The Pearsons of Woolwich and Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick in 1745 Berwick-upon-Tweed – Wikipedia

** DENOTES DIRECT ANSCESTORS OF MINE IN THE FOLLOWING TEXT

Elias Pearson (1760 – ?) and Eleanor England (1769 – 1820)

An Elias Pearson was baptized on the 5th May 1760 at Tweedmouth, Northumberland, England. His father was William Pearson.

Elias Pearson married Eleanor England on the 4th July 1790 in North Walsham, Norfolk, England. They had at least 3 children that are tracible in the available records. William, their first born, was born 4 months after the wedding. This suggests that Eleanor was already pregnant when they married.

Eleanor’s parents were William England and Mary Smith who were married on the 28th May 1758 in North Walsham, Norfolk. William later remarried. On the 28th November 1775 he married Amy Hart. Eleanor died in 1820 aged 51 years. She was buried on the 17th September 1820 in Norwich St John At Sepulchre, Norfolk, England.


Marriage Banns between Elias Pearson and Eleanor England – 4th July 1790.
“Elias Pearson of this Parish single man and Eleanor England of this Parish single woman were married in this church by Banns this eighteenth day of July in the year of one thousand and seven hundred and ninety – by me Tho Hay Vicar. This marriage was solemnized between us Elias Pearson his X mark and Eleanor England”
  • Children of Elias Pearson and Eleanor England
  • William England, born 25th November 1790, baptized 26th December 1790, buried 6th October 1796 – died young aged 5 years
  • Wormly, born 4th of February 1792, baptized on the 12th February 1792 and died 8th February 1794 – died young aged 2 years
  • Mary Ann(e), born 25th July 1802, baptized 28th July 1802, died 1881 aged 79 years
  • (?**Elias Pearson 1801 – 1883)
  • (? Ann Pearson 1811 – 1881)
Photograph of the pages in England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 (above), and England , Norfolk Bishop’s Transcripts 1685-1941 (below), documenting the date of birth and private baptism of William Pearson on the 26th December 1790. Note both records appear to have the word “pauper” along side them.
Record of the burial of William Pearson 1791-1796 on the 2nd October 1796.
Record of the burial of William Pearson 1790-1796. Look at the last lines at the bottom of the page.
England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975: Baptism of Wormly Pearson on the 12th February 1792.
Photograph of the page documenting the burial of Wormly Pearson in February 1792. Wormly is the fourth in the list.
Photograph of the page documenting the burial of Eleanor Pearson nee England on 17th September 1820. Eleanor is the last on the list.

**Elias Pearson (1801-1883), my 3x great grandfather may have been the child of Elias and Eleanor. He may have had a sister Ann who was born 10 years after him in 1811. This would mean that there were 20 years between Elias and Eleanor’s first and last child and that Eleanor was 42 when Ann was born. Theoretically this is possible. There was also an Elias Pearson born in 1786 who died aged 29 in 1815 and was buried in Dover, Kent. He would have been 15 years old when my 3x great grandfather was born.

  • References
  • England Marriages, 1538-1973: Mary Smith & William England, Marriage: May 28 1758 – North Walsham, Norfolk, England, Wife: Mary Smith (England), Husband: William England,
    Indexing Project (Batch) Number: I07431-8, System Origin: England-EASy, GS Film number: 2262172, Reference ID: p 13
  • England Marriages, 1538-1973 Amy Hart & William England, Marriage: Nov 28 1775, North Walsham, Norfolk, England, Wife: Amy Hart (England), Husband: William England, Indexing Project (Batch) Number:I07431-8, System Origin: England-EASy, GS Film number:
    2262172, Reference ID: p 75
  • England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N5TR-R56 : 4 February 2023), Elias Pearson, 1760
  • England Marriages, 1538-1973 (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NJMZ-MJB : Wed Apr 16 12:41:24 UTC 2025), Entry for Elias Pearson and Eleanor England, 4 Jul 1790
  • England, Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991 Entry for William Pearson and Elias Pearson, 2 Oct 1796. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDQ4-V2N: Thu Jan 16 16:16:01 UTC 2025),
  • England , Norfolk Bishop’s Transcripts 1685-1941: Wormly Pearson, GS Film Number, 1545226 Digital Folder Number 004007091
  • England, Norfolk Bishop’s Transcripts, 1685-1941 Eleanor Pearson, Gender: Female
    Birth: Circa 1769, Burial: Sep 17 1820 – Norwich St John At Sepulchre, Norfolk, England
    Age: 51, GS Film Number: 1278921, Digital Folder Number: 004142886, Image Number: 1394
  • England, Deaths and Burials, 1538-1991 Entry for Elias Pearson, 6 8 1815 (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JCTY-M3X : Sun Mar 10 13:01:48 UTC 2024)
  • England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975: Eleanor England, Gender: Female Christening: July 28 1802 – Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, Daughter: Mary Anne Pearson,
    Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C00024-3, System Origin: England-ODM, GS Film number: 1526328
  • In England, Norfolk Bishop’s Transcripts, 1685-1941, William Pearson, GS Film Number 1545226, Digital Folder Number 004007091, Image Number, 1304

