Sebastian PEARSE

                   SOURCES:
    1. IGI
    2. Main Archives
    3. Genealogy of the Van Vranken and Van Frank Families (FHL#929.273)
    4. Niskayuna Reformed Church Cemetery Records (FHL#974.744/N1 V35)
    5. 1993 International Genealogical Index
    6. The Heroes of Albany (FHL#974.74203W) - ch #2
                  

                   OBITUARY: Included in notes.  Served as an ordained member of the Reformed Dutch Church at Delmar, NY.  Preceded by wife, survived by two daughters. 
NOTE:  Three daughters listed in will in August 1894 - no husbands listed.

Jacob Lansing Pearse died Nov. 6th, 1898, at Del- mar, N. Y. He was born in Niskayuna, N. Y., Oct. sth, 1829, and prepared for Union College at the Albany Academy, entering Union with the class of 1847, but graduating in the class of 1849. Entering Princeton Seminary in 1853, he graduated in 1856, and was immediately licensed by the Classis of Schenectady. In June of the same year, he received a call to the Reformed Church at Hagaman's Mills, N. Y. Here he was ordained and installed by the Classis of Montgomery, and remained until Oct 1860, when he accepted a call to the Second Reformed Church of Bethlehem, at Delmar. This Church he served, until the day of his death, a period of thirty-eight years. In April, 1871, Mr. Pearse was elected stated clerk of the Classis of Albany, and he held the position until his death, discharging the duties in a way that won the confidence and love of all the brethren associated with him in the work. He had more than once expressed the desire to pass away in the full tide of his work, before the days of weakness and seeming uselessness came, and the Lord granted him his desire. Sunday, Nov. 8th, he performed all the usual duties of the day, preaching both morning and evening with all his accustomed vigor and earnestness. Daring the night the call came, and he who never wearied, but was ever glad to work, entered into rest. He was a good preacher. Faithful to warn, reprove, exhort and plead with men, he yet won them by the fullness of Christian love that was in his heart. He was an admirable pastor comforting, cheering, strengthening the lives of his people, as he went about in their homes. More than one generation at Delmar will feel the impress of his teaching, example, and prayers. He is survived by two daughters, his wife having passed away several years ago. The funeral services were held in the Church in which he so long had preached, many brethren with whom he had been associated being present, and testifying to his long and faithful service, and to his upright, loving, Christian character.