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Not Brentford
Brentford Councillors - George Pearce
Introduction
Janet McNamara has researched details of the men who served as Brentford Local Board Members and Councillors, see intro page for more details of early local government structure.George Pearce
George Pearce was elected to the Council in 1905 after standing at three previous elections. The local paper said that he stood ‘on his own’ as the working man’s candidate. In his speech after the declaration he thanked everyone for having returned him at last. He assured them he would do his duty to the public as far as lay in his power when he got in to that chamber up there.(Laughter) He had been to see it that night and it was alright (Laughter). They had got a labour candidate this time (Loud cheers).His name was on the Market Extension (1905). This is now at Western International Market.
There were a number of families in Brentford called Pearce, see Pearce family page.
At his election he was described as a Waterman which would seem to point to him being the George Pearce baptised at St George’s Church on November 1st 1863. His father was George Clifford Pearce waterman living in Isleworth and his mother Ann Maria Pearce.
There is an article about Bargemen in Brentford in the Brentford & Chiswick LHS Journal no 16 2007 by David Blomfield (not accessible on line as yet, to join see www.brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk
In 1871 the family were in the High Street with George Clifford Pearce (31) a Beer House Keeper, wife, Annie M, George (7), Elizabeth (5), John (4), Richard (2) and Annie 5 months. They had one lodger.
By 1881 the High Street was numbered and they were at number 307 with George Clifford Pearce a lighterman again. John (14), Richard (12), Annie (10), William (8), Alfred (7), Ada (3) and Henry 7months but George wasn’t resident and I can’t find him in the census for that year. Perhaps he was working on the river that night and was missed.
TopHe was married at St Paul’s, Old Brentford on December 21st 1884 to Elizabeth Treadway.
He was described as a 21year old Lighterman of 307, High Street. Father George Clifford Pearce – lighterman.
Elizabeth’s address was given as Grosvenor Road. Her father was Richard Treadway labourer.
In the 1891 census George (27) – Waterman and Lizzie (27) were at 220, High Street with sons George (6), Albert (5) and daughter Nellie (3months). The head of the household was 21 year old Edward Treadway an Ironmonger.
This seems likely to be Lizzie’s younger brother.
Sarah Bates (24), a relative was also resident. She was a butcher’s assistant.
It seems likely that Lizzie died between this census and the one in 1901 although I can’t find a recorded death. She isn’t in the census on her own either.
In 1901 the census shows George (39) Lighterman (Barge is written over this) was at 14, Braemar Road, George C (15), Alfred (14), Nellie 11, Gertrude (7), Maud (5), Lily (2) and Ada 2months.
In the local directories George Pearce is at 52, Braemar Road in 1905 and at 41, Grosvenor Road in 1910 and 1912. In 1920/21 and 1924 a Geo Pearce is at 14, Braemar Road again and in 1930 at this address and another person with the same name at 4a Pump Alley.
One of these may actually be his son.
Pearce George of 3, Hanover Terrace, London Road , Isleworth Middlesex died June 26th 1939 at Hounslow Hospital, Hounslow Middlesex. Probate London to George Clifford Pearce lighterman and Frank Smith solicitor’s managing clerk.
Effects £866.14.1d
This death, aged 75 was registered in the June quarter 1939 Brentford 3a 239.
On a Watermen and Lightermen website (parishregister.com) a Richard Pearce is recorded as bound apprentice at Old Brentford 23.2.1809 to Thomas Brucas.
Freedom 5.6.1817.
Other material
Janet has also provided a newspaper account of his death and funeral which notes George Pearce was 'one of the famous eight Pearce brothers, whose rowing feats on the River Thames made local history'. To be added as time permits.Page published April 2012