Obituaries Australia

Stephen Pearson, n.d.

photo provided by family

Mr. Stephen J. Pearson, J.P., who died at Parramatta on January 31, at the age of 74 years, was a native of London, and came to Parramatta as far back as 1834. He joined a party of young men who were leaving the King's School for their holidays, and travelled as far as Clydesdale, near Windsor, where he acquired his first experiences of Australian life. He spent his time until he was 30 years of age in farming, gold-digging, droving, etc., and then entered the service of Messrs. Tincombe and Watkins, storekeepers, of Parramatta; after some years' service, he joined the staff of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, and was for ten years in the Goulburn Branch of that institution, ultimately rising to the position of manager. Afterwards, he was entrusted with the opening and management of a branch of the bank at Wollongong, where he remained for nine years. Mr. Pearson was then appointed to Parramatta, where he was in charge for eighteen years, when he retired to enjoy a well-earned rest. The deceased gentleman married whilst at Wollongong, and on retiring from office some fifteen years ago, he and Mrs. Pearson went on a two years' travelling tour through America, England, Ireland, and Scotland. A few years ago, he was appointed to the Parramatta bench, and did excellent work as a sitting magistrate at the Parramatta Court. Mr. Pearson was a staunch supporter of and a regular worshipper at St. John's Church, Parramatta, and always took a deep interest in parochial affairs. Sympathetic references to Mr. Pearson's death were made at the Parramatta Court the day following his demise, by the P.M. (Mr. McNevin) and others. The remains were interred in St. John's Cemetery, and the funeral was notable for the fact that almost everyone following the hearse was prominently connected with the public life or business of Parramatta. The older residents and those associated with the town's past were largely in evidence. The funeral ceremonies were conducted by Archdeacon Gunther, assisted by the Rev. R. Rook, rector of St. George's, Glenmore-road, and the Rev. J. Cooper.