South Carolina Loyalist. A native of Ireland, Pearis immigrated to America at the age of ten and in 1775 was living on the Enoree River in South Carolina. Pearis commanded a party of Loyalists at Ninety-Six District in 1776, but was taken prisoner and confined in irons at the Charleston gaol for nine months. He joined the British again at Pensacola (Fla.) in 1777 and became a captain in the West Florida Rangers. After the Revolution he settled on Abaco in the Bahamas. Pearis claimed to have owned 23,400 acres and estimated his loss at 15,576 pounds sterling. He received 5,624 pounds sterling in compensation.
From the description of Loyalist claims, 1783-1786. (The South Carolina Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 32140216
