John M. Pearson is living in Monroe township, which division of the county was the place of his birth. He first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 31st Of October, 1831, at which time his parents resided on the farm now owned by Milton Evans. Hardly had Ohio entered upon statehood when the Pearson family was established within its borders by Jonas Pearson, the grandfather of our subject, who came from South Carolina in 1804. After remaining for two years he returned to the latter state, but when three years had passed, again came to Miami county, locating in Monroe township upon a farm, where the birth of our subject occurred. There he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land from the government, erected a log cabin and began life in true pioneer style. There was only one house in Dayton when, in 1804, they passed the site of the present flourishing city. Mr. Pearson aided in laying out roads, in organizing schools and in promoting the progress and development of Miami county along many lines, and after a long and useful career he passed to his reward, at the age of eighty years. He had a family of four children: Hannah, Aaron, Moses and Mary A.

Aaron Pearson, the father of our subject, was born in South Carolina and came with his parents to Ohio. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Rachel Moore, who was born in Monroe township, Miami county, and was a daughter of John Moore. By this marriage five children were born, as follows: John; George, who died in 1880; Eli, who lives in Pontiac, Illinois; Christopher, who died in 1890, and Sarah, who died in 1880. She was the wife of William Sinks. The second son, George, was twenty-five years of age when he went west and enlisted in the regular army, serving for eight years. He took part in the war of the Rebellion from the inauguration of hostilities until peace was declared, and never enjoyed good health afterward, his constitution being broken down by the rigors and hardships of the war.

John Pearson, whose name begins this record, was reared on the old homestead farm. He lost his father when ten years of age and was left an orphan at the age of twelve, by the death of his mother. He then went to live with his grandfather Pearson, with whom he lived until the latter's death, which occurred when the grandson was eighteen years of age. From that time forward he has depended entirely upon his own resources. He began working as a farm hand and was employed for three months at a compensation of twenty-five dollars. He continued working as a farm hand until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account. In 1856 Miss Harriet Russell became his wife and to him she has been a faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey. In 1872 they removed to the farm which is now their home, and here Mr. Pearson owns eighty- two acres of land on Section 24, Monroe township, all under a high state of cultivation. He continued the active management of the farm for many years, but has now rented his land and lives retired. His has been a useful and honorable business career and he well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying.

During the civil war Mr. Pearson manifested his loyalty to the Union cause by enlisting, in May, 1864, as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry. He was mustered in at Camp Dennison and with his regiment went to the defense of Washington, D. C., continuing in the service until the expiration of his term, when he received an honorable discharge, in September, 1864. He has always been loyal to every duty of citizenship, promoting the country's welfare with the same fidelity which he manifested when defending the stars and stripes in front of the nation's capital. In politics he is somewhat independent, but usually votes with the Prohibition party. For more than a quarter of a century he has been a member of Monroe Grange and is now serving as its treasurer. He belongs to the D. M. Rouzer Post, G. A. R., of Tippecanoe City, and both he and his wife are members of the Christian church, with which they have been connected for more than forty years. This worthy couple are people of sterling character, enjoying the high regard of all who know them.