Surnames: Peirsol, Peirsel, Cope Gue
Among the old families of Perry township we find the name of Peirsol. The first of the family to settle in Fayette County was William Peirsol/Peirsel, who bought of Thomas Estel in 1784 the farm now owned byJames Peirsol and Lewis Peirsol. He was married to Miss Grace Cope, and was born according to the Cope genealogical history, about the year 1748. For a time Mr Peirsol lived in a rudely built cabin which in time gave way to a log house, which at that time was considered a model of elegance and comfort, and which still stands on the farm of James Peirsol. In this he resided till his death at a ripe old age.His children were: John Peirsol, born 1782; Sarah Peirsol, born 1785; Jeremiah Peirsol, born 1787; Samuel Peirsol, born 1789; Mary Peirsol, born 1792; Elizabeth Peirsol, born 1794; William Peirsol, born 1797; and James Peirsol, the subject of this sketch, born May 29, 1799. All of the children grew to man's and woman's estate.
On the 29th day of June, 1823, James Peirsol was married to Elizabeth Gue who was born October 2, 1806. To them have been born: John Peirsol, June 10, 1825; Mary Jane Peirsol, December 2, 1827; James A Peirsol, February 5, 1830; Sarah Peirsol, February 6, 1832; Joseph Peirsol, July
4, 1834; Emeline Peirsol, February 2, 1837; Edith Peirsol, March 17, 1739; Nancy V Peirsol, May 6, 1842; and Jacob L Peirsol, November 28, 1851.After his marriage he went to Ohio and settled on a tract of wild land owned by his father. Here he remained four years clearing away the forests and improving the farm when not engaged in his favorite pursuit of hunting, of which he was passionately fond, and at which he became an expert. Not liking his new home he returned at the expiration of the four years, his place being filled by an older brother. On the death of his father the old homestead fell to him, on which he still resides and to
which he has added until it now comprises 300 acres of valuable land. For more than thirty years, Mr Peirsol has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church and through a long life has been an honored and respected citizen.