In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1902) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1836
From The History of Champaign County, Ohio (1881), A centennial biographical history of Champaign county, Ohio .. (1902)
A. B. PEARCE, M. D., physician, King’s Creek; born in this county Oct. 8, 1836; is a son of Harvey and Beulah (Barrett) Pearce, natives of Champaign Co., he being the first white child born in Urbana; born in 1802. The paternal grandfather was a native of Virginia, the maternal grandfather of Kentucky. Harvey and wife were parents of eight children; five now survive — Henry C., Lucas E., Abner B., John W. and Richard S. Our subject remained with his father, occupied at farm labor till he arrived at maturity, receiving his principal education at the schools of Urbana. In the winter of 1856, he taught his first school; then in the summer attended school and prosecuted his studies. This course he continued for five or six years, teaching school winters, and prosecuting his studies through the summer, during which time he had decided to take as his profession, the practice of medicine, and consequently shaped his course of study accordingly, devoting considerable time to the reading of medicine while teaching. In the winters of 1861 and 1862, he attended a course of lectures at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery; then took a course at the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in the winters of 1862 and 1863, graduating in the spring of 1863; then located in practice with his brother, in Mutual, Union Township, till 1864, when he enlisted in the 100 days’ service, filling the position of Assistant Surgeon in the 134th O. V. I. At the expiration of his term of service, he returned and located in Kingston, and there carried on the practice of medicine and surgery, where he has continued to the present time. The Doctor has built up a good practice, and has during his stay here enjoyed the confidence of the people, and received in return a good remuneration. As he is thoroughly qualified by a preparatory course of study and practice in the army, especially in the branch of surgery, there is no reason why he should not be successful and enjoy the confidence of the public. He was married Sept. 17, 1867, to Miss Ella, daughter of Jacob H. and Elizabeth Shepherd. They have had four children; three now survive — Carrie Effie, Minnie May and Mattie Leila.
As printed in The History of Champaign County, Ohio (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
DR. A. B. PEARCE.
Dr. A. B. Pearce, whose success as a medical practitioner is indicated by his large patronage, resides in section 15. Salem township, Champaign county. He was born in Goshen township, of this county, on the 8th of October, 1836. His father, Harvey C. Pearce, was the first white child born in Urbana, his natal day being January 20, 1805. His father was Thomas Pearce. a native of Vlirginia, who came to Champaign county in pioneer days and aided in the early development and progress of the county. He owned a section of land adjoining Urbana, securing his farm from the government. His labors resulted in reclaiming the land for the purpose of civilization. As the years passed his fields became very productive. He lived to be more than eighty years of age. His son, Harvey C. Pearce, was reared in this county, pursuing his education in a log school house, such as were common at that day. After arriving at years of maturity he married Beulah Barrette, who was born in Union township. Champaign county, in 1807, ami was there reared. Her father, Abner Barrette, was burn in Kentucky and came to this county at a very early period in its development. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pearce located in Union township, where they remained until about 1863. The father died in his eighty-seventh year ami the mother passed away in her seventy-sixth year. In their family were seven children, six sons and 1 me daughter, as follows: II. C. vho is a practicing physician of Urbana; 1.. E., vim was also a member of the medical fraternity and died in Onarga, Illinois; A. B., of this review; John ' a business man of Chicago, Illinois; Richard S., of Urbana; Mary E., now deceased; and one who died in infancy.
Dr. Pearce of this review is the third child and was reared in Union township, his early education being acquired in the district schools near his home. Later he attended the Urbana high school, in which he was graduated when about twenty-two years of age. He afterward engaged in teaching school for four years and during the summer month- >:i voted his time to the mastery of the principles of medical science, lie then entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, and was graduated in 1863, locating for practice at Kings Creek, where he remained for fourteen years. He was also engaged in practice fur six years in Urbana, and spent a similar period in Vincennes, Indiana, whence he came lo his present home in Salem township in 1 89 r. Here Inhas I continuously since and his attention is given to his professional duties, which make heavy demands upon his time.
On the 17th of September, 1867, Dr. Pearce was united in marriage diss Ella Sheperd, a native of Montgomer) county, Ohio, whence she removed to Clark county. Pier parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Grimes) Sheperd. had a family of four daughters: Erne I. the wife of M. S. Seaton, of Salem township; Minnie M., tin Rufus
Detwiller, of Urbana; Mattie 1. who is engaged in teaching in Nineceheltcer; and Jessie, who is also a teacher. They also lost >ne son, who died in infancy.
Dr. Pearce is a member of the Champaign County Medical Society and always keeps abreast with the progress of the times, especially along the line of his profession. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Kings Creek Lodge, and is also identified with VV. A. Brand Post, G.
As printed in A centennial biographical history of Champaign county, Ohio .. (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.