The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-09-02
Henry Sfeuheu Rearsan.

Aho Weii-Auowu anu aged gentleman whose
name stands at the head of this notice, and
whose death occurred Saturday, was born in
Newburyport on the 23d of May, 1889. He
served regular apprenticeship as watch and
nautical instrument maker in his native town.
He came to Portland m 1910, at the age of 81
years, and opened store and workshop on
Exchange street. end through his long life con-
tinued to worG at his business ON the west side
OF that street. In 1861 he gave up the
mercar.dle part of his business to younger
mn. oers of the family. but continued to assist
Id the mechanical department. through the
autumn of 1877, being the Oldest working
mechanic in the city.
In early life he took lively interest in the
welfare and improvement of his fellow towns
men. He was the last surviving member of
reformatory society which was formed in 1910,
to discountenance and prevent the unr estricted
sale of spirituous liquors. This organization
was called the 'Sixty- Nine Society" from the
number of its members when the name was
adopted. This society although composed Of
the best citizens, met with bitter opposition
from those having an interest in the liquor
traffic. which greatly agitated social relations.
Mr.. Pearson was also the last Of the original
members of tine "Portland Rifle Company
organized in July 1910. He was in the
ranks at their first parade and served with
the company on board the prize brig Boxer,
under the following order: Headquarters,
18th Division, Portland, September Is, 1S14''
Lieut.. Henry Smith of the Portland Rifle
Company with the men under his command,
H. EAla H. IL.
Indiana at Union wharf, eigat IL pound
carronades, carriages implements and amnni-
ton, and transport them by water to Vaughan's
Bridge, to be put on board the Boxer. Lieut..
Smith will place the Boxer according to his
best discretion, having in view situation tina
will keep the brig afoat at low water, and
command the west end of the bridge and the
hill above. Per order, Abel W. Anterior,
Aid D. c."
The battery of the Boxer, which had been
captured few months before, had been taken
out to arm privateer. Among the members
of the Rifle Company were several ship owners,
captains and mates, who had suffered by the
enemy, as we'll as Mr.. Pearson. They needed
no urging to 60 on board the prize, and fly the
stars and stripes where the British captain had
defantly nailed his ensign, and as novelty
they hoisted the company colors at the fore
| masthead. Thus equipped the brig was
| moored in mid channel, with springs on her
cables to swing her in action, and while waiting
| for the expected attack from the enemy, they
bombarded the steep slope of Bramhalls hill
with single shot and broadside for practice-the
gunners were tho7e who had served on ship
honr hafo I,,ku oil toIxo hovI
The expected invasion never came, the troops
were dismissed and those who had SO proudly
trod the deck of the Boxer, resumed their
peaceful avocatiOns. Mr.. Pearson was also the
last remaining of that honored body of
mechanics who in 1916 established the Maine
| Charitable Mechanic Association. He
seemed to have outlived all the associates OF
| his early days, to show us the benefit Of life
Of temperance and virtue. He was a skilful
artizan and always seemed aware that the
safety of lives in ships depended upon the accu.
racy of his instruments, which were to be the maj
riners' guide in storms and darkness. Three
quarters of century he had spent in adjusting
the wayward timekeeper to move in unison
with the sun-while doing this he did not for.
get his obligation to regulate his own daily life
by "tbe son Of righteousness" He became 8
member of the Second church in 1918, the
second year of the pastorate of DR.. Payson
and at the time of his death he was the senior
member of that communion.
Mr.. Pearson married Miss Greenleaf of New
buryport who has been dead several years
Five of their children remain. George H..
the only son, who was formerly associated
with his father in business, Mrs. Wm Sente
with whom the father found pleasant home
two other daughters who are married in othe
States, and one, unmarried, who has always
remained with her father.
Although the Rifle corps has long been dis
banded, yet as a former member woul,
suggest that it would be graceful tribute t.
the memory of that noble hand who appeare,
on parade June IL, 1911, for the past honorar,
and active members to attend the funeral of tn
last of the original members, an to wear som
distinguishing badge. 1t will probably be tn
last occasion which will call us togsther
| w G