Edward W. Pearson Sr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Walton Pearson, Sr.
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1937 portrait of Edward W. Pearson, Sr.
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| Born | January 25, 1872 |
| Died | July 4, 1946 |
| Spouse(s) | Annis Bradshaw Pearson |
| Children | Iola Pearson Byers, Annette Pearson Cotton, and Edward W. Pearson, Jr. |
| Parent(s) | Sindy and Edward Pearson |
Edward Walton Pearson, Sr. (born January 25, 1872 – died July 4, 1946) was an important African-American leader. He was a successful businessman and a Buffalo Soldier who fought in the Spanish–American War. Pearson was also a strong voice for civil rights and loved sports.
In 1906, he moved to Asheville, North Carolina. There, he became known as the "Black Mayor of West Asheville." This was because he helped build and improve African-American neighborhoods and community life.
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Early Life and Army Service
Edward Pearson was born in 1872 in Glen Alpine, North Carolina. His parents were Sindy and Edward Pearson. He went to public school until the fourth grade.
Later, he became interested in mining and moved to Jellico, Tennessee. He joined the US Army in 1893. He served as a Buffalo Soldier in the 9th Cavalry, Troop B. He was stationed at Fort Robinson in Nebraska. He served during the Spanish-American War until 1898.
After leaving the Army, Pearson lived in Chicago, Illinois. He continued his education by taking special courses. These courses covered topics like insurance, business, religion, and law.
Building Businesses and Communities
After moving to Asheville, Pearson started developing land. He worked with Rutherford Platt Hayes to create new neighborhoods. These areas, like Burton Street (once called Pearson Park) and Park View, were built for African-American families. He also sold real estate for Hayes, who was the son of President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Pearson did more than just real estate. He ran a general store in West Asheville. This store was the main place for his other businesses. He also started an insurance company called Mountain City Mutual Insurance Company. Plus, he had a mail-order shoe business called Piedmont Shoe Company.
The Agricultural Fair
Pearson cared deeply about making life better for African Americans in Asheville. He even gave land, known as Pearson Park, to the City of Asheville. This park was in the Burton Street Community.
In 1914, he started the Buncombe County and District Agricultural Fair. This fair was one of the biggest in the Southeast. People of all races came from all over North and South Carolina to visit. The fair had fun rides, games, and animal shows. There were also contests for things like baked goods and flower arrangements. The fair happened every year until 1947, a year after Pearson passed away. It was later brought back as the Burton Street Agricultural Fair.
Baseball and Sports
Edward Pearson loved sports, especially baseball. In 1916, he created Asheville's first black semi-professional baseball team. They were called the Asheville Royal Giants. The team played at Oates Park and sometimes at Pearson Park.
Playing baseball was not a full-time job for these players. Many of them worked at places like Biltmore Estate or in hotels. In 1921, Pearson also started the Blue Ridge Colored Baseball League. He became its first president.
Other Important Groups
Pearson was very active in many community groups. In 1933, he helped start the Asheville branch of the NAACP. He was also its first president. The NAACP works to ensure equal rights for all people.
He also led the Asheville chapters of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. This group worked to unite and empower people of African descent. Pearson was also a member of several fraternal groups. These included the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Freemasons. He even became a Grand Master in the Freemasons.
Family Life
Edward Pearson and his family lived in a home behind his general store in West Asheville. His wife was Annis Bradshaw Pearson. They had two daughters, Iola Pearson Byers and Annette Pearson Cotton. They also had one son, Edward W. Pearson Jr.
Lasting Legacy
Edward Pearson's impact is still remembered in Asheville today. In 2008, a special sign was put up to honor him. In 2014, a large mural was painted on the Burton Street Community Center. This mural celebrated the 100th anniversary of the fair he started. The fair was brought back in the 21st century and is now called the Burton Street Agricultural Fair.