Elias Pearson (?c1780 – ?) and Henrietta Carson (1802 – ?)

An Elias Pearson married Henrietta Carson on the 9th November 1825 in South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland. Henrietta was born on the 25th January 1802. Her father was William Carson and her mother Elisabeth Muir. She was born in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland

This Elias Pearson could also have been the father of **Elias Pearson (1801-1883), my 3x great grandfather. Then he would have had a sister Ann who was born 10 years after him in 1811. In this case it is likely that his father was married to someone else before Henrietta, who may have died before 1825.

William Pearson, son of Elias and Henrietta, was born on 20th December 1828 and christened on the 11th January 1829 at Scots Church, Woolwich, Kent, England. William died on the 8th October 1895 aged 66 years. William is buried with his sister Ann Pearson (1811- 11th June 1881), his wife, Rosannah (1837 – 6th April 1901), and their son John (1857- 29th December 1897 in the Nottingham (General Aka Canning Circus) Cemetery, Nottingham, England.

Pearson family grave where Ann, William, Rosannah and John are buried, “In loving memory of, ANN PEARSON, who died June 11th 1881, aged 70 years, Also WILLIAM PEARSON brother of the above, who died Octr 8th 1895, aged 66 years, “Gone but not forgotten”, Also of ROSANNAH his widow, who died April 6th 1901, “With Christ, which is far better”, Also of JOHN their son, who died Dec 9th1897, aged 40 years, “Thy will be done.”

The 1841 census records a 10 years old child, **Elias Pearson living in Mulgrave Place, Greenwich, Kent, England, in the parish of Woolwich. He was born in Ireland. Presumably the 39 year old Elias Pearson, (soldier), also living there was his father (1801-1883) and the 12 year old William Pearson possibly his brother (born 1829). He was born in Kent. Elias (1801-1883, then 39 years) is also listed as resident at the Royal Artillery Barracks 7th Battalion, Greenwich, Kent, England in 1841. (see below under Elias Pearson and Elizabeth Bell.)

Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837. It was the time of the industrial revolution and the 1840’s were called the “Hungry Forties” as many crops failed. In 1845 there was a massive failure of the potato crops in Ireland, caused by blight – a fungus. This lead to many deaths from starvation and massive emigration, many fled to Scotland and also abroad (America). Many found themselves in search of alternative sources of income and moved from their rural villages to the towns in search of work. In the 1880’s Britain was involved in 33 wars. It is not surprising then that many ended up enlisting as a source of income. Despite the introduction of the Mines and Collieries Act of 1842 stipulating that no child under 10 years may work underground, child labour persisted throughout the 19th century.

**Elias Pearson (1801 – 1883) and Janet Bremner (1813 – 1877)

**Elias Pearson (1801 – 1883) was, I think, the son of Elias Pearson (born c 1760 or c1780). **Elias Pearson, born 1831 was in turn the son of Elias (1801-1883).

The 1841 census records Elias as a 39 year soldier living at Mulgrave Place, Greenwich, Kent, England, in the parish of Woolwich. A ten year old child Elias Pearson, presumably his son born 1831, and Elias’s brother William (12 years old) were also listed as living there. No Mrs. Pearson is mentioned, possibly she had died, or Elias senior and two young boys had enlisted.

