My Great-Great-Grandfather, William Pierce
Story supplied by Clark W. Nicholls about his Great-Great-Grandfather William Pierce, born September 4, 1821, died January 27, 1901 at age 79. Story taken from clippings published in Pittsfield newspapers available on film for viewing at the Local History & Genealogy Department at Berkshire Athenaeum.
Sketch of His Life - Facts About His Death; William Pierce Obituary
The Evening Journal
Pittsfield Massachusetts; January 28, 1901
William Pierce, born September 4, 1821, died January 27, 1901 at age 79.
William Pierce of 37 Union Street and owner of the Pierce block was found dead in his building on North Street Sunday night at 11 o'clock by his son-in-law and his daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bertrand S. Packard. He had been dead several hours when found.
Mrs. Bertrand A. Packard, daughter of Mr. Pierce, with whom she lived at 37 Union Street said this afternoon:
"My father had not been in good health for some time. He had neuralgia and had been unable to sleep much at a time. For the past three or four days he had been much better and at the dinner table Sunday my husband remarked how well father was looking.
"Sunday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock he left the house to go to the block on North street where he had an office and where he kept a fire in that room. As he did not return I went to the block to look for him at about 9 o'clock. I found the door locked. I went out and around the block to ascertain if there was a light there and found none.
"When my husband came home I told him of father's absence. He went to my brother's and then to the block and forced the door of the office.
"In a room opening out of the office was father. He was dead. He was fully dressed and had his overcoat and hat on. A hammer lay near him. He had evidently been at work fixing a window when death occurred. The drafts had been opened in the stove and there was no light burning. He must have died early in the afternoon, soon after he had arrived at the block."
Assistant Medical Examiner Colt viewed the body and gave permission for its removal to 37 Union street. Heart disease was the cause of death.
Mr. Pierce was 80 years old. He was born in West Boylston, Mass., September 4, 1821. He learned the cabinet making trade in Worcester and in 1850 came to this city and started in the melodeon and organ-making business. He formed co-partnership with his cousin, a Mr. Cutting, and for a long time the firm name was Pierce and Cutting. Later Mr. Pierce opened a piano and organ sales room in the Pierce block which he had built and until Wood Bros. opened business here it was the only music store in this city. Some years ago Mr. Pierce went out of business but has always maintained an office in his block.
He married Miss Elizabeth Henderson of West Boylston in 1844. The surviving children of the union are William A. of this city, H.C. of Arlington NJ, Harry G. of Radford, VA. and Mrs. B.A. Packard of Pittsfield. Two brothers Levi M. of Springfield, Edward of West Boylston and 3 sisters, Mrs. George Parks of Worcester, Mrs. A. Wilcox of Uxbridge and Mrs. Jane Pierce Newton of this city, also survive. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.