Sanderson Pearcy: Entrepreneur and Community Builder
1841–1917
Prospect Cemetery
Section 12 Lot 20
Born on April 23, 1841, in Toronto, Sanderson Pearcy left his hometown at 21 to seek fortune in British Columbia’s goldfields. Over the next decade, he amassed wealth through mining ventures before returning to Toronto in 1874. Pearcy established a successful paint manufacturing business, Sanderson Pearcy & Co., which became one of the city’s most trusted brands. By 1905, he incorporated the company as a limited firm, inviting loyal employees to become shareholders – a progressive move for its time.
Pearcy was deeply involved in civic life. A 32nd-degree Freemason affiliated with the Ashlar Lodge, he also belonged to the Irish Protestant Benevolent Society, reflecting his commitment to philanthropy and fraternal ideals. Known for his love of fine horses, Pearcy maintained elegant stables at his Bloor Street and Avenue Road estate, later the site of the long-defunct Pearcy House restaurant.
Pearcy died of diabetes on August 27, 1917, at age 76. His legacy lives on through his contributions to Toronto’s industrial growth and community life. Today, his grave in Prospect Cemetery reminds us of a man who combined entrepreneurial success with civic responsibility.
Sources:
• Mount Pleasant Group – Sanderson Pearcy
• City of Toronto – Council Report referencing the “Pearcy House” façade at 96 Bloor St. W.
• Numista – 1897 Pearcy’s Paints advertising medal
