George Francis Pierce (1838-1919) papers

Description

Series XXV, George Francis Pierce (1838-1919) papers, 1773-1906, undated (#2.17-2.31), contains correspondence; genealogical material; research notes; printed material; a speech; a will; and material relating to club/ organization activities. The correspondence and genealogical material includes letters and research notes pertaining to Pierce's research on Pierce family genealogy. The letters primarily focus on genealogical queries related to the Pierce and Moseley families. Correspondents include Colonel William C. [? Capelly], Frederick C. Moseley, Charles B. Elder, Edward Everett Hale, and a Miss Laymaid. The letter from Colonel William C. [? Capelly], Assistant Adjutant General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is written in response to Pierce's inquiry about Pierce's grandfather, Lewis Pierce's (1786-1874) service in the War of 1812; it verifies Lewis Pierce's (1786-1874) service with the Dorchester militia in 1814. The letter from Edward Everett Hale asks Pierce for information about the Everett House in Dorchester, Massachusetts. A brief note from Charles B. Elder contains a printed image of a pen and ink portrait entitled: "Pres. G. F. Pierce." The notes on Pierce family genealogy are primarily comprised of names and dates jotted down on small slips of papers. Pierce's notes on the Moseley family genealogy is presumably a draft of a letter sent to Pierce's third cousin, Frederick C. Moseley (dates unknown); Pierce is thanked in an 1897 letter received from Moseley. Pierce's notes entitled, "Wentworths of Punkapauque" contain brief bits of information on the Wentworth family. The forty-page manuscript is a speech that was delivered by Pierce to the Dorchester Historical Society in 1896. The manuscript describes the history of the Pierce family in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and the Pierce House, tracing successive generations from Robert Pierce (ca.1600-1664) down through Pierce's own father, Lewis Francis Pierce (1809-1888). The manuscript includes excerpts from deeds, wills, and other documents included within the Pierce family papers (MS023).

Among the printed material is a booklet entitled, Sundry Rules and Directions for Drawing up a Regiment, Posting the Officers, &c (Boston, 1733; reprinted 1773); it is inscribed with Pierce's signature. The booklet possibly belonged to Colonel Samuel Pierce (1739-1815), as indicated by the subject matter and date of work. Other booklets, a pamphlet, and a clipping also comprise the printed material. Other related material reflects Pierce's active involvement in organizations related to Pierce's genealogical and historical interests, and include the Sons of the American Revolution and the Society for the War of 1812. In 1899, Pierce was presented with the commemorative bronze medal of George Washington (1732-1799) in honor of Pierce's term as fourth president of the Boston Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. The medal depicts the 1790 medal commemorating Washington as sculpted by the French artist Pierre Simon Benjamin DuVivier (1731-1819) in Paris; the verso depicts Washington overlooking Boston, Massachusetts, on Evacuation Day (March 17, 1776). Material related to the Society for the War of 1812 includes Pierce's 1906 correspondence with Curtis Guild, Jr., Governor of Massachusetts, regarding arrangements for the presentation of a reproduction flag of the War of 1812 to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The correspondence also include letters of inquiry to William Howard Taft (1857-1930), Secretary of War, and the response from F.C. Anisworth, regarding the correct appearance of the American flag in 1812. An invitation to the presentation ceremony, research notes, and notes for the remarks made by Pierce at the presentation are also included. Also contained within the series a 1916 handwritten will signed by Pierce. The series is arranged alphabetically by topic, then by record type.