P. L. Pearson, a prominent citizen, merchant and farmer of the Ninth Civil District, of Hawkins County, was born in Hawkins County, in the Third District, thirteen miles northwest of Rogersville, October 23, 1837, the son of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Davault) Pearson. They were of German and Irish descent. The father was born in Pennsylvania, and brought to Hawkins County when a child where he was reared and lived ever afterward. He died February 19, 1872, at about eighty-five or eighty-six years of age. The mother was born in Claiborne County, about 1800, and died in Hawkins County, January 7, 1884. The father’s parents were among the first settlers of Hawkins County. His father was a farmer, and made life a good success. He was a Republican. Our subject is the eighth of nine children. He secured a liberal education in his youth, which was commenced in the country schools, and finished at Sneedville, Hancock County, and Mossy Creek, Jefferson County. He was reared on his father’s farm. After completing his education he taught school one year in Hawkins County, and then entered business at Rogersville as a clerk in William White’s general merchandise store. He remained about one year, and then engaged in farming a short time. He then entered the Confederate States Army, enlisting in Company E battalion. At the reorganization of the company it was put into the Second Tennessee Regiment of Cavalry, under Gen. Ashby. The first captain was Robert Simpson, and the second was William Smith, when it was placed under Ashby. Our subject enlisted, July 8, 1861. He took part in numerous battles – Murfreesboro, Chichamauga and Missionary Ridge. He was captured in Bedford County, on one of Wheeler’s raids. In October, 1863, he was carried to Indianapolis, Ind., and kept as a prisoner of war until March, 1865, at which time he was paroled and after remaining in Virginia awhile, he reached his father’s home in Hawkins County, April 30, 1865. He immediately commenced to engage in farming. In August, 1866, he purchased and settled where he now lives, and up to 1876, he gave his attention exclusively to farming. In the year 1876, in partnership with James G. Looney, he dealt in livestock, a business which was continued about four years and the last three years they were also engaged in the mercantile business. The store at Vogel Postoffice, near our subject’s residence, and on his farm, was opened up in November, 1877. Our subject bought out Mr. Looney in 1881, and still continues the business. All along our subject has been engaged in farming, and has made stock raising a specialty. On August 19, 1866, he married Miss Sallie J. Looney, of Hawkins County, born March 25, 1835, daughter of A. D. Looney and Sallie Looney. They were the parents of eight children – five sons and three daughters – one daughter deceased. Our subject is a Democrat, and he and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Transcribed by Betty Mize from Goodspeed’s History of Tennessee, 1886.