One of the leading physicians in West Milton, H. R. Pearson enjoys a large and lucrative practice, which indicates his skill and ability in the line of his chosen profession. He was born in Union township, near the city in which he resides, on the 16th of March, 1868. His father, William S. Pearson, was born in the same township September 7, 1833, and was reared upon a farm, where he spent his entire life. In the midst of a useful career, however, death claimed him, and at the age of thirty-eight he passed away. In politics he was an active Republican, and in religious belief was in harmony with that of the Society of Friends. In his business he was quite successful, owing to his capable management and unfailing industry and at his death he left to his family a valuable farm of one hundred acres. His father gave him one thousand dollars when he entered upon an independent business career, but with that exception all that he had was self-acquired. His parents were Benjamin H. and Dorcas (Jones) Pearson, both natives of Miami county, where they spent their entire lives, and both were members of the Friends' church. Their family came to Ohio from South Carolina at an early day, becoming pioneer settlers of the Buckeye state. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mahala McDonald and was born January 4, 1838, on the farm in Union township, where she now lives and has spent her entire life, her parents being Joseph and Temperance (Elleman) McDonald. Her father came to this county from Tennessee with his mother during his early boyhood, and that family was also connected with. the Society of Friends. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pearson was celebrated October 27, 1853, and was blessed with a family of nine children. Three of the number died in childhood, but the others are still living, namely: Horace M.; Jasper N.; Ada J., wife of John Thomas; Mary E., wife of Anson Mote; Herbert R., of this review, and Martha M., wife of Harvey Sleppy. After the death of her first husband, the mother of these children married Thomas E. Lyon, of Michigan. She is a member of the Friends' church and is a most estimable lady enjoying the warm regard of all who know her.

The Doctor was only about three years old when his father died. His boyhood days were spent on the home farm with his mother and he and his older brother operated the farm. He acquired his elementary education in the district schools, and when eighteen years of age began teaching in the district schools, being thus employed for two winters in charge of the Union and Newton schools. He then entered Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana, an institution conducted by the Society of Friends, and remained a student there for two years. Subsequently he taught school for one term near his home and then entered the medical department of the University of Wooster at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained for one year. On the expiration of that period he went to Baltimore, Maryland, and matriculated in the Baltimore Medical College, in which institution he was graduated with honor. He had won a scholarship in the Cleveland school which admitted him to the Baltimore college. After his graduation, which occurred March 30, 1893, he served as resident physician of the Maryland General Hospital for a year and then returned to West Milton, where he formed a partnership with W. H. Keasler. This connection has since been maintained and the firm ranks second to none in this part of Miami county.

Dr. Pearson was married on the 6th of August, 1894, to Miss Elizabeth Thomas, of Monroe township, Miami county, daughter of Aaron and Susan (Patty) Thomas, both natives of Ohio. Her father was born in Concord township and the mother in Montgomery county, Ohio. Dr. Pearson has two children, Lova L. and Ernest T. The Doctor gives his political support to the Republican party, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and does all in his power to secure the adoption of Republican principles. He served as a member of the city council of West Milton for a year, in 1887 he was elected county coroner and in 1891 was re-elected, receiving the largest vote of any one on the ticket in the former year. Socially he is connected with Stillwater Lodge, No. 165, I. O. O. F., and with Milton Lodge No. 238, K. P. He and his wife are members of the Friends' church. He is one of the brightest and best informed physicians in Miami county. He made his own way through college and the elements of strength in his character thus shown forth will insure for him a successful future. He has already won prestige as a representative of his calling and enjoys a large and lucrative practice.