Anthony Pearson was an English Quaker. In 1648, he became secretary to Sir Arthur Hesilrige. He acted as clerk and registrar of the committee for compounding from its appointment in 1649 and became a
Quaker in 1663. He wrote in reprobation of the persecution of the Friends and enlarged on the same theme in a personal interview with Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland....

. In 1654 he published his well-known work, The Great Case of Tythes truly stated (latest edition, 1850). His loyalty was suspected after the Restoration

English Restoration

The Restoration of the English monarchy began in 1660 when the English, Scottish and Irish monarchies were all restored under Charles II after the Interregnum that followed the Wars of the Three Kingdoms...

. He renounced his faith in his endeavour to stand well with government. In 1665, he was the under-sheriff for Durham.