An Elias Pearson is also listed as resident at the Royal Artillery Barracks 7th Battalion, Greenwich, Kent, England in 1841. His age is given there as 35 – implying he was born in c1806. Possibly this is a mistake in the listing. He was born in Scotland and was a gunner and a driver in the artillery. A John (35 years) and Rose Pearson (25 years), born in Ireland, are also listed on the same page with their children John (1 year) and Mary Ann (7 years) born in Kent. John senior was also a gunner and driver in the artillery.

Royal Artillery Barracks 7th Battalion, Greenwich, Kent, England in 1841. Line 9 on the left side page lists Elias Pearson 35 years old. John and Rose Pearson are on the last 2 lines of the left side page and their two children John junior and Mary Ann are on the top two rows on the right.

Elias (b1801) married Janet Bremner from Scotland in 1841. Was Janet the mother of Elias Pearson born 1831? He would then have been born out of wedlock. Or had Elias junior’s mother died?

  • Children of Elias Pearson and Janet Bremner
  • ? **Elias Pearson born 1831
  • Peter George, born 1843 Woolwich, Greenwich, died 31 Aug 1883 (aged 39–40)
  • Isabella, born 1848, baptized 9th July1848 – Scremerston, Northumberland, England, married ?David Lamb
  • Charlotte, born 17th May 1850, died 30th Dec 1916 (aged 66)

Elias Pearson (49 years) and Janet (38 years) are recorded in the 1851 census as living at Gate House, Ladythorn & Wind Mill Hill, Cheswick, Northumberland with their son Peter George (8 years) and two daughters Isabella (2 years) and Charlotte (10 months). Elias’ profession is listed as railway gate keeper and former Royal Artillery pensioner. Note that Peter is listed as having been born in Woolwich, Kent, the two girls in Ancroft Northumberland. In 1861 Elias and Janet were still living at the same address with their two daughters. Elias’s occupation is listed as Chelsea pensioner and railway gate keeper.

The family of Elias Pearson and wife Jane living at Gate House, Ladythorn & Wind Mill Hill, Cheswick, Northumberland as per the 1851 census.
The family of Elias Pearson and wife Jane living at Wind Mill Gate House, Cheswick, Northumberland, England as per the 1861 census

By 1871 Elias (69 years) and Janet (57) were living at Stanhope Street, Newcastle, Northumberland, England. Charlotte (20 years old) was still living at home. Although listed as lodgers, I think that their daughter Isabella (22 years) was also living there with her husband David Lamb (30 years), a mason from Scotland, and child Jessie. It is difficult to read Elias’ occupation, but it looks like a provision dealer.

The family of Elias Pearson and wife Jane living at Stanhope Street, Newcastle, Northumberland as per the 1871 census

The 1881 census records Elias as a widower, Pensioner Chelsea and living at Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland, England. Elias died on the 11th April 1883 and was buried on the 13th April 1883 at Tweedmouth Cemetery, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland. Janet had already died on the 23rd of March 1877 aged 64. She was buried in Elswick Cemetery Newcastle-upon-Tyne along with two of her children, Peter George and Charlotte.

Grave stone of Elias Pearson 1801-1883. From Find a Grave – Photo: Thomas Hunter Brown

The inscription on the gravestone of Elias Pearson says:

“Sacred. to the Memory of ELIAS PEARSON, who died 11th April 1883, aged 82 years.
Also HENRIETTA PEARSON grand daughter of the above who died 14th June 1865 aged 3 weeks.
Also ELIAS PEARSON son of the above, who died 21st Octr. 1911, aged 80 years.
Also ELIZABETH BELL wife of the above who died 29th Aug. 1929 in her 96th year.
Also HENRIETTA daughter of the above ELIAS & ELIZABETH PEARSON who died 29th March 1940, aged 73 years.”

