Elisha Pearl facts for kids

Elisha Pearl (born March 7, 1819 – died November 20, 1896) was an American farmer. He lived in Lisbon, Wisconsin. Elisha Pearl also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He was a member of the Free Soil Party for one term. This was in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.

Early Life and Moving to Wisconsin

Elisha Pearl was born on March 7, 1819. His hometown was Ashford, Connecticut. He first visited the Wisconsin Territory in 1839. This was before Wisconsin became a state. After his visit, he went back to Connecticut. Then he returned to Wisconsin. He settled near Merton in Waukesha County. He went back to Connecticut one more time. There, he married Sarah Trowbridge. She was also from Ashford. In 1844, Elisha and Sarah moved to Wisconsin for good. They lived on his farm in Lisbon.

Public Service and Politics

Before Wisconsin became a state, Elisha Pearl became involved in public service. On August 14, 1846, the Liberty Party held a meeting. This meeting was in Prairieville. Elisha Pearl was not a delegate at this meeting. However, he was chosen to run for County Register of Deeds. This job involves keeping official records. He did not win this election.

Early Roles in Waukesha County

Elisha Pearl served on the first jury in Waukesha County. A jury is a group of citizens. They help decide court cases. He was also a member of the county board of supervisors. This group helps manage the county. He served for one year in 1850.

Serving in the State Assembly

In 1852, Elisha Pearl was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He represented the 4th Waukesha County district. This district included the towns of Brookfield, Lisbon, Menomonee, and Pewaukee. He was a candidate for the Free Soil Party. This party was against slavery. He served a one-year term. The next year, Chauncey Purple from the Whig Party took his place.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Elisha Pearl joined the Republican Party. This party continued many ideas of the Liberty and Free Soil parties. He also served as a justice of the peace in Lisbon. This role involves handling minor legal matters. Elisha Pearl passed away on November 20, 1896. He died at his home in Lisbon. He had not been actively farming for many years. He leased his land to others. His wife, Sarah, had passed away a few months earlier, on February 3, 1896. Elisha and Sarah Pearl had two sons who survived them: Edward and Eugene.