My Genealogy Hound

William C. Pearce, postmaster, justice of the peace and notary public, Oil Trough, Ark. A representative citizen of Independence County, and a man recognized and respected as such wherever known is Mr. Pearce. He never engaged very largely in agricultural pursuits, but is generally in business, and is also occupied in his official duties. He owes his nativity to Henderson County, Tenn., where he was born on the 13th of March, 1836, and is the son of John and Lucy (Collins) Pearce. John Pearce came to Arkansas, with his family, in 1850, located on land near Fairview, Independence County, where he remained for about eight years. He cleared about twenty-five acres, erected log houses, stables, etc., but exchanged this for land nearer Fairview, and made this his home for fifteen years. The mother died in 1875, and he one year later. William C. Pearce received his education principally in the schools of Independence County. In 1858 he left the parental roof to engage as clerk with Col. James H. Patterson, who carried a general line of merchandise in Jackson County, and remained there until 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Eighth Regiment, Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, in the capacity of private, hospital steward and druggist. He participated in all the battles in which his command engaged, but space will allow the mention only of some of the most prominent: Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, and, in fact, all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign, Jonesboro being the last. He was with Gen. Hood in his campaigns, during his command of the Confederate army, but left his company on a sixty days’ furlough in the latter part of the war. The conflict closed before the expiration of the furlough, so he remained at home. In 1865 he put in a crop on a farm near Pleasant Plains, Independence County, and in October of the same year, engaged in business with Mr. A. J. Cheek, the latter furnishing the means, and Mr. Pearce managing the business and receiving a salary for his services. He continued in business with Mr. Cheek until in March, 1868, after which he passed his time in collecting for other business men until 1869. He was then united in marriage to Miss Sarah Calhoun, of Arkansas, but originally from South Carolina. Her father was a cousin of John C. Calhoun of historical fame. To Mr. and Mrs. Pearce were born five children: Zachary H., born in 1870 and died in 1885; his body is interred in the cemetery at Maple Springs, Independence County. Mollie, Laura, Cornelia and Culbert L. Mr. Pearce moved to Oil Trough in 1875, and was engaged in various occupations until appointed postmaster under President Garfield’s administration, in 1882. The same year he was elected justice of the peace, and notary public in 1887. He has taken a great deal of interest in politics, identifying himself with the Democratic party, to which he has always strongly adhered. While Mr. Pearce is not a member of any Church, he has always been a strong friend to religious and social advancement, and contributes liberally to all. He is a great friend to education, and his children have had good opportunities for schooling. He was made a Master Mason in 1866, was exalted to the first sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in 1868, and at this time is a member of McGuire Lodge No. 208, Oil Trough, Independence County, Ark. He is also a member of Oil Trough Chapter No. 84, Oil Trough, Ark.