Henry William Pearson

Henry William Pearson (b 5 November, 1822 - d Port Elizabeth, 20 June, 1899) was an amateur actor.

Biography

Henry William Pearson was born in Kennington, England, and came to South Africa to work for he firm Deare and Dietz in 1852. He was married to Mary Ann Frances Mallors. He was elected mayor Port Elizabeth on a number of occasions and served in that position for 16 years. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1870 until 1873 and again in 1880. He was the Treasurer-General of the Cape from 1880 until 1881. He was a very motivated individual and was a prime mover to have the PE Athenaeum built as well as the Public Library, and the Grey Institute. It was his idea to establish the famous St George's Park. Pearson Street, Pearson Conservatory and the Pearson High School are all named after him.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

A talented amateur actor who played in many productions.

1853: Played the part of Tony Lumpkin in She Stoops to Conquer which was staged in The Lyceum in Port Elizabeth. He was so successful in this role that for the rest of his life he was often referred to as Tony Lumpkin.

Sources

Eastern Province Herald, June 22, 1899.

Port Elizabeth: A Social Chronicle to the End of 1945 by Margaret Harradine

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