 1760, d. 22 November 1847)
SonThomas Pearsall+ (d. 12 December 1836)
DaughterMartha Pearsall
DaughterSucke Pearsall
DaughterMary Pearsall
SonHenry Pearsall+

Biography

NoteChap 42 sec 2 died before nov 15 1782
Birthabout 1740Hezechiah Pearsall was born about 1740.
MarriageHe and Martha Bedell were married, date unknown1
Deathbefore 15 November 1782He died before 15 November 1782
Last Edited22 December 2016

Citations

  1. [S13] Clarence E. Pearsall with Hettie May Pearsall and Harry L. Neall, History and Genealogy of the Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco, CA: H.S. Crocker Company, Inc., 1928), Vol 1, Chap 42, p. 1321. Hereinafter cited as Pearsall Genealogy, CEP.

Martha Bedell

F, #18, b. about 1745

Family: Hezechiah Pearsall (b. about 1740, d. before 15 November 1782)

SonUriah Pearsall+ (b. 1760, d. 22 November 1847)
SonThomas Pearsall+ (d. 12 December 1836)
DaughterMartha Pearsall
DaughterSucke Pearsall
DaughterMary Pearsall
SonHenry Pearsall+

Biography

Family HistoryFrom the LongIslandGenealogy website. Bedell Family
Family HistoryBedell History from WikiTree. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bedell-43
Birthabout 1745Martha Bedell was born about 1745.
MarriageHezechiah Pearsall and she were married, date unknown1
Last Edited12 August 2023

Citations

  1. [S13] Clarence E. Pearsall with Hettie May Pearsall and Harry L. Neall, History and Genealogy of the Pearsall Family in England and America (San Francisco, CA: H.S. Crocker Company, Inc., 1928), Vol 1, Chap 42, p. 1321. Hereinafter cited as Pearsall Genealogy, CEP.

Henry Pearsall

M, #19, b. about 1710

Parents

FatherGeorge Pearsall (b. LATE 1600'S)
MotherElizabeth Williams

Family: Martha

SonJames Pearsall
SonHenry Pearsall+
Daughter(Daughter)+
SonHezechiah Pearsall+ (b. about 1740, d. before 15 November 1782)

Biography

MarriageHenry Pearsall and Martha were married, date unknown
NoteChap 42 sec 1
Birthabout 1710He was born about 1710.
Last Edited22 December 2016

Martha

F, #20

Family: Henry Pearsall (b. about 1710)

SonJames Pearsall
SonHenry Pearsall+
Daughter(Daughter)+
SonHezechiah Pearsall+ (b. about 1740, d. before 15 November 1782)

Biography

MarriageHenry Pearsall and Martha were married, date unknown
Last Edited22 December 2016

Jarvis Roebuck

M, #21, b. 17 March 1720, d. 20 November 1793

Parents

FatherPhilip Roebuck (b. about 1675, d. September 1738)
MotherHannah Wilson (d. November 1734)

Family: Susannah Catherine House (b. 1723, d. 14 August 1799)

DaughterSophia Roebuck (b. 1748)
DaughterAnna Roebuck (b. 1750, d. 1763)
SonPeter Roebuck+ (b. 1 January 1755, d. before 1793)
DaughterCatherine Roebuck+ (b. 1765, d. 6 July 1791)

Biography

Research NoteMay have been a Loyalist, if this is the same person.

United Empire link: http://www.uelac.org/Loyalist-Trails/2018/Loyalist-Trails-2018.php?issue=201819

