A finished artisan in the silk spinning industry, Fred Pearson was for nearly a quarter of a century associated with his occupation in Providence, where he served as assistant superintendent of the American Silk Spinning Company’s plant.
Mr. Pearson was a man of quiet and retiring disposition, who was fond of his home and loved his garden and flowers. He made many friends, among whom were a number of intimates who were privileged to enjoy his charming Old World hospitality. He took an interest in everything pertaining to the good fortune of the community in which he lived and was a keen and critical student of the political situation, although he never entered into any of its activities. He was an able man in his business and a good citizen of Rhode Island, whose vacant place will not be readily filled.
Born in Brighouse, Yorkshire, England, May 1, 1862, he was a son of Samuel and Betty Pearson, and was educated in his native land, there also learning the spinning trade and remaining there until 1899, when he came to America. Here he became associated with the American Silk Spinning Company and was sent to its plant at Whitehall, New York, where he remained until 1906, when he was transferred to Providence. Here he was first made foreman dresser, from which he rose to be assistant superintendent of the plant in 1913 .
Mr. Pearson attended St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church and was a member of the British Club. His death occurred in Providence, October 3, 1929.
Fred Pearson married Mary Prewry, of Lincolnshire, England. Their children were:
- George P., who married Emily Hickey, and they are the parents of the following children: Walter, Audrey, and Esther.
- Stanley, who married Lillian Kaiser, and they are the parents of the following children: Stanley, Shirley, and Kenneth.
- Mary Alice, who married Edward Crabtree, and have children, as follows: Donald and Ruth.
Mr. Pearson will be remembered by a large circle of loyal friends for his genial personality and kindly nature, while to the industrial element of Providence, which came to appreciate his high attainments, his passing was a permanent loss to commercial progress.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.