My Genealogy Hound

Albert Pierce, of Jonesboro Township, is the oldest living settler, in point of location, in Craighead County and Northeast Arkansas. He was born in Giles County, Tenn., September 12, 1826, and is the son of John Pierce, also a native of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas in 1831, locating in Poinsett (now Craighead) County. He was one of the first settlers of the county, and took a deep and active interest in its early formation. Though a farmer by occupation, he hunted much in early days, and devoted much time to stock-raising. He at one time owned 320 acres of land. His wife was Nancy Maguire, also a native of Tennessee, and of their ten children, seven are now living, four daughters and three sons, all residents of this county. The father is dead, but the mother is still living in full possession of all her mental and physical faculties. She is eighty-three years of age, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Cacry, widow of John Cacry. Albert Pierce was but six years of age when he came with his father to this county, and has lived within ten miles of his present farm for almost sixty years. He had no educational opportunities in childhood, but has been an energetic farmer and stock raiser all his life, the result of which is a large farm of 180 acres, with 100 under cultivation. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and is a Democrat. In 1844 he was married to Rebecca Simmons, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Simmons, residents of this county. Of the ten children born to them nine are yet living. They are Mary, wife of Franklin Lee; Franklin, married Caroline Howell; David, married Mrs. Emily Smith; Samuel, married Jane Lusk; John, married Mrs. Harriet Smith; Joseph, married Sarah Smith; Nancy, wife of Thomas Sheffield; Calvin and George. Mr. Pierce is esteemed for his strict integrity, and has attained a reputation among his many friends which will live after him.