Also listed in "Orderly Book of the Three Battalions of Loyalists, A lList of the New York Loyalists, 1776 - 1783".
Birth17 March 1720Jarvis Roebuck was born on 17 March 1720 in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England. In the record for Philip Roebuck, linked here as father of Jarvis, I have given reasons that I think it makes sense to link Philip and Hannah Roebuck as parents of Jarvis (Gervis) and the other Roebuck children listed in these Presbyterian records.
Another piece of evidence that supports this linkage is that these children were raised non-conformist, and as a young man, Jarvis associated himself with the Moravians in London, also a non-conformist group.1
Baptism30 March 1721He was baptized on 30 March 1721 at Presbyterian Church in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England. Churches other than Church of England, at this time, are termed "non-conformist." A Presbyterian Church in this time-frame in Gainsborough is listed on the Lincolnshire Heritage Explorer website, in an Inventory of Nonconformist Chapels and Meeting Houses in Eastern England, by Christopher Stell (2002). This references a chapel built about 1701. The records still in existence for this church span 1707 - 1749.1,2
Church Affiliation1743As of 1743, Jarvis was affiliated with Fetter Lane Moravian Society, in London, England.3
Immigration1745He immigrated in 1745 to Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania,4,5
Marriage16 October 1746He and Susannah Catherine House were married on 16 October 1746 at Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania,6
Residence1748As of 1748 Jarvis lived at The Economy Communal Moravian Colony in Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Source lists "Roebuck, Jarvis, and Susan, relict of Fredc. Klemm, his wife."4
Participant10 June 1760He was involved in a property transaction on 10 June 1760 in Monocacy, Frederick County, Maryland, Inheritance. A Power of Attorney filed in 1760 by Peter Stilly (possibly the same Peter Stilly who was one of the witnesses to John House's will in 1752 (Frederick wills A:75-76)), dated August 1753, written originally in New York, and signed by both husband and wife with their surname spelled "Robuck". In the filing (Frederick deeds F:1014-1017), the relationships between Susanna Catherine Roebuck, wife of Jarvis Roebuck of the City of New York, and the House heirs of John House's will as well as the claims by same on John House's estate are carefully listed.7
Newspaper Advertisement27 April 1761
The 27 April 1761 edition of the New York Mercury, New York City, New York County, New York, contained the following advertisement: This is the first ad I have so far found in New York newspapers for his cork-cutting business and shop.
Occupation1763In 1763 Jarvis worked in New York City, New York County, New York, as a cork-cutter. His advertisement in the New York Gazette of 13 Jun 1763 (with similar ads on other dates from 1761 to 1777) advertised:
"Jarvis Roebuck,
Cork-Cutter, from London, living at the Foot of Potbakers-Hill, between the Fly-Market and the New Dutch Church, sells Wholesale and Retail, all Sorts and Sizes of Cork, at the lowest Rates. Also Raisins and Currens, Congo, and Bohea-Tea, Corree, Indigo, Loaf, Powder and Brown Sugars, Candy ditto, Spices of all Sorts, Olves, Capers, Anchovies per Box or Bottle; best Cheshire Cheese, single and double Gloster ditto; and a large Assortment of Shop Goods, which will be sold very cheap, for Cash or short Credit.
N.B. Also a Variety of quilted Petticoats, to be sold by the Quantity or single, by said Jarvis Roebuck."

[Note: Pot Baker Hill is in 2023 that part of William Street between Pine Street and Maiden Lane.]

The occupation of cork cutter
Photo of Jarvis's advertisement and map of location
Newspaper Advertisement11 April 1763
The 11 April 1763 edition of the The New York Gazette, New York City, New York County, New York, contained the following advertisement: To be Let, and enter'd the first May, A Small Tenement, fit for a Merchant or Tradesman, situate in Maiden-Lane, next Door but one below Mr. Roebuck, Cork Cutter. Enquire of the Printer hereof, in Broad-street.
Property Record10 March 1764Jarvis was involved in a property transaction on 10 March 1764 in New York City, New York County, New York. Indenture 10 March 1764 "in the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third"...
Between Dirck Schuyler of the city of New York, Tallow Chandler, and Mary his wife, and Jarvice Roebuck of the city aforesaid, Shopkeeper, and Susannah his wife, of the first part and
James Beekman of the city aforesaid, Merchant, of the second part...
In consideration of £280 pounds current lawful money of the province of New York to them paid by James Beekman...
Do sell 11 Lotts...situate lying being near fresh water in the out-ward of the city of New York and are known on a chart made of the lands which John Kingston purchased of the exectors of John Minthorn, deceased...by the name of Lotts Numbers 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 138, 139 and 140...
Long explanation of the location and size of the lots ensued, most are about 75 by 100 feet, or 38 by 127 feet, and various similar sized. Some of them were bounded by Orange St., the Tan Yards, the property now or late belonging to George Shaw, Cross St., some bounded by fresh water. [This was the Collect Pond, filled in in the first decade of the 1800's. Cross Street and Orange Street no longer exist. See attached 1797 map excerpt.)8
Participant5 April 1764He was involved in a property transaction on 5 April 1764 in Frederick County, Maryland, Sales of Susannah's property inherited from her father. A deed filed in June of 1764 made directly between "John Sample of Charles County" and "Jarvis Roebuck of the City and province of New York Cork Cutter and Susanna his wife formerly Susanna House the Daughter of John House of Frederick County in the province of Maryland Deceased [...]" (Frederick deeds J:382-384).

