My Genealogy Hound

PITT J. PIERCE. The pioneers of southwestern Michigan have a worthy representative in this venerable man, who is spending the twilight of his life at his pleasant home in Buchanan. He was born in Hamburgh, Erie County, N. Y., on the 9th of November, 1817. His grandfather, Giles, and his father, George Pierce, were both natives of Vermont, and the latter was an active participant; in the War of 1812. The mother of our subject, Lydia Littlefield, was also born in the Green Mountain State, and her brother was at one time the Sheriff of Buffalo, N. Y.

After their marriage the parents of our subject located on a farm in Erie County, N. Y., and there resided until about 1827, when they removed to Ohio and made settlement about seven miles south of Painesville. In 1850 they came to Berrien County, where the father died at the age of four-score years. The mother passed away when seventy-five years of age. They had three sons who grew to manhood, but one of these is now deceased. The survivors are Pitt J., and George. The first-named was a lad of ten years when he removed to Ohio with his parents and there grew to a sturdy and self-reliant manhood.

In 1840, with his wife and child and less than $6 as his entire capital, Mr. Pierce came to Michigan and established a home for his family in Berrien County. Upon the present site of New Troy, then covered with a dense forest growth, he located and commenced to improve a farm. Although he had innumerable obstacles to encounter during those early days, he was hopeful, ambitious and not easily discouraged. In a short time the farm was placed under cultivation, and with a golden tribute each year repaid him for his exertions. Years passed by, and as the seasons came and went the value of the land increased, and its improvements caused it to rank as one of the best farms in the county. In 1891, after a half-century of toil, Mr. Pierce retired to the rest so richly merited and deservedly won. He now rents his three hundred and thirty acre estate and derives a fair income therefrom.

In Hamden, Ohio, in 1839, occurred the marriage of Pitt J. Pierce to Miss Mary Hill, a native of the Buckeye State. Three children were born of the union, but one died in infancy. A. W., a resident of Troy, is one of the most prominent men in that community and is now officiating as Justice of the Peace. Lucinda M. married R. B. Jennings, a retired farmer living in Buchanan. The second marriage of Mr. Pierce occurred in 1890 and united him with Mrs. Julia A. Hess, the widow of Michael Hess. Mrs. Pierce was born and reared in Ohio, and is a lady of many worthy qualities, being amiable, cultured and hospitable. Although for many years a Republican, Mr. Pierce has recently changed his political views somewhat, and now supports the principles of Democracy.