The name of Pierson in the public mind stands for banking interests in Carrollton and Greene county, and the members of the family are widely recognized as leading representatives of financial interests in this part of the state. Robert Pierson, a son of David Pierson, was born in Carrollton, Illinois, October 9, 1844, and after acquiring his education in the public schools of this city he entered his father?s banking establishment then conducted under the name of Pierson?s Exchange Bank. He served as clerk for a time, during which period he gained an intimate and accurate knowledge of the business in many of its departments and later he became cashier, being taken into the business as a partner. When the bank was merged into the Greene County National Bank he was continued as cashier and acted in that capacity until 1882, when owing to failing health he removed with his family to Minneapolis, Minnesota, arriving there in the month of June. There he gave his attention to the brokerage and real estate business, continuing operations along that line until his death, which occurred on the 9th of November, 1887.

Robert Pierson had a very wide circle of friends in Greene county, where the days of his boyhoood [sic] and youth had been passed and where for a number of years he had been closely associated with financial interests. He was a popular bank cashier, because of his unfailing courtesy as well as his business attitude. Those who knew him--and his acquaintance was wide--esteemed him for qualities which in every land and clime command respect. He had a social nature, a genial temperament and a cordial manner and endeared himself to many friends so that his death was deeply regretted in his native county as well as in Minneapolis, the place of his residence.

Robert Pierson married Julia Eldred, who was born October 26, 18444, on a farm about two miles west of Carrollton, a daughter of Elon Eldred. Two children were born unto them: Stuart E. and Ettie May, now the wife of John R. Robertson of Jacksonville, Illinois.

Stuart E. Pierson was born September 8, 1872, in Carrollton and went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his parents when a lad of nine years. He continued his education in the public schools of that city and was graduated from the central high school with the class of 1891. He then entered Yale College and completed a full course in that institution with the class of 1895. His education having been completed he then returned to the city of his nativity. The family being interested in the Greene county National Bank he accepted a position in the institution and soon afterward was promoted to assistant cashier, in which capacity he has since served. Like the other members of the family he has made a creditable record as a business man and his social acquaintance is also extensive and favorable.

On the 8th of June, 1898, Stuart Pierson was married to Miss Mary Thomas, of Corrollton [sic], Illinois, a daughter of W.D. Thomas. They now have one daughter, Julia. Mr. Pierson is prominent in Masonry, being made a Mason in Carrollton in 1897. He belongs to Carrollton lodge, No. 50, A.F.&A.M.; Carrollton chapter, No. 77, R.A.M.; Hugh De Payens commandery, K.T., of Carrollton. He is a republican in politics and is a member of the county republican central committee, the board of education and the library board.

Transcribed by: Carole Ann Heller