URI BALCOM PEARSALL
Uri Balcom
Pearsall was born in Owego, Tioga County, New York on July 17, 1840.
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