My Genealogy Hound

CHAUNCEY H. PIERCE, a prominent insurance agent and real estate dealer of Northampton, was born in Amherst, Mass., May 16, 1848, son of Chauncey and Florilla Cooley Pierce. Some of the best blood of the early Puritans of New England courses through his veins. He is a descendant of John Pers, a weaver, who emigrated from England in 1654, and settled in Watertown, Mass.

Chauncey Pierce, father of Mr. Pierce, was a native of Amherst, born in 1816. He was a well-known carriage-maker, and died in 1849. His wife, who was a native of Sunderland, bore her husband four children, as follows: Jane W., who died when thirteen years old; Edwin H., who married, located in Springfield, and died in 1886, aged forty-five years; Ellen M., the wife of Ira A. Harvey, of Northampton; and Chauncey H., the subject of this article, and with whom the mother, a bright and intelligent woman of eighty-eight years makes her home.

Chauncey H. Pierce began his career as a self-supporting member of society when twelve years old, entering Marsh’s book store as a clerk, and remaining five years. He was next employed as a salesman in Merritt Clark’s clothing store, and was afterward engaged in the insurance office of Allen & Pratt for six months. Becoming familiar with the insurance business, he became general agent for the Union Mutual Life Insurance Company, giving his entire attention to that business for a year. Mr. Pierce was then offered by A. Perry Peck a half-interest in his fire insurance agency, which he accepted. They began business in 1871, under the firm name of Peck & Pierce. After ten years Mr. Peck retired, leaving Mr. Pierce to conduct the business alone. Mr. Pierce has dealt extensively in mortgages, besides being largely interested in various monetary enterprises. With A. McCallum he organized the Northampton Electric Light Company, and for several years was its Manager and Treasurer. He holds the office of Treasurer still. He is also one of the Directors of the Northampton National Bank, a Trustee of the Academy of Music, was a member of the last Board of Selectmen of the old town, a President of the Common Council of the new city for three years, and is now one of the Committee of Trust Funds.

Mr. Pierce was married October 13, 1870, to Isabella D. Lewis, of this city, a daughter of Lucius and Arabella (Warner) Lewis, both natives of Suffield, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have two children: Mabel A., born October 16, 1872, who is an accomplished pianist, having graduated under the private instruction of the eminent Professor Blodgett; and Alvin L., born January 15, 1880, who is a pupil of Williston Seminary. Mr. Pierce has gained a high standing in the community.