# Pierson — The Humbugs of the World character guide

> Pierson in The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Elijah Pierson, the unhappy Pierson

**First appearance:** 0057-xlv

## Who they are

A follower of Matthias who was murdered by the prophet.

## Relationships

### [Folger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/folger)

_psychological_

Folger and Pierson share a tense, possibly manipulative relationship, with Folger exerting influence over Pierson.

## In the story

### [XLIV Diamond cut diamond; or, yankee superstitions—Matthias the impostor—New York follies thirty years ago.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/xliv)

Elijah Pierson, a wealthy merchant and disciple who believed himself Elijah the Tishbite and later John the Baptist, and who died under suspicious circumstances.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/pierson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters