The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Pearson, Hon. William
Pearson, Hon. William, M.L.C., one of the principal patrons of the turf in Australia, is the eldest son of Captain Hugh Pearson, R.N., of Hilton, parish of Kilmany, Fifeshire, Scotland, and was born on Sept. 20th, 1818, at Hilton. Arriving in Victoria in 1841, he commenced squatting in Gippsland, taking up the Lindenow station on the Mitchell river, and after that Kilmany Park, near the junction of the Latrobe and Thomson rivers. Mr. Pearson was returned to the Legislative Assembly as member for North Gippsland on two occasions—in 1868 and 1871—and now represents the Eastern Province in the Legislative Council. He is the largest shareholder in the famous Long Tunnel gold mine, Walhalla. As an owner and breeder of racehorses, he dates back to 1842, since which time he has won several hundred races and bred a large number of winners by Warlock and Vagabond. Mr. Pearson married in August 1859 Eliza Laura, daughter of H. J. Travers, formerly of the H.E.I.C. Civil Service.