For 68 pounds current money of the province of "pensilvania", they sold to John Sample her one-fifth share of:
Walnut Point, 100 acres
Mill Place, 25 acres
Two Wives, 33 acres
tract of land "part of Antietum Bottom now occupied and possessed by Andrew House and on which he now liveth", 50 acres9
Church Dismission1765As of 1765, Jarvis was not affiliated with Moravian Church Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Source states he withdrew in 1765, by which time he had moved to New York. Not sure if he changed denominations, or if the source means he withdrew from the Bethlehem congregation.3
Property Record2 August 1766Jarvis was involved in a property transaction on 2 August 1766 in New York City, New York County, New York. Mortgagee: Jarvis Roebuck
Mortgagor: Susannah DeForest

Susannah De Forest of the City of New York, Widow, did Mortgage to
Jarvis Roebuck of the said City, Cork Cutter,
All that certain Dwelling house and Lott in the City of New York, on the South side of King Street, formerly Thienovens Street, now in the Occupation of Mary Ann De Myer, Widow...
Bounded northerly in front by King Street, easterly by the house and Lott of John Troup, Southerly by the ground of Anthony and Jacob Abramse, and westerly and northerly by the house and Lott late of the said Susannah Deforest now sold to the said Jarvis Roebuck. Which said Lott ... begins at the lower corner of the said house sold to the said Jarvis Roebuck in Kings Street aforesaid, measuring about 12 feet by 80 feet more or less...
If Susannah DeForest...pays unto Jarvis Roebuck...£60 pounds current money of New York with Lawfull Interest...on or before the Second day of August next, then the said Mortgage to be void.

Which said mortgage was proved by the Acknowledgment of Susannah Deforest before William Smith Esq, Justice, 4 August 1766.

Registered at the Request of Mr. Jarvis Roebuck this 6 day of August 1766.
Property Record2 August 1766Jarvis was involved in a property transaction on 2 August 1766 in New York City, New York County, New York. Indenture 2 Aug 1766 between
Susannah Deforrest of the City of New York, widow of the one part
and Jarvis Roebuck of said City, Cork Cutter of the other part...
Susannah Deforrest, in consideration of the sum of £400 pounds current money of the province of New York to her in hand paid by Jarvis Roebuck...
sells to Jarvis Roebuck (in his actual possession now being by virtue of a sale to him made for one whole year by her...
all that certain Dwelling house and lott situate in the City of New York on the south side of King Street, formerly Thienovens Street...
bounded northerly by King Street, easterly by another house belonging to Susannah DeForrest and now in the occupation of Mary Ann De Meyer, Widow, southerly by the ground formerly of Adolph Peters and Thomas Coker, and late of Abraham Abramse and now of Anthony and Jacob Abramse, and of Leonard Lispenard, and westerly by the house formerly of Thomas Clarke now belonging to Charles Jandine and in the occupation of John Lamb...
Measuring about 18 feet by 80 feet more or less...
With passages as hitherto have been upon and through the said Other Lott of SusannahDeForrest, and also the one half of the Pump and Well being in the dividing line, which are to be used in common and are to be kept in good order and repair at the joint and equal expense of Jarvis Roebuck and Susannah De Forrest.

