Pearson, Robert (1823-1879)

FAMILY

Robert Pearson was born at Corby Gates, near Alston in 1823. He was the second son of parents Robert Pearson Jr. (1793-1837) Miner, and Hannah Hall (1797-1866). His grandparents were Robert Pearson Sr. (1762-1835) Miner, of Garrigill and Mary Emerson (1763-1822) of Stanhope.

Robert’s father, Robert Pearson Jr. died in 1837, when Robert was just 14 years old.

In 1841 & 1851, Robert (age 18 & 28 respectively) was living at Banks (Benks) near Alston with his widowed Mother and his brothers and sisters. He is recorded as being a Lead Miner, as were his older brother John and his younger brother Thomas.

In the 1861 Census, Robert (age 38, unmarried) was still living at Benks with his widowed Mother and sister Hannah. He was recorded as being a Lead Miner. His mother is the Head of the Household and she was listed as being a “Farmer of 33 Acres”.

Robert married Margaret Lathern in the second quarter of 1867.

The 1871 Census, shows Robert (age 48) and his wife Margaret living at Benks and Robert is recorded as being a Farmer and Auctioneer. His son John Lathern Pearson was 7 months old and his brother John’s daughter Elizabeth Pearson (age 18) was living with them & was a Farm Servant.

Robert Pearson died on the 28th of November 1879. His son, John Lathern Pearson emigrated to Australia in 1882, joining his uncle Stephen Lathern there.

REFERENCES

January 23rd 1857 – Opening of Garrigill (Gatehead) Primitive Methodist chapel (account by J Day ) – Primitive Methodist magazine April 1857 pp. 242-243

Alston Circuit 1845 Q2 May – Jul

Alston Circuit 1850 Q2 May – Jul

Alston Circuit 1852-3 Q4 Oct – Jan

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

NOTES
1 – the 1845, 1850 & 1852-3 Alston Circuit Plans show Robert & Thomas as local preachers & circuit stewards, but the 1880 Alston Circuit Plan (printed in Alston) only lists Thomas because Robert had died the previous year.
2 – I was unable to find an obituary for Robert Pearson in the PM Magazine.