Unadilla New York

Biography of Henry Pearsall

Henry Pearsall, originally from Long Island, settled in Afton around 1787, where he built a house that also served as his shop. He later moved to Bainbridge, taking up 88 acres and residing there until his death around 1840. His family included several children, such as Amos, Ann, and Samuel, who settled nearby and continued the family legacy. Many of Pearsall’s descendants remained in the area, with several grandchildren active in local governance and community life.

Biography of Jonas H. Brooks

Jonas H. Brooks, a prominent banker from Albany, was born on January 5, 1848, in Rutland, Massachusetts. From a long line of New England ancestry, he pursued a diverse education, initially aspiring to medicine before shifting to teaching and banking. He held various positions, including teller and cashier in notable banks, and became cashier of the Albany City National Bank in 1889. An active member of his community and a devoted Episcopalian, Brooks also enjoyed athletics and was known for his social presence and engaging character. He married Frances S. Patten in 1889.