Except and always reserved out of this present grant unto Susannah Deforrest, the right and priviledge of continuing the Beams, Joists and Rafters belonging to the said other house of Susannah Deforrest, which now are in the wall of the said dwelling house, and of putting any new or other Beams, Joists and Rafters Eight inches into the sme wall for supporting and keeping up the said other house, and for enlargin the same. Also for Building any other house on her said other Lott. Said wall is to be repaired, supported, kept up and built when and as often as occasion or necessity shall be or require at joint and equal expense, costs and charges.
Property Record2 December 1766Jarvis was involved in a property transaction on 2 December 1766 in New York City, New York County, New York. 2 Dec 1766, Susannah Deforest of the City of New York, Widow, did by an indorsement on the Origianl Mortgage from her to Jarvis Roebuck, registered in this Book, folio 100, make liable the premisses therein mentioned for securing the payment of £50 Pounds lawfull money of New York and the lawfull Interest for the same. Proved before Daniel Horsmanden, Esq, Justice.
Public Office7 March 1768As of on 7 March 1768, New York City, New York County, New York, , Jarvis served as an Elector. for the Election of Representatives for the City and County of New York.

He cast his vote for J. DeLancey, J. Walton, P. Livingstone and J. Jaunsey.
Property Record12 July 1769Jarvis was involved in a property transaction on 12 July 1769 in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. Indenture 12 July 1769 between Jarvis Roebuck and Susannah his wife of the City of New York, Merchant, on the one part and
John Carpender of the Township of Brookland in Kings County on Nassau Island in the Province of New York aforesaid of the other part...
In full consideration for £150 pounds current money of the Province of New York, paid to Jarvis Roebuck...
Jarvis Roebuck and his wife Susannah do sell to John Carpender...
All those certain Lotts...known on a map made by Francis Marschalk, a copy of which is annexed to the release of conveyance from John Kingston and Rachel his wife to the said Jarvis Roebuck bearing date the sixth day of November 1763...Lotts No. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, which same Lotts are part of the tract...purchased by the said John Kingston from Timothy Horsfield...
bounded on the East by the Brookland Road, on the North by Lott 18 recently purchased by John Carpender from John Kingston and by land of Aert Middagh, on the Northwest by Lott 17 lately purchased by John Carpender from John Kingston and on the southwest by a road leading from the Brookland Road towards the water side, together about 200 ft by 450 feet...also a string 10 feet wide along land of George Debevois to the Brookland Rd...also free use of a road to the water side alongside the house now or late of Timothy Horsfield and along the fence between Timothy Horsfield and George Debevois, the right to pass with his and their servants, Horses, carriages, etc., with John Carpender assisting to keep this road in repair.10
Newspaper Advertisement20 May 1773
The 20 May 1773 edition of the New York Journal, New York City, New York County, New York, contained the following advertisement: Jarvis Roebuck has removed from Mainden Lane, to the House in King Street, directly opposite to Mr. Gabriel W. Ludlow's and but a little above Messrs. McDavitt's, and Taylor and DeLancey's Vendue Houses; Where, from his vicinity to the main Street, he hopes for a continuance of those Favours, for which he now sincerely returns his grateful Acknowlegments to the respectable Public.

He now has for Sale -- Excellent double Gloucestershire CHEESE, and other Articles in Grocery as usual.
The very best SCOTCH SNUFF.
CORKS of every Sort and Quality.
A large Collection of CANES, RATTANS, etc.
A general assortment of BRUSHES and
All Kinds of LIQUORS.
Newspaper Mention4 November 1776The 4 November 1776 edition of the New York Weekly Mercury, New York City, New York County, New York, reported on a public statement of support for King George the Third (attached). Jarvis Roebuck signed this petition among 948 New York residents.

This loyalty statement is also discussed in the book New York City during the American Revolution, a collection of papers published in 1861 by the Mercantile Library Association of New York City and available on Ancestry.com, p117+.

