Pierce, John H. 1822 - 1905

PIERCE, HITCHCOCK, RICE, SMITH

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:45

Source: Decorah Republican May 11, 1905 P3 C3

Another Pioneer Gone.
Little did the Decorah friends of John H. Pierce, Burr Oak, suspect when shaking hands with him on Tuesday last week that his years were within a week of ending. But such proved the case. The news came this Tuesday but we are without details save that he was seriously ill for only two days, he had been an invalid for a year previous. Fuller particulars of this event are given by our Burr Oak correspondent. It is mentioned therein that he entered as a preemption the land he farmed for almost fifty years, and owned until his death. There are few such veterans remaining. Peace to his ashes. We knew him for a genial, kind-hearted man who loved his neighbors and was a valued citizen.

Source: Decorah Republican May 11, 1905 P7 C3

Death has again come into our community and taken a valued member of society. J H Pierce, one of the early pioneers, died on the 6th and his funeral was largely attended at the M. E. church on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Lee, officiating. Mr. Pierce had been for several days visiting his daughter, Mrs. Sam Rice and family; went to Decorah on Tuesday; Wednesday was up town visiting with several old friends; read the newspapers in the post office, and was feeling as well as common. On Thursday Mr. Rice took him to his own home, but wishing to see his son S. A. he came back with Mr. R. that far, and stayed over night. Here he was taken sick, the doctor was speedily summoned and all was done that loving hands could do, but in less than 48 hours “he was not, for God took him.” Mr. Pierce was the last one living that pre-empted land in Burr Oak township. He took great interest in beautifying our cemetery and it was through his solicitations that funds were raised to put a substantial fence about it. He was a public spirited man and, held many offices of trust in the township. John Henry Pierce was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., July 17 1822. In 1841 he moved to McHenry Co., Ill., and in 1854 came to Iowa, locating on the farm in Burr Oak where he has since resided. June 11th, 1843, he was united in marriage to Vesta A. Hitchcock. To them seven children were born, five of whom are living: Charles U., Stephen A., Alonzo K.. Mrs. Sam Rice and Mrs. Dan Smith, all residing in this vicinity The mother with two of her children, John W. and Harriet E., have gone on before. Six grandsons were bearers—Messrs, John W. Herbert, Harry, Curl, John Pierce and Alonzo Smith.

Burr Oak Cemetery
 

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