Another Elias Pearson, married Grace Hall on the 4th June 1843 in Tynemouth, Northumberland, England, United Kingdom. The father of Grace is listed as Matthew Hall and that of Elias as Elias Pearson. Possibly this was Elias born 1st August 1822, son of Elias and Susanna Pearson. He was christened on the 1st November 1826 at Christ Church, Tynemouth, Northumberland

  • References
  • England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975: William Pearson, Gender: Male, Birth: Dec 20 1828, Christening: Jan 11 1829 – Scots Church, Woolwich, Kent, England, Father: Elias Pearson, Mother: Henrietta, Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C06879-1, System Origin: England-ODM, GS Film number: 0597070 (RG4 1993)
  • England & Wales, Death Index, 1837-2005: Elias Pearson, Death date: Apr-May-June 1883, Death place: Berwick, Northumberland, England, Birth date: Circa 1801, Age: 82, Volume: 10b, Page: 235
  • Scotland, Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950: Henrietta Carson, 1802 FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FM39-YHY : 16 September 2021)
  • Scotland, Marriages, 1561-1910: Henrietta Carson & Elias Pearson, Country: United Kingdom; State: Scotland; Film: 1067776, Citation: Elias Pearson, Marriage: Nov 9 1825 – South Leith, Midlothian, Scotland, Wife: Henrietta Carson (Pearson)
  • England, Deaths and Burials, 1538 – 1991: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CFG5-NYPZ : Fri Mar 08 05:03:43 UTC 2024), Entry for Elias Pearson, 13 4 1883.
  • Elias Pearson (1800-1883) – Find a Grave Memorial
  • Janet Bremner Pearson (1813-1877) – Find a Grave Memorial
  • England and Wales, Census, 1881: Name Elias Pearson, Sex Male, Age 78, Birth Year (Estimated) 1803, Birthplace Tweedmouth, Northumberland, England, Marital Status Widower, Occupation Pensioner Chelsea, Relationship to Head of Household Head, Event Place Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland, England, Line Number 5, Page Number 13
    Piece/Folio 5129/135, Registration Number RG11
  • England Marriages, 1538-1973 Grace Hall & Elias Pearson, Marriage: June 4 1843 – Christ Church, Tynemouth, Northumberland, England, Wife: Grace Hall (Pearson),   Father: Matthew Hall, Husband: Elias Pearson, Father: Elias Pearson, Indexing Project (Batch), Number: M15597-8, System Origin: England-ODM, GS Film number: 1068931
  • England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975: Name ,Elias Pearson, Birth Date 1 Aug 1822, Father’s Name Elias Pearson, Mother’s Name Susanna, Event Type Christening, Event Date
    1 Nov 1826, Event Place Christ Church, Tynemouth, Northumberland, England.

**Elias Pearson (1831 – 1911) and **Elizabeth Bell (c1834 – 1929)

**Elias was my great, great grandfather. His father’s name was Elias. He was a baker born in Kingston, Ireland according to the 1911 census form filled in by himself. This is confirmed in the 1871 census form, but those of 1851, 1881 and 1901 state “Woolage”, (possibly a transcription error due to difficulty reading the handwriting) and “Woolwich, Kent” and that of 1861 says he was born in Scotland. The confusion arises from the fact that he did live in Woolwich as a child and in his later years in Berwick close to the Northern England and Scottish border. His life can be followed through the UK censuses of 1841 -1911.

The 1841 census records Elias junior as a 10 year old child living in Mulgrave Place, Greenwich, Kent, England, in the parish of Woolwich, presumably with his 39 year old father **Elias Pearson, (soldier, 1801-1883) and his 12 year old brother William Pearson. No Mrs. Pearson is mentioned.

1841 UK Census showing Elias Pearson (2nd line lower image) living with his (father) Elias Pearson (last line top image) and (brother) William (first line lower image) in Woolwich, Greenwich, Kent

In 1851 Elias was recorded as working as a baker (jouriman) and living in the Brown household Bridge End, Tweedmouth, Berwick, Northumberland, aged 19 years. He married **Elizabeth Bell, daughter of **Adam Bell and wife **Jane on the 20th December 1857 at Tweedmouth, Durham, England.

The 1861 census has him living at 3 Lambs Conduct St, St Andrews Holborn Western Part, Middlesex, England. He was 29 and working as a “servant”, being employed as a baker. His wife Elizabeth and first born son **Adam were living with Elizabeth’s family in East Ord.

