Pierce, Alonzo Elroy 1860 – 1946
PIERCE, HITCHCOCK, SMITH, KIMBER, COOK, HAYES, RICE, DYBVIK
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/22/2015 at 15:22:13
ALONZO ELROY PIERCE.
Alonzo Elroy Pierce is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 18, Burr Oak township, a tract that has remained in possession of the family since 1854. Mr. Pierce was born on this farm, July 24, 1860, a son of J. H. and Vesta (Hitchcock) Pierce, both of whom were natives of Schoharie county, New York. In 1854 they journeyed to the middle west and the father purchased the farm now owned by our subject, paying for the same the usual government price of a dollar and a quarter per acre, the tract constituting the northeast quarter of section 18, Burr Oak township. Here he undertook the arduous task of clearing and breaking his land and making a home in a wild and unsettled country. He eventually became one of the influential men of the county. He was a republican in his political views and served several terms as collector of his township, while he also filled the office of township trustee and various other public offices. Although not a member of any religious organization he was a liberal supporter of the church. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pierce were seven children, as follows: C. H., a resident of Canton, Minnesota: Stephen A., who died leaving a widow and seven children; Henrietta, the wife of Samuel Rice, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Marietta, the wife of Daniel Smith, of Fremont township, Winneshiek county; John W., who died June 4, 1878; Alonzo E., of this review; and Harriet M., who became the wife of Ira Kimber, and departed this life May 13, 1892. The parents were married in Conklin, Broome county, New York, June 8, 1843, and therefore had lived happily together for more than a half century when they were separated by the death of the wife and mother, who departed this life April 13, 1895, at the age of seventy years, for her birth occurred June 25, 1825. The father survived for a number of years and passed away May 6, 1905, at the age of eighty-three, his birth having occurred July 17, 1822.
Alonzo Elroy Pierce, who is the sixth in order of birth in his father's family, was reared to farm life, being trained from an early age in the work of the fields and the care of the crops. He is now the owner of the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which has always been in possession of father or son, from the time it came from the hands of the government. He is devoting his entire time to his private business affairs and is meeting with the success which he so justly deserves.
Mr. Pierce has been twice married. He first wedded, December 28, 1881, Miss Annis Cook, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, August 10, 1863. and who by her marriage became the mother of two daughters and two sons: Florence, now the wife of William Hayes, who resides in Fremont township, this county; John H., who resides at Kendallville, in Fremont township; Frank A., at home; and Maude, who makes her home with an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Rice of this county. The wife and mother departed this life January 30, 1895, when but thirty-two years of age, and the father was again married, June 9, 1897, to Jannette M. Dybvik, who is a native of Winneshiek county, her natal day being February 25, 1872. There is one daughter of this union, Ethel May.
Mr. Pierce, who is quiet and unassuming in manner, leads the industrious life of the farmer, giving his entire time and attention to his private business affairs.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913
Burr Oak Cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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