Alexander Pearsall


Among the many thriving industries of Oceanside is the oyster business, in which Mr. Pearsall
has been engaged for several years. His beds are finely located and are so managed that they
yield about five thousand bushels of oysters per year. These he disposes of in New York and
Brooklyn at good prices.

Our subject was born in August, 1852, in this part of Queens County, his parents being
Jarvis R. and Deborah (Daynes) Pearsall, the former of whom was a native of New Jersey.
He came to Long Island when a young man and after carrying on a farm for a number of
years abandoned this occupation in order that he might give his entire time to raising oysters.
He carried on his interest in this line quite successfully until his death, which occurred in 1888.
In this locality he was widely known and was respected alike by young and old. His good wife
preceded him to the land beyond by several years.

After completing his education in the schools of his district Alexander A., of this history, assisted
his father in looking after the farm and also helped in the oyster beds. Before reaching his majority he
had determined to make this later industry his business in life, and that he has succeeded well is
evidenced from the large business which he carries on. In 1878 he was married to Miss Eleanor L.,
daughter of George B. Ghee, o Westchester, N.Y. Their union has been blessed by the birth of the
following children: Amelia, Jarvis and Eleanor.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall are devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, in which the
former holds the office of elder and trustee. Socially he is a Mason, of high standing, and also
belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is conservative in local affairs, but during national
elections supports the candidates of the Republican party. He is a man of quiet disposition, modest
and unassuming in his demeanor, but of good heart and generous instincts. He is sure to be found
on the right side of all moral questions and is highly regarded in the community.


Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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