2nd Generation: John Pearson
Second eldest son of Henry
Pearson and Rebecca
Donohoe
See his obituary below for biographical information.
Spouse
Phoebe Catherine
Campbell
For more information view Related
Surnames.
Visit our Photo Gallery to view a picture of John Pearson and Phoebe Catherine Campbell with one of their children.
Records Found
John Pearson's death registration found at the
Ontario Archives confirms most known information: lists
parents as: father, Henry Pearson, birthplace England (this
differs from all other records which say Ireland) and
mother, Rebecca Donohoe, birthplace Ireland. John had been
living at the House of Providence Catholic Boarding home in
Dundas, Ont for one year at the time of his death. The
person who registered the death was Sister M. Antoinette.
The attending physician from March 1 until death on March 27
was Dr. Thos A Bertram of Dundas Ont. The burial took place
in Owen Sound on March 29, 1921. The undertaker was D.E.
Knowles of Dundas.
The Canada Directory 1857-1858 by Robert W.S. Mackay,
printed by John Lovell listed John Pearson as a storekeeper.
The store was opposite the Harrison Hotel circa
1856.
W.W. Smith, Gazetteer & Directory of the County
of Grey 1865-1866 lists Pearson, John - Trader - Hill St.
(Hill St. is now 4th Ave East north of 10th
St.)
A map/chart entitled "T.G.B.R. Plan of Owen Sound
Harbor", 1883 has "Pearson's Grain Warehouse" marked on it
(located on the west side of Owen Sound Harbour) TGBR =
Toronto, Grey & Bruce Railway.
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Children:
Alonzo
Joel Pearson: 1850-1873
Died at the age of 23 from falling to the deck from
the top sail of a ship. Alonzo was a sailor on a vessel in
Detour Channel at Drummond Island, Lake Huron.
Melissa Caroline Pearson:
1851-1935
Married Richard M. Gilhuly. See
Related Surnames.
Eleanor Louisa Pearson:
1855-1941
Married David R. Duncan. See
Related Surnames.
John Joseph Pearson:
1856-1910
Click on name for more info and descendants.
George Fred William
Pearson: 1861-1931
Click on name for more info and descendants.
Catherine Cassilia Pearson:
1864-1949
See Photo Gallery
for more info.
James Matthew Pearson:
1867-1912
For more info see
Missing Pearsons.
Obituary Mar 29, 1921 Owen
Sound Times:
"JOHN PEARSON WAS PIONEER OF LAKE SHIPPING"
Died on Sunday at age of 92 years - owned many vessels that plied into Owen Sound. Capt. John Pearson, one of the oldest residents of Owen Sound, passed away on Sunday at Dundas where he spent the past year. He was a well known figure in the business life of Owen Sound 70 years ago, and it was largely due to him and to the men like him that even in the early days Owen Sound assumed a real prominence in the commercial shipping world.
Capt. Pearson was born in Toronto Township on Oct. 24, 1828 and died March 27, 1921, at the age of 92 years five months and three days. He came to Owen Sound as a young man of 18, in 1846 and has been a resident here almost ever since. On July 17, 1849 he married Miss Phoebe Catherine Campbell, daughter of the late Capt. Peter Smith Campbell, of Owen Sound, who predeceased him by 20 years. Capt. Campbell was granted a commission as Captain in the 7th Regiment, North York Militia in 1838 during the time of the McKenzie Rebellion and had served previously in the war of 1812 - 14. His commission was signed by Peter Bullack, Adj-General of Militia and a very prominent figure at the time of the rebellion. Capt. McNab and "Uncle" Peter McCallum, carried Brock off the field at Queenston Heights after he had been mortally wounded and between them divided a sash that the great Canadian General had worn at that time. Part of that is still in existence. Capt. Pearson's commission was granted in 1858, as Captain in the "First Battalion Grey Regiment" on April 1st, 1858, and was signed by Sir Edmund Walker Head, Gov. Gen. of Br. North America. He was, up to his death, the oldest living officer of the Grey Regiment.
Capt. Pearson started in the General store business on the corner of 10th St. and 3rd Ave. E (then Division and Scrope Sts.) 63 years ago in the store now occupied by Mr. Arthur Lloyd, and a few years later went into the shipping business on a rather extensive scale. Amongst the schooners that he owned were the Ariel, Neelissa, Phoebe Catherine, Nellie Sherwood and the steamer Kincardine. He had a great deal of money invested in these enterprises, but owing to the loss of several boats his losses were heavy. About 60 years ago he also contracted with the government for the building of the houses on the Cape Croker Indian Reserve for the Indians and most of the houses built then by him are still there.
Many years afterwards, Mr. Pearson bought out the dray business formerly conducted by Harry Durie, and he also operated lumber yards and the grain elevator now used by Mr. Jas Cole as a storehouse on the west bank of the river. The late J. M. Davis was afterwards admitted as a partner and eventually became the owner of the business. Capt. Pearson had a mate's certificate for sailing vessels and steamers on inland waters.
Capt. Pearson served in the town council for years and was deeply interested in everything pertaining to the town's welfare. In religion he was an Anglican and held a number of offices in St. George's Masonic Lodge, Owen Sound, and was probably a charter member.
In latter years, the deceased lived for a time in the North West, making his home at Holland Manitoba, where his son, the late John Joseph Pearson, was a prominent merchant. He held a Commercial Travellers' certificate up to a year ago.
The surviving members of the family are: Capt. George Pearson, Mr. D. R. Duncan and Miss Cassie Pearson of Owen Sound and Mrs. Gilhuly of Woodstock. Three sons, Alonzo, John and James, predeceased their father.
During the past year Capt. Pearson was boarding at the Catholic Home at Dundas, and always spoke very highly of the excellent treatment that he received there. Death was due to the infirmities brought on by old age. The remains were brought to Owen Sound last night and the funeral will be held today from the residence of Captain George Pearson, 361 7th St. E., to Greenwood Cemetery. The Rev. Canon Ardill will conduct the services at 2:30, the funeral being at three.
