Thomas Ernest Pearce facts for kids

Thomas Ernest Pearce (born February 19, 1883 – died December 19, 1941) was a British businessman. He was also a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, which means he helped make laws for Hong Kong.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Ernest Pearce was born on February 19, 1883. His father, Rev. Thomas William Pearce, was a missionary and translator in China for many years. He also helped a lot with education in Hong Kong.

Young Thomas went to a boarding school in Blackheath, South London, from 1896 to 1899. This school was called the School for the Sons of Missionaries, which later became Eltham College. Thomas was very good at sports, especially cricket and rugby.

In 1912, when the school moved to a new place, Thomas Pearce gave them a special award called the Blackheath Cup. This cup is still given today to students who are excellent in all sports.

Business Career

In 1903, Thomas Pearce started working for a trading company called J. D. Hutchison & Co.. He worked hard and, in 1917, he bought enough shares to become the main owner of the company from John Duflon Hutchison.

In 1922, he partnered with P. S. Cassidy. They even opened a branch office in Canton in 1929. Besides his own company, Pearce was also a leader (director and chairman) at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and many other important companies.

Public Service in Hong Kong

Thomas Pearce was very involved in public life in Hong Kong. In 1921, he was made a Justice of the Peace. This role means he had some legal duties, like helping to keep order and deal with minor legal matters.

He was also appointed to the Court of the University of Hong Kong in 1929. This meant he helped oversee the university's important decisions.

In March 1939, he became a member of the Legislative Council. This council helped make laws and important decisions for Hong Kong. He served there until Japan invaded Hong Kong in 1941.

Sports and Family

Thomas Pearce was a keen sportsman himself. He played cricket for Hong Kong. He was also the Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club from 1940 to 1941. This club is famous for horse racing.

He had two sons: Thomas Alexander Pearce and J. L. C. Pearce. His son, Thomas Alexander Pearce, also became a professional cricketer, just like his father.

Final Days

Thomas Pearce was a member of the Hong Kong Defence Reserve, a group that helped protect Hong Kong. During the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941, he bravely fought alongside a special group of older volunteers. They were defending the North Point Power Station, which was very important. Sadly, he was killed during this battle on December 19, 1941.