John R. Pierce is the son of Benjamin Pierce and Lydia Ann Everingham Pierce.


Fort Collins Express Courier
Sunday, June 3, 1934

John R. Pierce, Pioneer, Dies

John R. Pierce, 79, a true pioneer of the West, died at his home, 18 South Whitcomb street, shortly after midnight Saturday morning following a prolonged illness. Pneumonia was given as the cause of his death.

Mr. Pierce had been a semi-invalid the last eight years, having suffered a severe case of influenza at the beginning of this period which left him in a weakened condition. Mr. Pierce spent two months in California the past fall and winter, returning to Fort Collins in January. His health was much improved when he came back, but within two weeks after his return he was taken ill with pneumonia and never rallied from the illness.

John Pierce was the last surviving member of a family of eleven brothers and sisters. His widow, Mrs. Jennie Pierce, two daughters and a son survive. Mrs. S. J. Robinson of 130 West Lake street, Fort Collins, Mrs. John W. McArthur of Denver and Anthony Pierce of Oakland, Calif., are the daughters and son. Mr. Pierce is now on his way from California. Mrs. McArthur came Friday night.

Funeral services will not be arranged until the son comes to Fort Collins.

Two children have preceded Mr. Pierce in death. Lester R. Pierce was killed in action in the World war, and a daughter, Mrs. Ethel May Robb, late of Fort Collins, died in December, 1923.

Born January 14, 1855, in Wayne county, Ind., John Pierce spent his earlier years in the central states. He came West as a young man and among his pioneering experiences was being employed by an Omaha firm in the late seventies and early eighties to drive sheep from California to Wyoming range lands.

In recounting this experience recently, Mr. Pierce laughed over the fact that the men driving the sheep herds could reach their destination before men driving cattle, because the cattle had to stop to graze and the sheep could eat as they traveled.

Mr. Pierce returned to the north central states and was married February 20, 1887 in Iowa. The family remained there until 1906, when they came to Fort Collins from Iowa Falls, Ia. to locate, living here the past 28 years. Mr. Pierce was a farmer. He was affiliated with the Christian church in Iowa.