I have several documents from the 1917-1926 time period that, when viewed alongside the Probate file, bring the family’s situation into much clearer focus. I also have photos from this same time period. So this multi-part study of the P.W. Pearson probate file will extend over several more posts than I originally anticipated – there’s just a lot of material and history to cover!
Today we will look at some photos of the family’s farm operation.
The signature livestock operation of the Pearson family during this time period was their herd of Poland China hogs. This breed is mostly black with white socks and a white snout, and they have floppy ears. Poland China is the oldest American breed of domestic pig, and would have been favored for a family farm operation because they gain weight so quickly.
I have several family photos of the farm operation during this period. The photos are very poor quality but charming and fun to look at nevertheless. I suspect that the family may have had a small Brownie camera – very popular during this era. All of the family members appear at some point in the photos, so the camera was probably passed around so everyone could have a turn.
The photos show quite a bit of construction on the farm – outbuildings and a well are featured. Many of the farm animals make their appearances, including Herman’s 4-H pig – likely a Poland China based on the floppy ears.
The probate records contain various inventories of the family’s assets, so this photo gallery kind of sets the stage for what we will see in the records in future posts.
Click on the first image to start viewing the photos in a larger frame. The photos are in mostly chronological order with dates estimated based on the apparent ages of the children.
