PEARL PITKIN LAPPINGTON EAGAN

Pearl Pitkin Lappington-Eagan was born in June of 1866 in Cross Keys, AL to Abraham Milton Lappington and Texas Ana Pitkin.  Pearl’s father had mustered out of the war and was going home to Mobile, AL.  He met and married Texas Ana  Pitkin in Montgomery, AL; they were married April 6, 1865.  They settled their family in Pensacola, FL.  Pearl went to school and helped her mother with chores, while listening to her mother’s family history of being orphaned at a young age and how she was raised by an elderly grandmother, Mrs. Mary Ann Hobbes.  Miss Lappington was still a teen when she met and married John M. Eagan of October 1, 1885 in Pensacola, FL.  The story of her mother, Texas’ childhood,  haunted her and she dreamed of making a home for orphaned children.  She, with her husband, John, worked to establish the institution.  With a lot of help from the Pensacola community, Pearl’s un-tiring efforts and leadership, the organization and establishment was a reality.  Unfortunately, her sudden accidental death on March 5, 1893, she did not see the results of her work.  The home was built and named the Pearl Eagan Home.  She is survived by her husband, Honorable John M. Eagan, and children Patrick, Mary Lamar, John Milton and Pearl Monette.

PENSACOLA NEWS –Friday 17 March, 1893—LAID TO REST

No greater evidence of the love and respect in which Mrs. John Eagan was held in Pensacola could be furnished than was seen at her funeral yesterday afternoon.  The capacious auditorium of the Presbyterian Church was filled by friends, and many were compelled to stand.  The services were conducted by the pastor, Dr. H. S. Yerger, and the beautiful picture he drew of the noble Christian life of Mrs. John Eagan touched every heart.  The choir sang “Waiting and Watching” and “Asleep in Jesus,” and the manner of their singing was evidence that the deep sympathy of their hearts had touched their lips.

The interment was made in St. John’s Cemetery and the procession to the grave was one of the largest ever seen in this city.  Messrs. William Fisher, A. C. Blount, Jr., J. Emmet Wolfe, C. B. Parkhill, J. S. Beard, and Judge E. C. Maxwell of the local bar, were the pall bearers.  Judge Swayne and the officers of the United States Court, and every member of the local  bar, were present at the church.  The floral offerings were numerous and many of them exceedingly beautiful.

Additional Information