Pearis Family Branch

Richard, as a Captain from Maryland, led a company of Cherokees, Chickasaws, and several other colonists during the French and Indian War. He was the first man to enter Fort Duquesne. Following the conflict he was appointed Agent for Southern Indians with headquarters at Fort Pitt, formerly Fort Duquesne.

Richard became a Loyalist in the Revolutionary War and served first as a Captain and then was promoted to the rank of Colonel following British campaigns in Georgia.

My direct ancestor, Sarah Pearis, was Richard's daughter. She married John George Teater (Dieter) who chose to ally himself with the plight of the Colonists and fight England. John was a member of the German Brethren Church which did not believe in the active participation in war, such as killing, but he served as an Ensign or Sgt. with the position of Flagbearer. Richard and his daughter, Sarah, died the same year, 1794, Richard in exile, and Sarah in Kentucky.

During his well documented lifetime he tried to create a lifestyle that was profitable for himself and his family, as well as the Indians. We will never know the outcome of his plan as his property was destroyed and confiscated by the Patriots during the Revolutionary War. I believe he was dedicated to an idea. It was never fully realized.