PEARSALLS CORNER

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Welcome
This common salutation of reception, but unusual word of introduction, is to be taken in its broadest sense as indicating to you, dear reader, that the family of Pearsall, in all its spellings and wherever, situated, is honored by your presence and is complimented by your attention. It also implies most strongly that you are welcome to wander as you please through this intimate account of our family history.

England
The name Peshale, as a family name, had its beginning in Robert the son of Robert Fitz Gilbert de Corbeil as he was the first to call himself de Peshale.

The family of Pearsall did not exist until the twelfth century when Robert Fitz Gilbert de Corbeil, having acquired the manor of Peshale, vested the same in his son Robert who began to call himself de Peshale after the name of this manor.

Excerpts taken from the Pearsall Genealogy books.

America
Henry Pearsall was one of the original proprietors of Hempstead, L.I., N.Y.

On November 16, 1644, just three days more than a year after the first Indian purchase deed to Robert Fordham and John Carman, the Dutch government of New Netherlands, granted a patent to Hempstead men. Soon developments of friction with the Indians, particularly the very ones from whom they held their title, had forced them to ask the Dutch for help. This aid was given, and as a result the Indians on the north side were at least nominally at peace.

It is now obvious why these settlers were glad to obtain a patent from the Dutch. There were many other English settlers in the Dutch area, and they had become so numerous as early as 1642 that an English secretary had been required and George Baxter had been approinted by Governor Kieft, so that matters between the Dutch at Fort Amsterdam and the English colonists could be properly handled.

Nassau County Historical Society Journal 18:3.




Last update October 2004