Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 270 - 271

 CALVIN P. PEARSON, who was called from earth in the midst of his usefulness, came to Kechi Township during its pioneer days, and during the comparatively brief period in which he was permitted to labor made good use of his time and opportunities, and is remembered by the people of this section as one of its most worthy and useful citizens. He took a warm interest in the enterprises calculated to build up his township, assisted in the organization of school districts, and from his private means put up the school building adjacent to his property. His work remains as the most fitting monument of his worth as a man and a member of society. 

     The subject of this history was a native of the Old Granite State, and born Oct. 5, 1836. He was the second child of Daniel A. and Mary G. (Durgan) Pearson, whose family included three sons and five daughters. Grandfather Durgan was one of the pioneer settlers of New Hampshire, and remained in New England with his family until his earthly labors were ended. His son, Daniel A., after his marriage and the birth of several children, came to Illinois about 1855, and located first in Cook County. After a short residence there he purchased land in Will County, upon which he operated until 1871. His last removal was to this county, and he spent his declining years near the home of his son, our subject, his death taking place in 1882, at the age of seventy-one years. His excellent wife is still living, and makes her home with her daughter at Watseka, Ill. 

     Calvin P. Pearson completed his education in the subscription schools of his native county in New Hampshire, and when a youth of sixteen years began his apprenticeship as a machinist, and continued in New England three years thereafter. He then emigrated to Illinois, and for five months was employed as a farm laborer in the vicinity of Chicago. Subsequently he worked at the carpenter's trade, and while in Cook County met his fate in the person of Miss Sarah A. Holmes, to whom he was married in the town of Bloom on the 2d of February, 1860. 

     Mrs. Pearson was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., April 29, 1838, and is the third child of John and Mary (Furze) Holmes, whose family included six children. The parents were natives of England and crossed the Atlantic at an early period in their lives. The maternal grandparents were also of English birth and ancestry. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pearson continued residents of Bloom until 1870, Mr. P. having in the meantime purchased two and one-half acres of land upon which were a dwelling and the other appurtenances of a comfortable home. Not being satisfied with his prospects in that locality, however, Mr. Pearson crossed the Mississippi and pre-empted 145 acres of prairie land in Kechi Township, upon which a claim had already been filed and for which Mr. Pearson, who was anxious to secure possession of it, paid $400 for his right of pre-emption. 

     In addition to the money already expended Mr. Pearson was required to pay $1.25 per acre in order to obtain his clear title, and afterward purchased 150 acres prairie land of the A. T. & S. F. R. R. Co. This latter property lay on section 19, and here he commenced breaking and building, and had laid many plans in relation to his future homestead. After his death Mrs. Pearson continued to improve the farm, and kept up the payments on the land, clearing it from all incumbrance during the latter part of May, 1887. In this she has shown admirable judgment and resolution, and has now as fine a piece of property as is to he found in this vicinity. 

     Mr. Pearson was a well-read and intelligent man, taking a lively interest in politics, and uniformly voted with the Republican party. He served six years as School Director in his township, and no one rejoiced more at its progress and prosperity, and over the establishment of schools. Their children at first were obliged to go four miles in pursuing their early education. Now they are but five miles from the city limits of Wichita, and there is quite a change in the face of the country from the time they settled here, when the nearest railroad station was at Emporia, a distance of 100 miles. 

     To Mr. and Mrs. Pearson there were born seven children, of whom but five are living, namely: Warren C., Luella C., Willis G., John E. and Charles Herbert. Warren is married and lives on a farm near the old homestead. Luella, Mrs. Turner, is the wife of a prosperous farmer of Park Township. Mary died at the age of sixteen months and twenty-four days, and Walter died when four years old. The other children are at home with their mother, and have not yet completed their studies. 

     A portrait of Mr. Pearson is given in connection with this sketch.

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