p. 191

            William Pearson, general farmer, section 29, Ustick Township, is the proprietor of one of the finest farms in Whiteside County, comprising 340 acres.  His first purchase, in 1856, included 60 acres, which has been and still is the site of his home.  He has been prospered in his business relations, and is a very successful farmer.

            He was born Feb. 14, 1832, in Chedelhume, Chestershire, England, and is the son of James and Mary (Fisher) Pearson.  His parents were natives of England, and the mother died in her native country, in 1852.  Their children were born in the following order: John, Samuel, Thomas, Jane, William, James, Henry and Isaac.  Thomas was drowned in Clinton, DeWitt Co., Ill.  Isaac died at 22.  The surviving brothers and sisters of Mr. Pearson live in England.  His father came to America and lived about five years, when he died at the residence of his son.  He was successively a butcher, farmer and silk-weaver.

            Mr. Pearson came to the United States in 1854, and settled at Blackberry, Kane Co., Ill, operating as a section foreman on the Chicago & North Western Railroad.  In 1856 he came to Whiteside County and has since been engaged in farming.  He operated in the same capacity in the interests of the same railroad corporation after his removal hither, one termination of his route being Unionville.  He has since resided in Ustick Township, with the exception of six months spent in Wisconsin.

            In 1860 he returned to his native country to fulfill a long cherished purpose, the result of which was his marriage to Ann Shotwell.  Their union celebrated Jan. 25, and soon after they sailed for their home in the New World.  They have had 12 children, nine of whom still survive.  There were born in the following order, in Ustick Township: George, Dec. 25, 1861; James, Jan. 27, 1863; Mary J., Jan. 4, 1865; Frances E., March 9, 1866; Frederic W., Feb 28, 1868; Emma C., April 7, 1870; Eliza, June 10, 1872; Levi, March 4, 1874; Allan.  Three children died in infancy.  Mrs. Pearson was born Nov. 14, 1836, and is the daughter of George and Frances Shotwell.  Her father was born in1806, in Woodford, Chestershire, and died Jan. 9, 1879.  Her mother was born in 1808 in the same place, and died June 24, 1883.  Their children were named Sarah, Frederick, Levi, Ann, Samuel, William and Eliza.  Two sisters died in England.  Samuel and William came to America.