Dallas County, Arkansas

Page 729-30
William A. PEARSON, farmer and grocer, Dalark, Ark. This prominent business man and citizen of Dallas County was originally from Meriwether County, Ga., where his birth occurred on January 13, 1838, and is the son of Jesse C. and Elizabeth (HAY) PEARSON, natives of Wilkes County, Ga. Both are now living and are residents of Shelby County, Ala. They were born in Wilkes County, Ga., in 1816 and about 1815, respectively, were married in Georgia, and resided in that Sate until 1844, when they moved to Tallapoosa County, Ala., remaining there until 1859, after which they moved to Shelby County, of the same State. Both are members of the Primitive Baptist Church at Princeton, Shelby County, Ala. The father has followed agricultural pursuits all his life and is an easy circumstances. He has long been a Democrat in politics. He and wife have lived together over fifty years, and are the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are now living. William A. PEARSON received his education in Tallapoosa County, Ala., and on December 18, 1858, he was married to Miss Elizabeth COLEMAN, who was born in Alabama. Six interesting children are the results of this union: Jesse C. (a farmer of the county), John M.(also a farmer), Frank M. (also at home), James A., William L. and Lewis G. (all at home). After marriage Mr. PEARSON commenced farming for himself in Alabama, and remained in that State until February, 1879, when he moved to Dallas County, Ark., locating near Dalark. On coming to Dallas County, he brought 160 acres of land and to this has since added 560 acres. He has under cultivation, and is not only one of the extensive planters in Manchester Township, Dallas County. In August, 1862, he joined Company E, Twenty-ninth Alabama Confederate Infantry, with which he served until taken prisoner at Columbia, Tenn., soon after the battle of Franklin in December, 1864. He was taken to Camp Chase, Ohio, and was retained there until June 10, 1865. He was in the battle of Resaca, Ga., and in all the engagements fought in that campaign. He received a gunshot wound in the right shoulder at Franklin, and was taken to Columbia, Tenn., where he was taken prisoner. He was also wounded at the battle of Atlanta, on July 28. On leaving the army he was without means, and with a wife and two children little children, he went to work with a determination to succeed, and is now one of the most substantial and progressive planters in the county. In May, 1889, he formed a partnership with W. P. Lochridge, in the grocery business, and this they have since continued. They have recently added dry goods to their stock of groceries, and are doing a good business. Mr. PEARSON is a Democrat in politics.