Also The American Loyalists, Lorenzo Sabine, 1847
https://archive.org/details/americanloyalis00sabigoog/page/n9/mode/1up
Church Affiliation5 March 1784As of 5 March 1784, Jarvis was affiliated with Trinity Episcopal Church, in New York City, New York County, New York,Petition. This is based on a newspaper article, published in The Church Journal, 23 Mar, 1864, New York City, page 6, available on genealogybank.com, publishing some "Ancient Documents" from Trinity Church, New York. " Documents recovered from Abm. B. Bancker, Six Petitions from the Tory Episcopalians of the city of New York", dated between 5 Mar and 10 Mar 1784.

Petition No. 4 is dated 5 Mar 1784, and signed by Jarvis Roebuck, among many others.

The Petitions are addressed to the Representatives of the State of New York in Senate and Assembly.

The Petitions state that the Memorialists are members of the Episcopal Church in this City, commonly distinguised by the name of the Church of England; and that as such, with their Fellow Christians of other Denominations, they only claim the Privilege of enjoying their own mode of Religious Worship, according to the Dictates of Reason and Scripture, and agreeably to the Spirit and Letter of the Constitution of the State which declares "That the free Exercise and Enjoyment of religious Profession and Worship without Discrimination or Preference shall forever hereafter be allowed within this State to all mankind."

It seems that a minority of politically connected Episcopals had managed get a bill passed in the Assembly in Albany, appointing Church-wardens and Vestrymen for a two-year term, against the wishes and traditional votes of the members.

The Church Journal, 23 Mar, 1864, New York, NY, viewed on genealogybank.com

I contacted the Archivist at Trinity Church, and no known Roebuck was listed on membership or any other list in that time frame. So perhaps he belonged to some other Episcopal Church, or perhaps he signed the petition in the spirit of support for the principles.11
Directory1786As of 1786 Jarvis was listed in the New York City, New York County, New York, directory as Robuck, Jarvis, cork-cutter, 54 King street.12
Property Record31 January 1786Jarvis was involved in a property transaction on 31 January 1786 in New York City, New York County, New York. Indenture 31 Jan 1786
Between Jarvis Roebeck [the "u" is crossed out and "e" substituted above] of the City of New York, Cork Cutter, and Susannah Catharina his Wife of the one part and
John Jones of the said City, Ship Chandler, of the other part...
In full consideration of £700 pounds lawful Money of the State of New York to them paid by the said John Jones...
Do sell to John Jones (which was in his actual possession by virtue of sale to him made a year before by Indenture)...
All that certain Lot with the Buildings thereon...in Kings Street in the City of New York and now in the Occupation of the said Jarvis Roebuck...
Bounded in front by Kings Street, on the south by the House and Ground of Hugh Walch, on the north by the house and ground belonging to ____ Shandine, in the rear by a lot of John Jones and partly by the log of ____ Lawrence...
About 32 ft by 86 feet more or less.13
Census-not found1790Jarvis has not been found on the census of 1790 New York Jarvis Roebuck is not indexed in any US location in the 1790 census. He advertised the Smith Street residence where he was living in 1792, in a 1792 classified ad, so it appears he was living in the city in 1790.

I scrolled through the East and North Wards, which are the most likely areas he lived in, but he was not there, and the handwriting is very good.
Newspaper Advertisement30 January 1792
The 30 January 1792 edition of the The Daily Advertiser, New York City, New York County, New York, contained the following advertisement: Sales at Auction, by A.L. Bleecker & Sons:

There follows a list of upcoming auctions, including:
On Thursday, between twelve and one o'clock, at the Coffee-house, That commodious house and lot of ground, at 24 Smith street, now occupied by Mr. Jarvis Roebuck, being in front on Smith street, 25 feet, and in rear thirty feet, the length on each side 127 feet.
Newspaper Advertisement16 February 1792
The 16 February 1792 edition of the The Daily Advertiser, New York City, New York County, New York, contained the following advertisement: To be sold at Public Auction, the third day of March next:

