Alexander William Pearson
Encyclopedia
Alexander "Alec" William Pearson (born 1854) was a rugby union international who represented England
from 1875 to 1878. He was described as late as 1925 as "about as fíne a full back as ever played", and was the first Australian born rugby union international.
, Scotland
, himself the son of Peter Patrick & Elizabeth (nee Pride) Pearson. Having worked in a Liverpool
Shipping Office James ran away to sea, voyaging to China
and India
and by the age of 29 was the Captain of the 'Lady of the Lake", chartered by the British Government in March 1829 to deliver a consignment of female prisoners to Hobart
, Van Diemens Land. Captain Pearson stayed in the colony of New South Wales
, and met and married Jane Mackey of Sydney
at St. James Church, Sydney on 27 June 1835. The following April, Alec's older half brother Jamie was born, but died of dysentery before reaching 6 months of age. Then on 27 March 1838, on older half sister, Janet, was born, and christened in Calcutta. The following year, in Perth
, a third older half-brother was born in November. However, James was widowed shortly afterward as Jane died on 25 November 1839 and a few days later on 3 December James' newborn son also died. Alec's only remaining half-sibling from his father's first marriage, Janet, also died an infant, in June 1841. Having lost his entire family, James resumed his voyaging and at the end of 1842, undertook a Leasing Arrangement in Melbourne
in the Parish of Kalkallo, on the crest of Kinlochewe Hill. On 30 June 1846, James married Augusta Sarah Godfrey, the daughter of John Race Godfrey, a Royal Navy
captain. The marriage took place at St. Petrox Church, Dartsmouth, Devon
. Immediately, the couple began preparations to sail to Port Philip District, along with Augusta's 18 year old cousin Frederick Race Godfrey (1826–1910). Augusta was pregnant on the voyage and in Port Philip Alec's older sister, Augusta Janet, was born on 12 April 1847. Captain Pearson then purchased a total holding of 1547 acres in the parish of Yuroke. He also bought his previosuly leased Kinloch Hill property and renamed the geographical feature "Mt. Ridley" after a rocky outcrop behind Augusta's family house in Dartmouth, Devonshire. On 22 August 1848, Alec's older brother, James Godfrey Pearson was born in Melbourne. In April 1850, another older broter, Freddy was born in Melbourne. However he died on 3 March 1851. Emily Lillias was born, on 24 December 1851. In 1854 Alexander William was born at Mount Ridley, the first of the children to be born at the house. The following year his younger sister, Caroline Maria Josephine was born.
In 1858 the Pearsons left for England to educate their sons, as was the common practice for pastoralists. During their time in England, two more of Alec's siblings were born, David Chambers Pearson in 1860, and Blanche Alice in 1862, both in Suffolk
, England whilst the family were residing at Hemingstone Hall, Needham Market
, Suffolk
.
Alec and his older brother were educated at the Blackheath Proprietary School
, London, from 1864 to 1869. From 1873 he was registered as a first year student at Guy’s Hospital. However, that there is no account of his having paid his fees nor are there records of his having attended any courses or entering any examinations. Another English international, fellow member at Blackheath and contemporary of Alec at Guy's, Dr Lennard Stokes
, wrote that Perason "never did any work at Guy's and only entered to play in the cup ties".
from 1873 to 1877, his first match being in the 1873/1874 season against the Clapham Rovers. In this season he was selected to take part in the All-England trial games in February 1874. He was also key in Guy's win over St George's Hospital
in the first ever fínal of the Hospitals Cup in 1875. In this period, his loyalty appeared to be with Guy's as he played for them against Blackheath in March 1875, whilst his brother played for Blackheath. However, at other points in the season he also played for Blackheath, which having been originally set up as a team to represent old boys from Blackheath Proprietary School
, was a natural choice for him. In 1877 though, in a later Guy's vs Blackheath confrontation, he played for Blackheath. When not playing for Guy's Alec was known to have not only assisted Blackheath as a player but also became Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Club in 1875/76, 76/77 and 1877-78. He played 14 games for Blackheath in 1877/78 and then left for Australia in the 1880s to farm his family estate, his brother having already left for Australia in 1875. As an international, he made his debut on 15 February 1875 at The Oval
in the England
vs Ireland
match. and his final appearance for England on 11 March 1878 at Lansdowne Road
in the Ireland
vs England
match. His contemporary, Lennard Stokes
, in 1925 described Alec Pearson as "about as fíne a full back as ever played, beautiful drop and place kick and dead sure tackle."
and Squizzy Taylor
were filmed on the premises and in the extensive grounds.
