| Notes |
- John Adrian Peirce, son of John and Jane Catherine Peirce, was born in Xenia, III., near what is now the Boyer home, on March 12, 1843.
At the age of 3 years, he, with his parents, moved to the little house on the site where later the old home was erected and from which his spirit took its flight on Monday morning, Feb. 8, 1926, at 10:45 o'clock.
He had been gently declining in health for several months, but never until Friday morning, three days before his death, failed to arise in the early morning and remain up for the entire day.
His early life was spent on the farm. As soon as the Civil War broke out he entered the service, first of the state, in May 1861, but June 13, 1861, was mustered into the U. S. service, Co. O., 21st 111. Vol. Infantry under the command of General Grant. This was the first regiment to march out of the state and on Oct. 21, 1861, were in their first engagement at Fredrlcktown, Mo. In October 1861, he was taken into the adjutant's office as orderly at headquarters. He served in this capacity till March 12, 1866, when he was promoted to sergeant major, and Sept. 6th, 1865, was mustered in by special order as extra lieutenant and adjutant, which office he continued to hold until close of war. He had all of the experiences of the soldier in his marches and counter marches, in tent life and on the battlefield
The 21st was in the siege of Corinth, at Perryvllle, Stone River, on the Chlckamauga campaign, and in the fights at Franklin and Nashville, Tenn.
He was discharged at San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 16, 1866, after serving his country for four years and eight months.
In 1874 the society of the 21st Ill. Vol. was organized and meetings were held annually for 47 consecutive years. He looked forward to these reunions with great pleasure and rarely missed one of them.
After retiring from the service, his occupation was varied until in 1878 he opened a machine shop, being known in late years as the Orchard City Machine works and foundry. This business was conducted by him until 1917, when he retired, after conducting the business for 39 years.
He was converted and Joined the M. E. church about 56 years ago and continued faithful in the service of his Master until the close of life. He served the church in various capacities. Twenty-five years as S. S. superintendent and a longer period on the official board, only retiring when the infirmities of age rendered him unable to perform the duties of the office.
He was marrled to Fidella V. Westmoreland on Jan. 12, 1868. To this union was born five daughters. Two have preceded him to the better world, Helenora dying in fancy and Sarah Elizabeth at the age of three years.
He Is survived by his wife, who has been his faithful companion for fifty-eight years sharing his sorrows and increasing his joys, three daughtersMlss Nellie of Xenia, Mrs. J. I.. Bradley of St. Louis, and Mrs. F. W. Stout of Ashkum, Ill.; one grandson, Curtis Pelrce Bradley; one niece, Mrs. C. E. Johnson, of Homer, Ill.; and one nephew, N. T. Peirce, of Los Angeles, Cal. All of these, with the exception of the latter, together with J. L. Bradley, were with him when the end came.
........................................................
Funeral services were conducted from the M. E. church on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 10th, at 1 o'clock. Rev. C. McDuffee and Rev. McCracken officiating.
Interment was made in I. O. O. F. cemetery, the burial service being in charge of Orphan's Hope Lodge, of which he had been a member for almost fifty years. He had for almost this half century been one of the pillars on which this lodge has stood. In his loss we feel the loss of one of its strongest and faithful members.
In respect to his memory all business houses were closed during the funeral.
Those from out of town attending the funeral were: F. W. Stout, Ashkum, Ill.: J. L. Bradley, St. Louis; P. A. Easley, Indianapolis; From Flora I. O. O. F. LodgeW. W. Yeck, F. B. Naney, Homer Henson, B. A. Copelin and Phil Croughan. Others from FloraMra. B. M. Mexey, Mrs. J. B. Gahan, Mrs, F. Tonney, Mrs. K. S. Pritchett, Mrs. C. T. Wilson. Mrs. E. A. Medley. Mrs. A. F. Churcbwell, Miss Osa Churcbwell, Mrs. J. A. Mann and Mrs. C. W. Venable. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Tate and Miss Anna Blair of Lawrenceville.
(The Flora Journal-Record, February 25, 1926)
|
1843 - 1926 (82 years)