  • Elias and Elizabeth had 6 children:
  • **Adam, (1859-1925), born in East Ord Northumberland, married **Selina Marguerite Bagley (1872 – 1957)
  • Robert, born c1862, born in East Ord Northumberland
  • Elias, born c1864, born in Berwick
  • Henrietta born 1865, died 14th June 1865 aged 3 weeks
  • Henrietta, born 1867, in Berwick, died 29th March 1940, aged 73 years
  • Jane M, born c1869, born in Berwick, married Davidson

The family, Elias, Elizabeth and their 5 children lived together at Church Street Berwick in 1871 with a “servant”, John Dixon, also a baker from Scotland. Elias’s status had risen to “Baker – master employing 1 man and ?1 boy“.

1871 UK Census documenting the household of Elias Pearson and Elizabeth Bell, 5 children – family 92 of Church Street Berwick.

By 1881 Elias was employing 1 man and ?3 boys and his son Robert was an apprentice baker. They lived, according to the census form, at 60 Church Street Berwick. Adam was no longer living at home.

1881 UK Census documenting the household of Elias Pearson and Elizabeth Bell, 4 children – family 93 of 60 Church Street Berwick. Adam was no longer listed as living at home.

By 1901 only daughter Henrietta (34 years, single and “living on own means“), and grandson Andrew Davidson (5 years) were living with Elias and Elizabeth at 74 Church Street Berwick.

1901 UK Census documenting the household of Elias Pearson and Elizabeth Bell, – family 92 of Church Street Berwick.

On April 2 1911 only three people were still living at 74 Church Street Berwick – Elias now retired and 79 years old, his wife Elizabeth (76 years) and Henrietta, still unmarried (44 years). Elias died on the 21st of October 1911, aged 80 years. Elizabeth died 18 years later on the 29th of August 1929 in her 96th year.

1911 UK Census documenting Family 92 living at 74 Church Street Berwick consisting of Elias Pearson and Elizabeth Bell and their still unmarried daughter Henrietta.
  • References
  • FamilySearch Family Tree: Elizabeth Pearson (born Bell) Gender: Female, Marriage: Dec 20 1857 – Tweedmouth, Northumberland, England, Burial: Sep 1 1929 – Tweedmouth, Northumberland, England, Husband: Elias Pearson.

**Adam Bell (c1789 – 1864) and **Jane Moffat (c1799 – 1873)

**Adam Bell (c1789 – 11th January 1864) married **Jane Moffat (c1799 – 1873) on the 6th March 1815 in Tweedmouth, Durham.

The Bell family is documented in the 1841, 1851 and 1861 UK censuses. Out these documents we can deduce that Jane was 10 years younger than Adam and thus born c1799. Adam was a farmer. The family was listed as living at East Ord, family 52 (1851) and 53 (1861) during the 1841-61 censuses. They probably had 11 children, although Ann is not mentioned in the censuses. Also the birth dates given in the 1841 census do not all correspond with those of 1851 and 1861. Mary is no longer listed as living with the family after 1841. So either Ann and Mary married and moved away, Ann before 1941 and Mary between 1841 and 1851, or they had died. Adam Bell and his children were born in Tweedmouth, Northumberland according to the 1851 and 1862 census. Jane senior was born in North Shields, Northumberland.

  • The 10/11 children of Adam and Jane Bell
  • ?Ann born c1816
  • Adam born c1818-20,
  • Isabelle born c1820, or c1827 – discrepancies in the census lists.
  • Robert born c1823-4,
  • Mary born c1826 or c1822
  • Jane born c1827,
  • Hugh born c1830-1,
  • James born c1831-2,
  • **Elizabeth born c1833-4,
  • Rachel born c1835-7,
  • Eleanor born c1838-9.
1841 Census documenting Adam Bell’s household with their 10 children- first family on the list on the left.
1851 UK Census documenting the household of Adam Bell father of Elizabeth Bell, with their 9 children -family 52.

By 1861, Adam, their son (42 years) was still living with his parents and was also working as a farmer. Three of their daughters were still living at home; Rachael (?dressmaker), Eleanor (dairymaid) and Elizabeth, now married to Elias Pearson. Two grandchildren, Adam Bell (3 years old, born in Ancroft) and **Adam Pearson (1 year old and son of Elias and Elizabeth, born in Tweedmouth) were also living there, along with two servants James Wood and John Yorkson.