England national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
from 1875 to 1878. He was described as late as 1925 as "about as fíne a full back as ever played", and was the first Australian born rugby union international.
Early life and family
Alexander William Pearson was born in 1854 at the son of Captain James Pearson by his second marriage to Augusta Sarah Godfrey. Alexander's father, James, had been born on 12 June 1799 in Furris, KincardineKincardine
Kincardine or Kincardine-on-Forth is a small town located on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, in Fife, Scotland. The town was given the status of a Burgh of barony in 1663. It was at one time a reasonably prosperous minor port...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, himself the son of Peter Patrick & Elizabeth (nee Pride) Pearson. Having worked in a Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
Shipping Office James ran away to sea, voyaging to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and by the age of 29 was the Captain of the 'Lady of the Lake", chartered by the British Government in March 1829 to deliver a consignment of female prisoners to Hobart
Hobart
Hobart is the state capital and most populous city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony,Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney. In 2009, the city had a greater area population of approximately 212,019. A resident of Hobart is known as...
, Van Diemens Land. Captain Pearson stayed in the colony of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, and met and married Jane Mackey of Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
at St. James Church, Sydney on 27 June 1835. The following April, Alec's older half brother Jamie was born, but died of dysentery before reaching 6 months of age. Then on 27 March 1838, on older half sister, Janet, was born, and christened in Calcutta. The following year, in Perth
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
, a third older half-brother was born in November. However, James was widowed shortly afterward as Jane died on 25 November 1839 and a few days later on 3 December James' newborn son also died. Alec's only remaining half-sibling from his father's first marriage, Janet, also died an infant, in June 1841. Having lost his entire family, James resumed his voyaging and at the end of 1842, undertook a Leasing Arrangement in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
in the Parish of Kalkallo, on the crest of Kinlochewe Hill. On 30 June 1846, James married Augusta Sarah Godfrey, the daughter of John Race Godfrey, a Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
captain. The marriage took place at St. Petrox Church, Dartsmouth, Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
. Immediately, the couple began preparations to sail to Port Philip District, along with Augusta's 18 year old cousin Frederick Race Godfrey (1826–1910). Augusta was pregnant on the voyage and in Port Philip Alec's older sister, Augusta Janet, was born on 12 April 1847. Captain Pearson then purchased a total holding of 1547 acres in the parish of Yuroke. He also bought his previosuly leased Kinloch Hill property and renamed the geographical feature "Mt. Ridley" after a rocky outcrop behind Augusta's family house in Dartmouth, Devonshire. On 22 August 1848, Alec's older brother, James Godfrey Pearson was born in Melbourne. In April 1850, another older broter, Freddy was born in Melbourne. However he died on 3 March 1851. Emily Lillias was born, on 24 December 1851. In 1854 Alexander William was born at Mount Ridley, the first of the children to be born at the house. The following year his younger sister, Caroline Maria Josephine was born.
In 1858 the Pearsons left for England to educate their sons, as was the common practice for pastoralists. During their time in England, two more of Alec's siblings were born, David Chambers Pearson in 1860, and Blanche Alice in 1862, both in Suffolk
Suffolk
Suffolk is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in East Anglia, England. It has borders with Norfolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the west and Essex to the south. The North Sea lies to the east...
, England whilst the family were residing at Hemingstone Hall, Needham Market
Needham Market
Needham Market is a town in Suffolk, England. It initially grew around the wool combing industry, until the onset of the plague, which swept the town from 1663 to 1665. To prevent the spread of the disease, the town was chained at either end, which succeeded in its task but at the cost of...
, Suffolk
Suffolk
Suffolk is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in East Anglia, England. It has borders with Norfolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the west and Essex to the south. The North Sea lies to the east...
.
Alec and his older brother were educated at the Blackheath Proprietary School
Blackheath Proprietary School
The Blackheath Proprietary School was an educational establishment founded in 1830 that was noted in the contemporary press as an extremely successful school in terms of its education but is perhaps most notable for its profound influence on the game of football, in both Association and Rugby codes...