That beautiful and pleasantly situated farm lying in South Hamstead, Queen's county, Long Island, about one mile and a quarter from Near Rockaway, containing 100 acres, more or less, amongst which is a good proportion of the best woodland quality, of the whole equal, if not superior to any in that part of the island, and also, a piece of salt meadow, near Mr. Durlings mill, sufficient to supply a large flock of cattle; on the premises is a good Dwelling house, barn etc., a good bearing orchard, and a well of excellent water; also the whole of the stock and farming utensils belonging to said farm. The situation of the above premises, renders it an object worthy the attention of any gentleman, who might wish to retire from business. The bay which is well known to afford so great a variety of fish and fowl, lays within a mile and a half of said farm. A good and indisputable title will be given to the purchaser, and terms of payment made known at the time of sale. For further particulars, enquire of Jarvis Roebuck, No. 24 Smith street, New York. N.B. The land will be sold under a regular survey.
Will4 January 1793He signed a will on 4 January 1793 in New York City, New York County, New York. Last Will and Testament of Jarvis Roebuck of the City of New York ..., Gentleman, being in good health...
First: I desire to be decently interred...and I give and bequeath until my dear wife Susannah Catherine Roebuck all my household goods, etc....and I give and bequeath unto Augustus Van Horne of New York, Gentleman and unto Hugh Gaine of the same place, Printer and Bookseller, two of my Executors hereinafter named...Securities and stocks put in trust for Susannah Catherine Roebuck to take the interest, dividends, and annual produce during her life.

Upon her decease, the trust to be divided to three equal parts, one third divided between John Clem, Mary Clem, Samuel Tingley and Elizabeth Tingley, the grandchildren of my said wife (being the children of her late son, John Clem deceased, and of her late daughter Susannah Tingley, also deceased.

As to the next one third, to pay unto and between Jarvis Pearsall and Peter Roebuck Pearsall, children of my late daughter Catherine Pearsall, at their respective ages of twenty-one years.

As to the other equal third part: pay unto and between Jarvis Roebuck and Peter Roebuck, the sons of my late son Peter Roebuck deceaased, at their respective ages of 21 years.14
Death20 November 1793He died on 20 November 1793 Based on his death notice in the Daily Advertiser.
Burial22 November 1793He was buried on 22 November 1793 in Location Unknown. Based on the 1784 record, he appears to have been a member of Trinity Church. Unfortunately, the church records skip from January 1784 to August of 1800. A note says "The Register of Funerals from the above date [1784] to the time of my appointment to the Rectorship [22 Dec 1800] is in the hands of Bishop Provoost, who resigned this date, being aged, and died Sept 6, 1816. These records have not yet been found. Benj. Moore, Rector."
Obituary22 November 179322 November 1793, New York City, New York County, New York, The Daily Advertiser Obituary:. On Wednesday afternoon departed this life, in the 73rd year of his age, by a stroke of the apoplexy, Mr. Jarvis Roebuck, a native of Great Britain, for many years past an inhabitant of this city. Attentive to all the duties of sobriety, righteousness and godliness, altho he was suddenly called to give an account of the deeds done in the body, he was not unprepared for the awful event. With respect to the great change which this worthy man so unexpectedly sustained, it may be proper to observe that surviving friends ought not to sorrow as men without hope, since the very morning before his death was spent in devout attention to the public serivce of that church of which he had been many years an exemplary member.
Last Edited18 February 2024

