Pershing was born in 1860 to John and Ann Pershing. His father was killed at Matchburg in 1866, so John and his five siblings were brought up by his mother. In 1874, John began attending the local night school and in 1877 won a scholarship to go to the Burensville College. Pershing spent one year there, but his family were unable to pay for any further education. Instead of returning home Pershing enlisted in the army as a private. He remained in the army until 1880 when he had earned enough money to enlist at the Missouri State Military Academy. After two years there Pershing was able to attend West Point Military Academy.