Early Life
Pearson was born at Islington, London, fourth son (and tenth child) of the Rev. John Norman Pearson, M.A., then principal of the Church Missionary College, Islington, and Harriet née Puller. Pearson spent his early childhood in Islington and Tunbridge Wells and was home educated until he went to Rugby School at the age of thirteen, where at first did well. Later on, coming into conflict with one of the masters, he was withdrawn by his father and sent first to a private tutor and then to King's College London, where he came under the influence of John Sherren Brewer and Frederick Maurice. In 1849 he matriculated at Oriel College, Oxford. Not enjoying teaching, he devoted most of his energy to the Oxford Union, of which he was elected president in 1852–53, and was associated with some of the most distinguished men of his period. Pearson began to study medicine, but two years later had a serious attack of pleurisy while on holiday in Ireland and as a result discontinued his studies because medical life was considered arduous.
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