Citations

  1. [S964] England, 0597079 (RG4 2454), 0597079 (RG4 2456), 0597079 (RG4 4061A) Affiliate library only: RG-4 series nos. 2454, 2456 and 4061A; familysearch.org database
  2. [S1038] Non-conformist Presbyterian or Independent (Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England), Image 4 of 8, Ann Roebuck Baptism; 8 images, Find My Past ($) (https://search.findmypast.com/record?id=TNA%2FRG4%2F4061A%2F0%2F0005&parentid=TNA%2FRG4%2FBAP%2F1306694).
  3. [S1025] Rev. Abraham Reincke, A Register of Members of the Moravian Church, 1727-1754: Transcribed from a MS> in the handwriting of Abraham Reincke by W. C. Reichel (Nazareth, PA: 1873), p 424; digital images, archive.org, (https://archive.org/details/jstor-41179549/page/n1/mode/1up : accessed
  4. [S1025] Reincke, A Register of Members of the Moravian Church, 1727-1754, p. 357
  5. [S1028] John W. Jordan, "Moravian Immigration to Pennsylvania 1734-1767", Transactions of the Moravian Historical Society, Vol. 5, No.2, pp 51-90 (1896), JSTOR digitial journal library (JSTOR.com), p. 67
  6. [S1024] Moravian Church (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania), "Moravian Church (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania), "," , ; Published on Ancestry.com.", p. 123; Published on Ancestry.com
  7. [S1026] Frederick County, Maryland, Book F, pp 1014-1017, "Power of Attorney for Jervis Roebuck and wife", 10 Jun 1760; digital images, Maryland State Archives, Archives of Maryland Online, MDLandRec (https://mdlandrec.net/main/index.cfm).
  8. [S1032] New York, "United States, New York Land Records, 1630-1975", database with images, familysearch, Family Search (familysearch.org), Conveyances 1772-1784, vol. 39-41, Liber 40, 25 Oct 1775, p. 487, Image 418/752; Multiple County Courthouses, New York
  9. [S1026] Frederick County, Maryland, Book J, pp 382-384
  10. [S1032] New York. "United States, New York Land Records, 1630-1975", database with images Liber 6, p. 267, Kings County Conveyances 1724-1803, Vol 5-7, familysearch image 249/599
  11. [S1033] Kathryn Hurwitz, "Genealogical Query", e-mail message from (), 15 Feb 2023
  12. [S909] New York City Directory and Register (New York City, New York, Online at New York Public Library digital collections: David Franks, printed by Shepard Kollock, 1786). Hereinafter cited as New York City Directory and Register.
  13. [S1032] New York. "United States, New York Land Records, 1630-1975", database with images Conveyances 1784-1787, vol. 41-44, Liber 43, 1/31/1786, p. 271, Image 401/755 on family search
  14. [S801] Surrogate Court (New York State), Liber 41, p. 170, in Wills 1776-1799, Vol 39-42, p. 236, image 125/295 on familysearch.org; digital images, Ancestry.com ().

Phineas Carman

M, #22, b. 9 September 1762, d. 25 February 1827

Parents

FatherStephen Carman (b. 1725)
MotherIsabel Moores (b. 1729, d. 6 February 1809)

Family: Huldah Ayers (b. 14 July 1763, d. 11 October 1849)

SonLewis Carman (b. 12 April 1783)
SonJames Carman (b. 23 November 1785, d. 7 August 1809)
DaughterIsabella Carman (b. 15 February 1788, d. 28 April 1857)
DaughterSarah Kent Carman+ (b. 22 April 1790, d. 18 August 1860)
DaughterEliza Carman (b. 30 June 1792)
DaughterAbigail Carman+ (b. 1 September 1794, d. 20 April 1870)
SonPhineas Bloomfield Carman (b. 14 December 1797, d. 1832)
DaughterHuldah Carman (b. 5 July 1799, d. 13 June 1810)
DaughterJulia Ann Carman (b. 1 December 1803, d. 4 November 1849)
SonMelancthon Freeman Carman+ (b. 1 February 1807)

Biography

Birth9 September 1762Phineas Carman was born on 9 September 1762. (or 1763?)1
Marriageabout 1782He and Huldah Ayers were married about 17821
Business Enterprise1812In 1812, the State Bank of New Brunswick was chartered by the legislature. Phineas Carman was one of the 13 directors. The first cashier was Daniel W. Disbrow.
Death25 February 1827He died on 25 February 1827 in New York City, New York County, New York,1
Burial27 February 1827He was buried on 27 February 1827 at Old Colonial Cemetery in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. (Now in Metuchen.) Phineas Carman was a Revolutionary War Veteran. According to an article in the Bridgewater Courier-News of 25 Jun 1937, p. 15, there are 31 Revolutionary War Veterans in the Old Colonial Cemetery. The surnames include related families such as Bloomfield, Ayres, and Mundy. One of those listed is Melancthon Freeman, which must be a connection because Phineas and Huldah's last child was named Melancthon Freeman Carman.
Family BibleFamily Bible: The transcription of the pages is attached as a pdf.2
Family BibleThe images of the family Bible: there is no image for the first Births page. These images are, as of 2017, online at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~carman/books.htm






