Pearl Parker Ingalls
Pearl Parker Ingalls a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Genoa Township, was born on his farm, September 14. 1848. His parents were Joseph B. and Elizabeth (Bishop) Ingalls.
The late Joseph B. Ingalls, father of Pearl P. Ingalls, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, February 2. 1815, and was a son of Thomas Ingalls. and a grandson of Joseph Ingalls, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Thomas Ingalls was a native of Vermont and was a pioneer settler in Franklin County, Ohio. He married Sarah Bigelow, also of Vermont, and together they reached Franklin County in 1814 and established their pioneer home on land which is now the site of the town of Westerville. Subsequently he purchased land on the county line between Franklin and Delaware Counties. He lived to the age of seventy-seven years, but his wife died aged fifty-five.
Joseph B. Ingalls was the eldest born of his parents' family. He was a wagonmaker by trade and did a large business in the days when the strongly built farm wagons was needed to transport commodities over the highways from the farms far distant from trade centers. Mr. Ingalls also manufactured furniture and was skilled in all kinds of mechanical industries. In 1835 he came to Genoa Township and bought 80 acres of land on which he built a cabin, and continued to make improvements until he had developed a fine farm. For many years he served as a justice of the peace and his judgment and counsel were sought on all matters concerning the public welfare and in many cases of private trouble. He was a promoter of the schools and of religious movements and always a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Joseph B. Ingalls was married (first) to Anna Maria Westervelt, who was born in Dutchess County. New York, and they had two children, both daughters. The first wife died in 1845. and in 1847 Mr. Ingalls was married (second) to Elizabeth Bishop. She was born in Franklin County. Ohio, and was a daughter of John Bishop, who came to Ohio from Dutchess County. New York. They' had two sons. Pearl P. and Pursus B.
Pearl P. Ingalls was reared on the home farm, obtaining his education in the district schools. In 1863 he enlisted for service in the Civil War. entering Company A, Sixtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and he participated in ten of the leading battles of the period, including the battle of the Wilderness. His regiment was the second to enter Petersburg during the engagement there. After the close of his military service he returned home and entered Otterbein University at Westerville, where he completed his interrupted education.
When he was 26 years of age, Mr. Ingalls married Emma Crayton, who is a daughter of of Rev. J. A. Crayton of the United Brethren Church. They have one daughter, Laura, who is the wife of Otis L. Bowers, who is an electrician of Columbus. They were both students and graduates of Otterbein University.
Mr. Ingalls is a stanch Republican and has been active in party affairs for many years. He has served as justice of the peace and as township treasurer for many years and almost any local office might be his for the asking. Grand Army matters are of great interest to him and he is past commander of James Price Post, No. 50. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias and first chancellor commander of the same; is past noble grand of Rainbow Lodge of Odd Fellows and is a council member of the Masons and past master of Blendon Lodge. Mrs. Ingalls has been an officer of Blendon Grange, Patrons of Husbandry and both belong to the order of the Eastern Star. They maintain a pleasant, hospitable home and have a wide circle of friends. Mr. Ingalls carries on a general agricultural line. He has improved his farm and has stocked it with a fine grade of cattle, horses and other live stock. Mr. Ingalls is a member of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church and Mrs. Ingalls of the United Brethren.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908