William Pearce (Manufacturing chemist)

William Pearce (c.1819 - 18 June 1891) was a businessman and educationist.

Pearce established a business as a manufacturing chemist in the East End of London.

In 1870 he was elected to the first London School Board as one of the representatives of Tower Hamlets. He owed his election to the votes of "Wesleyan" Methodists, and supported the board's policy of opening non-denominational schools. He was defeated at the next school board election in 1873 by the Reverend Joseph Bardsley of the "Church" Party who supported denominational schools.

He died at his home in Snaresbrook in the Essex suburbs of London aged 82.

His son, also named William Pearce was also a member of the London School Board before becoming a member of the London County Council and a member of parliament.