John William Pearson
John William Pearson (January 19, 1808 – September 30, 1864) was an American businessman and a Confederate Captain during the American Civil War. Pearson was a successful businessman who established a popular health resort in Orange Springs near Ocala as well as a hotel, grist mill and a machine shop. Orange Springs was a popular destination for tourism in northern Marion County until the opening of Silver Springs and Ocala by steamboat after the American Civil War. Pearson also owned 20 slaves.
John Pearson | |
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Photo of Pearson taken sometime during the Civil War. | |
| Born | January 19, 1808 Union County, South Carolina |
| Died | September 30, 1864 (aged 56) |
| Cause of death | Mortal wound from battle |
| Occupation(s) | Soldier, businessman |
| Spouse | Sarah Pearce |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Maxey Dell Moody (grandson) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States Confederate States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1835–1842 (USA) 1861–1864 (CSA) |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | Seminole Wars American Civil War |
Pearson is best known for forming the Oklawaha Rangers named after the Ocklawaha River in Orange Springs. The Oklawaha Rangers were used in the American Civil War for guerrilla tactics against the Federal troops throughout North Florida and Central Florida. Pearson became mortally wounded while leading Company B of the Ninth Florida Infantry Regiment across a cornfield at the Battle of Globe Tavern. He resigned his command as a result of his wounds and died in Augusta, Georgia while making his way home to Orange Springs, Florida.