My Genealogy Hound

ZENAS PIERCE, farmer and contractor; P. O. Troy; born on the place where he now resides the 17th of 4th month, 1834; is a son of Samuel Pierce, who was born in Virginia, and Milly Pierce, a native of North Carolina. Our subject’s father located in West Milton in 1809, where he lived three years, occupied in cabinetmaking; in 1812, he purchased 160 acres of land, on which Zenas now resides, 80 acres of which were purchased for $348; his mother, Milly Iddings, with her parents, came soon after, and located nearby in Newton Township; they were married here, and resided till their death; his father was born the 15th of 10th month, 1785, died 23d of 9th month, 1863; his mother was born on the 15th of 8th month, and departed this life in the 4th month, 1867; they were parents of thirteen children, eight of whom are living, viz., Gainor, William R., Elmira F., Samuel, Hannah C., John, Clarkson and Zenas; the deceased are Ruth, Margaret, Melinda, Mary B. and Benjamin. Our subject’s boyhood days were spent on his father’s farm and in attending the usual district school, in which he received his education; at the age of 18, he began his struggle with the world, and engaged in farming. On the 6th of 9th month, 1854, he was married to Eliza A. McCormick, by whom he has had seven children, six of whom are living, viz., Hannah M. (now Mrs. Burkett), John T., Samuel, Abraham L., Zenas K. and Rollin N.; the deceased, Clarkson P., aged 4 years; Mrs. Pierce departed this life Sunday, May 2, 1880; she was the daughter of Jacob and Hannah McCormick, once residents of Indiana, now deceased; her father died 15th of 2d month, 1872, aged 60 years 1 month and 4 days; her mother departed this life the 22d of 11th month, 1872, aged 61 years; they were parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are living, viz., Lucy A., Nancy, Eliza A., Robert H., William H., Elizabeth A., Lewis J., Hannah J. and Margaret; the deceased are Amy, Sylvania, Rohanna and Aaron. After his marriage, Zenas began life on the old home farm, on which he has since resided; he now owns 160 acres of land in this township and 60 lying opposite in Newton Township; his land is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved. He has been a life-long member of the Friends’ Church, and his deceased wife had been a member for many years; she was born in Indiana, the 8th of 10th month 1837.