, London, from 1864 to 1869. From 1873 he was registered as a first year student at Guy’s Hospital. However, that there is no account of his having paid his fees nor are there records of his having attended any courses or entering any examinations. Another English international, fellow member at Blackheath and contemporary of Alec at Guy's, Dr Lennard Stokes
Lennard Stokes
Dr. Lennard Stokes was a rugby union international who represented England from 1875 to 1881. He also captained his country on five occasions, notably in the first ever match against Wales...
, wrote that Perason "never did any work at Guy's and only entered to play in the cup ties".
Rugby union career
Alec Pearson played rugby for Guy's hospitalGuy's, Kings and St. Thomas' Rugby Football Club
Guy's, Kings and St. Thomas' Rugby Football Club is the name given to the modern amalgam of three formerly distinct hospital rugby clubs each with a long history, having all been founded in the nineteenth century. The teams from Guy's Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital were the first to merge...
from 1873 to 1877, his first match being in the 1873/1874 season against the Clapham Rovers. In this season he was selected to take part in the All-England trial games in February 1874. He was also key in Guy's win over St George's Hospital
St. George’s Hospital Medical School RFC
St. George’s Hospital Medical School RFC is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world having been founded in 1863. The side is notable for its long history, its participation in the oldest competition in rugby, the United Hospitals Cup, as well as having produced a large number of international...
in the first ever fínal of the Hospitals Cup in 1875. In this period, his loyalty appeared to be with Guy's as he played for them against Blackheath in March 1875, whilst his brother played for Blackheath. However, at other points in the season he also played for Blackheath, which having been originally set up as a team to represent old boys from Blackheath Proprietary School
Blackheath Proprietary School
The Blackheath Proprietary School was an educational establishment founded in 1830 that was noted in the contemporary press as an extremely successful school in terms of its education but is perhaps most notable for its profound influence on the game of football, in both Association and Rugby codes...
, was a natural choice for him. In 1877 though, in a later Guy's vs Blackheath confrontation, he played for Blackheath. When not playing for Guy's Alec was known to have not only assisted Blackheath as a player but also became Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Club in 1875/76, 76/77 and 1877-78. He played 14 games for Blackheath in 1877/78 and then left for Australia in the 1880s to farm his family estate, his brother having already left for Australia in 1875. As an international, he made his debut on 15 February 1875 at The Oval
The Oval
The Kia Oval, still commonly referred to by its original name of The Oval, is an international cricket ground in Kennington, in the London Borough of Lambeth. In the past it was also sometimes called the Kennington Oval...
in the England
England national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
vs Ireland
Ireland national rugby union team
The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union...
match. and his final appearance for England on 11 March 1878 at Lansdowne Road
Lansdowne Road
Lansdowne Road was a stadium in Dublin owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union that has been the location of a number of sports stadiums. It was used primarily for rugby union and for association football matches as well as some music concerts...
in the Ireland
Ireland national rugby union team
The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union...
vs England
England national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
match. His contemporary, Lennard Stokes
Lennard Stokes
Dr. Lennard Stokes was a rugby union international who represented England from 1875 to 1881. He also captained his country on five occasions, notably in the first ever match against Wales...
, in 1925 described Alec Pearson as "about as fíne a full back as ever played, beautiful drop and place kick and dead sure tackle."
Later life
Alexander returned to Australia to run the 'Mt. Ridley" and "Wheatlands" property. His mother's cousin, Frederick Race Godfrey, had leased the property from 1858 to 1875, and in 1875 James Godfrey Pearson the eldest son of the Captain returned to Australia, later joined by Alec. Mount Ridley was sold out of the family and out of the Pearson name in 1885, and would almost a century later by revived for the purposes of the film industry as a set. Notably, scenes for Mad MaxMad Max
Mad Max is a 1979 Australian dystopian action film directed by George Miller and revised by Miller and Byron Kennedy over the original script by James McCausland. The film stars Mel Gibson, who was unknown at the time. Its narrative based around the traditional western genre, Mad Max tells a story...
and Squizzy Taylor
Squizzy Taylor (film)
Squizzy Taylor is a 1982 Australian drama film based on the life of Melbourne gangster, Squizzy Taylor, directed by Kevin James Dobson and starring David Atkins, Jackie Weaver and Alan Cassell.-External links:*...
were filmed on the premises and in the extensive grounds.