Last Edited16 November 2018

Citations

  1. [S884] Howard S. F. Randolph, "The Family of Richard Carman of Woodbridge, New Jersey", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, 81 (Apr 1950), viewed on FindMyPast, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org), p. 104
  2. [S687] Family Bible Record of Family of Phineas Carman of New Jersey, Holy Bible: with the HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL NOTES contained in Baskerville's Edition (New Brunswick, New Jersey: William Elliot and Robert Eastburn, 1809), owner Transcribed by Marian Crawford Unknown. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~carman/phineas/.

Huldah Ayers

F, #23, b. 14 July 1763, d. 11 October 1849

Parents

Family: Phineas Carman (b. 9 September 1762, d. 25 February 1827)

SonLewis Carman (b. 12 April 1783)
SonJames Carman (b. 23 November 1785, d. 7 August 1809)
DaughterIsabella Carman (b. 15 February 1788, d. 28 April 1857)
DaughterSarah Kent Carman+ (b. 22 April 1790, d. 18 August 1860)
DaughterEliza Carman (b. 30 June 1792)
DaughterAbigail Carman+ (b. 1 September 1794, d. 20 April 1870)
SonPhineas Bloomfield Carman (b. 14 December 1797, d. 1832)
DaughterHuldah Carman (b. 5 July 1799, d. 13 June 1810)
DaughterJulia Ann Carman (b. 1 December 1803, d. 4 November 1849)
SonMelancthon Freeman Carman+ (b. 1 February 1807)

Biography

Birth14 July 1763Huldah Ayers was born on 14 July 1763 in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey.1
Marriageabout 1782Phineas Carman and she were married about 17821
Death11 October 1849She died on 11 October 18491
Obituary18491849, Obituary:. "At the residence of her son, Lewis Carman, near New Brunswick, on the 11th inst., Mrs. Huldah Carman, widow of Phineas Carman, at the Patriarchal age of 86.2
Last Edited30 March 2017

Citations

  1. [S884] Howard S. F. Randolph, "The Family of Richard Carman of Woodbridge, New Jersey", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record, 81 (Apr 1950), viewed on FindMyPast, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society (www.newyorkfamilyhistory.org), p. 104
  2. [S687] Family Bible Record of Family of Phineas Carman of New Jersey, Holy Bible: with the HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL NOTES contained in Baskerville's Edition (New Brunswick, New Jersey: William Elliot and Robert Eastburn, 1809), owner Transcribed by Marian Crawford Unknown. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~carman/phineas/.

Stephen Carman

M, #24, b. 1725

Parents

FatherRichard Carman (b. 1698, d. 22 December 1768)
MotherAbigail Kent

Family: Isabel Moores (b. 1729, d. 6 February 1809)

SonPhineas Carman+ (b. 9 September 1762, d. 25 February 1827)

Biography

Birth1725Stephen Carman was born in 1725.
Marriage16 August 1748He and Isabel Moores were married on 16 August 1748
Last Edited22 December 2016

Isabel Moores

F, #25, b. 1729, d. 6 February 1809

Parents

FatherSamuel Moores (b. 29 August 1694, d. 31 May 1756)
MotherExperience Fitz-Randolf (b. 14 July 1696, d. 10 April 1758)

Family: Stephen Carman (b. 1725)

SonPhineas Carman+ (b. 9 September 1762, d. 25 February 1827)

Biography

Birth1729Isabel Moores was born in 1729 in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Marriage16 August 1748Stephen Carman and she were married on 16 August 1748
Death6 February 1809She died on 6 February 1809
Last Edited22 December 2016