1861 Census documenting the family of Adam Bell – Note Elizabeth and Adam Pearson her son where living with Elizabeth’s parents at East Ord -family 53.

Adam Bell died on the 11th January 1864 leaving effects under 2000 pounds to his wife Jane. Jane died between October and December 1873 at Gateshead, Durham, England.

England & Wales, Index of Wills and Probates, 1853-1943:

Adam Pearson (1859 – 1925) and Selina Margeurite Bagley (1872 – 1957)

**Adam Pearson (April 1859 – 5th September 1925) was born in Berwick Northumberland and died in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the son of Elias Pearson and Elizabeth Bell. He married **Selina Margeurite Bagley (26th February 1872 – 1957), whom he met in Berwick upon Tweed. They were married in Cape Town on the 31st January 1902. On their wedding register his occupation is noted as “stationer”

Gold was discovered in Johannesburg in February 1886 and the world’s largest gold rush followed. Within ten years of this, 100 000 people moved to Johannesburg. Rev. W. E. Kelly of the Port Alfred Baptist Church, travelled up to Johannesburg early in 1889 looking for Baptists seeking to establish a church in Johannesburg. He is regarded as the pioneer minister for the gold fields. The first Baptist service in northern South Africa took place on 15th July 1888 with 15 attendees. The Baptist Church of Johannesburg was founded on the 20th June 1892. The manse (the minister’s house) and the church were both erected on the southwest corner of Plein and Wanderers Streets. In addition Kelly, procured sites for Baptist churches in Troyeville, Germiston and Krugersdorp. The Krugersdorp Baptist Church started under “evangelist“, Adam Pearson, my great, grandfather in 1891.

On the 7th October 1891 the Transvaal Baptist Association was formed with “co-ordination, fellowship and advance” as its primary objectives. Representatives of the various Transvaal Baptist churches were present including Rev. Kelly, Rev. A. Pearson, Rev. E. Davies, Rev. E. Wakeman and Rev. W. Lechega and Bolus. Adam Pearson was the secretary. The Association requested affiliation with the Baptist Union, but this request was denied. In The story of a 100 years, 1820-1920 : The history of the Baptist Church in South Africa, Rev Batts states on page 89 “Mr, Adam Pearson, who had identified with the`Union in the old colony, also found his way to Johannesburg, and was among Mr. Kelly’s lieutenants. Pearson came out from Harley House, but never had ministerial status with us.” Adam went on to become the president of the Transvaal Baptist Association of Churches.

Harley College was the famous Missionary Training Institute opened in March 1873 by Henry Grattan Guinness and his wife Fanny, at Harley House in Bromley-by-Bow, East End of London. It became so successful that relocation to a larger home became necessary. In 1883, Elizabeth Hulme offered Guinness “Cliff House” near Calver, Derbyshire for its new location. Harley College was renamed Hulme Cliff College and is now known as Cliff College where Christians are still trained for evangelistic missions.

Photograph of the first page of the first minute book of the Transvaal Baptist Association, later renamed the Baptist Northern Association, dating back to 7 October 1891. Adam Pearson was the secretary and the notes are in his handwriting. Further excerpts from the minutes book can be seen below.
Adam Pearson”s signature at the end of the minutes.
Adam was given the “Historical Paper” portfolio in the Baptist Northern Association.
Adam trained to be a missionary at Harley College.
  • Children of Adam Pearson and Selina Bagley.
  • Adam Pearson (31st December 1902 – 9th January 1950), died aged 47 years – was a pharmacist, married Eileen du Sautoy on the 6th July 1929. They had 2 children – Yvonne born 31st January 1933 and Jeanette born 17 October 1937.
  • Herbert Pearson ( 15th February 1905 – ?)
  • **Selina Pearson (15th May 1909 – 10th October 1933) – married **Alwin Bernard Clur. Selina junior died after the birth of her daughter Maureen Selina Clur of a pulmonary embolus, leaving my father **Dennis Clur (then 2,5 years old) and my newborn aunt Maureen motherless.
Death notice of Adam Pearson – died 5 September 1925 where his parents, wife and three children are named,
Death notice of Selina Pearson junior, Adams only daughter, my grandmother.
Notice of the death of Adam Pearson and the settlement of his estate – 994 pounds, 18 shillings and 6 pence (£994 in 1925 is equivalent in purchasing power to about £77,226.13 in 2025).

