Comments
VENN: Adm. pens. (age 18) at ST JOHN'S, May 7, 1763. S. of William, surgeon, of Cornwall. B. Dec. 3, 1744 (G. Mag.). Bapt. Dec. 3, 1744 (Biblio. Cornub.), at St Keverne. School, Helston. ' Matric. Michs. 1763; Scholar; Chancellor's medal, 1767; prizeman; B.A. (3rd Wrangler) 1767; M.A. 1770; B.D. 1778; D.D. 1787. Fellow, 1768-88; tutor, and President, 1781-7. Orator, 1778-88. Master of Jesus, 1789-1820. Vice-Chancellor, 1789-90 and 1806-7. Ord. deacon (Lincoln, Litt. dim. from Norwich) July 12, 1767; priest (Peterb.) June 14, 1772; C. of Ashley and Kirtling, Cambs., 1767. R. of Miningsby, Lincs., 1774-86. Whitehall Preacher, 1772. R. of Houghton Conquest, Beds., 1786-1820. Master of the Temple, 1787-97. Cole said of his appointment as Orator, Mr Pearce has every qualification but person and manner. Gunning writes, Dr Barnes laid down his office of Vice-Chancellor on 3rd Nov. 1789, and the greater part of his speech consisted of a violent Philippic against the Bishop of Ely. On the following day Dr Pearce was elected, and his speech, from beginning to end, was an unqualified eulogium on the same Prelate, from whom he had received the Mastership of Jesus. R. of Wentworth, Isle of Ely, 1799-1820. Dean of Ely, 1797-1820. Married, Apr. 21, 1795, Anne, eldest dau. of the Rev. Walter Serocold, of Cherry Hinton, Cambs. Author, Sermons. Died Nov. 14, 1820, at Jesus College, Lodge. M.I. in the College Chapel. Father of Edward S. (1813). (St John's Coll. Adm., III. 689; Northants. Clergy; Boase, Biblio. Cornub., 438; G. Mag., 1820, II. 466.)