Saturday, April 24, 2010

Uri Balcom Pearsall.


Uri Balcom Pearsall.

Birth: Jul. 17, 1840.
Death: Feb. 28, 1907.

Photo by Ethan F. Bishop

Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Served in the Civil War first as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the 99th United States Colored Troops before becoming the Colonel and commander of the 48th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 13, 1865 for "meritorious services during the war". (bio by: Russ Dodge)

Biography.

His career in the Civil War was particularly noteworthy. He entered the service as a private in the 4th Wisconsin Volunteers on May 14, 1861. His advancement was rapid, finally reaching the position of Colonel. He was a breveted brigadier general for meritorious service. He was Lt. Col. of the 99th Colored Troops and later became colonel of the 48th Wisconsin Infantry.

Many of his relatives served in the Civil War including four brothers-in-law, Albert, Marcus, Chauncey and Erastus Peck. Corp. Chauncey T. Peck and Capt. Albert E. Peck were killed on May 15, 1864 at almost the same instant in the bloody Battle of Resaca, Georgia.

Although quite young he had broad experience in the organization and training of men. However, he felt on account of his youth and inexperience in military affairs that he could not in justice to the men who would under his command accept a commission. He often said that the results of a campaign depended on the brains and magnetism oof the officers and the success depended upon the men.

He was twice elected mayor of Fort Scott, Kansas and delegate to the 1st constitutional convention of Kansas. General U.B. Pearsall Post #500, Grand Army of the Republic of Kansas was chartered in his memory on April 15, 1912.
At the time of his death on February 28, 1907, he was quartermaster at the Soldier's Home in Leavenworth, Kansas.

The 100th anniversary of his death is in one week, I thought it would be appropriate to let people in Kansas know about this man who was important in Kansas history over a century ago.

Submitted by, Jerome L. Orton, PDC, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War,
213 Dixon Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219-2711

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this info on Uri Pearsall. I came across some of his family photos, letters, etc. at an estate sale in Dallas Texas. I am not a historian, I really became interested in this ephemera because the family had failed to save it from the sale. I just could not believe they would get rid of such a rich family history. I have many letters regarding a dam that was built in Arkansas, that allowed the Union army to win a battle, where they were greatly out numbered. thank you again. K. Calmia