Herbert Bagley (1875-1957) and his wife were the executors of Adam’s estate after his death aged 66 years. He left his property and furnishings of Tweed Buildings situated on Stand 363 corner of Plein and Claim Streets, Johannesburg, also stand 89 Commissioner Street, Fairview, Johannesburg and his stationary business together with all the stock in trade as contained in shop No, 198 Main Road Fordsburg to his wife Selina. Additionally all money left to him by his father Elias Pearson was divided between his wife and three children. Selina Pearson nee Bagley received 1251 ponds, 7 shillings and 6 pence according to the South African documentation. (£1,250 in 1925 is equivalent in purchasing power to about £97,115.36 in 2025, an increase of £95,865.36 over 100 years. The pound had an average inflation rate of 4.45% per year between 1925 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 7,669.23%.)

Selina Marguerite married again after Adam died. She married Morris Myers on the 1st March 1937. She died on the 16th July 1957 of “senility” aged 85 years and was buried on the 19th of July 1957 in the West Park Cemetery. At the time of her death she was living at Nazareth House – a retirement home, Harrow Road, Yeoville, Johannesburg. Herbert, her brother who lived with her and Adam at 108 Plein Street Johannesburg, died 5 months later on the 26th November.

Selina Bagley was the daughter of **Benjamin Bagley born c1844, a carpenter born in Bucks, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, and his wife **Maria Brown born c1841 in Chalgrove Oxfordshire. Benjamin and Maria were married on the 20/28th March 1967. The 1881 UK census lists the (full) family; Benjamin (37 years old) and Maria (39 years), Lilian M (13 years), George W (11 years), Selina (10 years), Benjamin (junior) (7 years), Herbert (6 years) and Francis E (3 years). The 1891 census does not list a Benjamin – had he died? The family was living at The George Inn Wycombe Road, Beaconsfield. By the 31st March 1901 only Lilian, George, Herbert and Francis were still living at home at Grosvenor House, Wycombe End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Selina had then most probably left for Cape Town where she married Adam Pearson on the 31st January 1902.

  • References
  • England & Wales, Birth Index, 1837-2005: Adam Pearson, Country: England; County: Northumberland; District: Berwick, Citation: Adam Pearson, Birth: Apr-May-June 1859, Berwick, Northumberland, England.
  • https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-10691-4440300/adam-pearson-in-england-wales-index-of-wills-probates, Adam Pearson, Citation: Adam Pearson, Death: Sep 5 1925 – Transvaal, South Africa, Residence: Transvaal, South Africa
  • Our History – Baptist Northern Association (BNA)
  • The story of a 100 years, 1820-1920 : being the history of the Baptist Church in South Africa
  • content
  • Fanny Grattan Guinness – The Wide World and Our Work in it – Missiology Blog
  • England and Wales, Census, 1881: Benjamin Bagley, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, Line Number 22, Page Number 6, Piece/Folio 1455/54, Registration Number
    RG11.
  • England and Wales, Census, 1891: Benjamin Bagley, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, Enumeration District 5, Registration District Amersham, Household Identifier
    1821917, Line Number 24, Page Number 2, Piece/Folio 1132/ 45, Registration Number
    RG12
  • England and Wales, Census, 1901: Benjamin Bagley, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England, Sub-District Beaconsfield, Registration District Amersham, Household Identifier
    1945292, Record Type Household, Page Number 23. Piece/Folio 31, Schedule Type 127
  • England Marriages, 1538-1973: Maria Brown & Benjamin Bagley, Wife: Benjamin Bagley
    Age: 27, Marital status: Single, Age: 23, Marital status: Single, Age: 23, Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01250-0, System Origin: England-EASy, GS Film number: 1967110, Reference ID: Pg99 #198

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