Pearce, T. M. (Thomas Matthews), 1902-

Writer and Professor of English, born Covington, Kentucky, 1902, died Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1986.

From the description of Thomas M. Pearce Papers 1462-1985. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 21176528

Educator and author. Born May 22, 1902, at Covington, Kentucky. Moved to New Mexico in 1927 and taught English at the University of New Mexico as an assistant, then associate professor until his retriement in 1964. His published works include "America in the Southwest, A Regional Anthology," edited with Telfair Hendon (1933), "Lane of the Llano" (1936), "The Beloved House" (1940), and "Mary Austin" (1965).

From the description of Papers, 1936. (Texas Tech University). WorldCat record id: 24768351

Thomas Matthews Pearce was a Professor of English at the University of New Mexico for over 35 years and the author of numerous books and articles on the English language and folklore. He was born in Covington, Kentucky, 1902, died Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1986.

From the guide to the Thomas M. Pearce Pictorial Collection, 1905-1985, (Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.)

T.M. Pearce. (PICT 000-255, Box 1, Folder 2)

Thomas Matthews Pearce was Professor of English at the University of New Mexico for over 35 years and the author of numerous books and articles on the English language and folklore. Born in Covington, Kentucky, May 22, 1902, Pearce was educated in public schools in Missoula, Montana and graduated from Montana University. He received his MA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1925 and was an instructor there until 1927 when he came to New Mexico as assistant professor. He went back to Pittsburgh and received his PhD in 1930, then returned to New Mexico where he became a full professor and served as English department chair, 1939-51. He retired from teaching in 1964.

Pearce researched in the areas of the evolution of the English language, Elizabethan literature and Southwestern literature and folklore, producing 16 books and many articles and essays. His books include anthologies, dictionaries, collections of verse and folktales and biographies of Mary Austin, Jim Cook, Oliver La Farge and Alice Corbin Henderson. His most popular publication was NEW MEXICO PLACE NAMES, 1965. Based on collections begun under the New Mexico Writers' Project, the book was a best seller for the University of New Mexico Press and was updated and republished in 1975.

Pearce was a founding member of the New Mexico Folklore Society, 1931, editor of the NEW MEXICO QUARTERLY, 1930-39, a founding member of the Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association, 1947, associate editor of WESTERN FOLKLORE, 1949-65 and an active member of several other organizations including the American Name Society and the New Mexico Art League.

Helen Spang Pearce, an award winning artist and Pearce's wife, illustrated SOUTHWESTERNERS WRITE, a collection edited by T.M. Pearce and collaborated with Pearce and Ina Sizer Cassidy on NEW MEXICO PLACE NAMES. The Pearces shared an interest in local art, especially traditional New Mexico Native American and Spanish arts. Mrs. Pearce designed their home which was built on the UNM campus at 1712 Sigma Chi Road. Dr. Pearce was active in research, publication and professional and community affairs until his death on November 9, 1986.

From the guide to the Thomas M. Pearce Papers, 1904-1985, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)