Evening journal., 1909-08-23
PERSONS IN
BIG REUNION
32S Persons Gather at Old
homestead Near HOCkeS-
sin

cKEssIN, Del, Aug. 23.-Stories OF
Revolutionary War times, Civh War
times and discussions Of the latest IN
avlng machines were the topics at the
reunion of the descendants Of the ram
lily of Thomas and Sarah Plerson near
here on Friday. 1t was happy salherihs
for people who had not been together TOT
4 years, when the last reunion was heid'
and representatives from Virginia Deia-
ware, Maryland New York, Pennsylvan-
ia. Washington, Nebraska, Idaho DIS
trlct of Columbia and New Jersey TO the
number of 325. were in attendance.
This gathering Of the Plerson family
was one Of the largest reunions ever held
in Delaware, and 1t is estimated that less
than half Of the representatives were IN
attendance. Many aged people were
present, but the Oldest were three daush-
ters of Susan Gamble. who was daught-
er of Thomas Pierson. There were Mrs.
Mary Ann Ilihe. Mrs Susan Bane and
Mrs. Lydia Mendinhall. The former Is 81
years old and the other two are more than
90 years Of age.
The reunion was held at the residence
of Philip Thomas Pierson, who lives ON
the old homestead, which has been IN
possession of descendants Of Joseph PIER
son since l76O. when he settled here as an
immigrant. Part Of the old bus'dinggs are
the same as they were at the time OF
the Revolutionary War being built Of nd
tive granite and so well constructed tnat
they have withstood the elements TO such
an extent that some are still in use
Part Of the residence in which Mr.. Pier
son gave the reunion was built by his
grandfather. Thomas Pierson. in the early
part of the last century. The house has
a long porch, which was Beautifully dec
orated for the occasion with corn dhea
and other grain, emblems Of the past oc
cupation Of the family.
Philip Thomas Pierson delivered shor
address of welcome at 1870 O'Clock an'
later $. Wilson. another descendant, tol'
Of the history Of the family recountnl
the steps of progress and the final dis
tribution of the family in the dineren
parts OF the country. Amos Brown deliv
cred the memorial and Dr. Willard Cros
son gave a short talk on the pictures an'
heirlooms.
The committee in charge Of the reunion
was composed OF Philip 7. Pierson, chair
man. Dr. Willard Crosson, secretary; Lev
is Pierson Jacob Plerson, Adron NJ. Pier
son, John r. Wilson. Joseph Nolks AM
Rohana Actor. Although it was not Fl
nally determined upon, it is probable tina
the next meeting Of the family will b
held at the same placce in five years an
that in the future all reunions Will b
held each fve years.
In truth there are ten branches Of tn
Pierson family, for Joseph Pierson, tn
first Pierson to settle in this state, ha
ten children, Labon, John Isaac, William
Joseph, Thomas, Amos Pierson and Susa
Picrson Gamble. Ruth Picrson Moore an
Mary Pierson Wilson. The descendants q
the Pierson family intermarred with ia
Wilson's, CANDLES, and the Moores. Th
descendants now own the greater part q
the land for many miles about IIockessi
and the property in the town.
The Pierson descendants present we're:
Grand Children of John Pierson, Sr.-
Sarah Ostrander J. n. Armstrong
Amanda Whitlock, Martha Armstrong
Ella f. Armstrong, Elizabeth Piersor
AgnNs Maxwell, Florence G. BacoI
Mary Kimble. Maria Pierson, Rohan
p. Actor. Margaret l.. Smith, Harriso
Kimble.
Great Grand Children Of J. Fiersol
Sr.-Ruth Ostrander, Arthur ]. JET
ferries, Agness ]. Pierson, Emma How
gate. Josephine Pierson, Ida keppar'
Amelia Leach, Warren Jefferies, Victc
Jefferies, ]. Harry Pierson, Alfred 1
Pierson. Lizzie Pierson, Lillian Mac
Farland.
Great Great Grandchildren OF
Pierson. Sr.-Dorothy Jefferies. Mar
Jeneris. Erbert X. Pierson, CAarl'
Leach