Mark Pierce Co. K., 22nd* Regt. Pa. C. Troops Died May 10, 1909 Aged 78 Years** *Engraving looks like it might say "23rd" regiment, but records show him in the 22nd. **Engraving gives his age as "78 years", but records show he was 79. ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE PENSION RECORDS: Enlisted 03 Apr 1865, Camden, Camden Co, NJ. Mustered out 16 Oct 1865, Brownsville, Cameron Co, TX. Honorably discharged 04 Nov 1865, Camp Cadwalader, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co, PA. Residence during pension record period: Bridgeton or Fairfield Township area, Cumberland Co, NJ. Mark Pierce: Date of birth: 07 Jul 1829 at Fairfield Township, Cumberland Co, NJ Date of death: 10 May 1909 at [not given] Married to: Caroline (K?)urtz on [date not given] at Trenton, Mercer Co, NJ Her date of birth: [not given] at [not given] Her date of death: [not given] at [not given] Their children: 1. Laure Pierce, b. 17 Aug 1873 married Levi Richmond, probably ca. 1886*. Levi was born ca. 1867. 2. Charles Pierce, b. 07 Jan 1876 *[The estimation of probable marriage date of Levi and Laure is based on an affidavit dated 13 Jul 1889, in which Levi stated, "I am 22 years old. ... I am claimant's son in law. I have known him the past eight years, the last three more intimately. I lived with him nearly three years."] Mark's wife left him ca. 1874-75 ("nine or ten years after the war"), and went to Boston, MA. She was described as living with another man in Boston by 1882. Among the affiants / witnesses for Mark: William H. Gould Lorenzo F. Gould (aka Alonzo Gould) Wanaca Pierce (who described himself as Mark's cousin). Charles Goldsborough/Goldsboro/Gouldsboro Clement Pierce Charles Lloyd (who described himself as Mark's second cousin). George Lloyd Horace Pierce Fayette Pierce John [W.? / N.?] Pierce Cornelius Pierce OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE: One interesting item of Mark's records is that when he initially applied for a pension, one of the reasons he listed for justification of the pension was that he "received a gunshot wound in the left wrist in a skirmish with the Indians." After an investigation into his claim raised doubt, he later recanted his story, and admitted the wound was the result of a self-inflicted accident with an ax, years prior to his entering military service. The false claim had been accompanied by forged affidavits of Lorenzo Gould and Wanaca Pierce, and Mark later explained that he was persuaded to make the fraudulent claim by two men, William and Joseph Keen or King. He was reluctant to take part in the effort, but "they persuaded me for two or three weeks, and finally I gave in." Mark was eventually granted a pension based on other disabilities/illnesses. However, the initial falsehood caused doubt and an inordinate amount of paperwork and a special investigation during the consideration for the pension. Lorenzo Gould and Wanaca Pierce apparently bore no grudge against Mark, as they still supplied supporting affidavits on his behalf afterward. In an affidavit discussing Mark's wrist injury, Wanaca stated that it had occurred when Mark was a young man and that he was "present and bandaged it" at the time. He proclaimed the earlier affidavit (supporting the Indian wound) to be a forgery, and stated "I can't write that well." On another subject, one of the affidavits in the pension records stated, "He [Mark] looked like a white man and some of the officers didn't believe he was a colored man and they were going to put him in a white Regiment." Mark himself stated, "Some thought I was a white man, and officers wanted to put me in a white Regiment. Few people could tell I had any colored blood in me." OTHER ITEMS PERTAINING TO MARK PIERCE, NOT FROM THE PENSION RECORDS: On the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington DC, Mark's name is displayed on Plaque B-39. Regimental history click here QUERY ITEMS: 1. Does anyone know who the parents of Mark were? 2. Does anyone know of any descendants of the two named children? Paul Johnson (ptj15m@gowebway.com) replies 1/25/2003 -- To answer your 3 questions. Here's what I have: 1. Does anyone know who the parents of Mark were? -- Clement Pierce & Patience Murray 2. Does anyone know of any descendants of the two named children? -- Mark was married 1868 to Caroline (Born 1850). I have 3 children: Elizabeth Pierce (1870) - No further info Laura Pierce (1873) - Married to Levi Richmond. 2 children: Leonard (1887) & Laura Richmond (1889) Charles Pierce (1876) - No further info
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Notes for CHARLOTTE VINA PIERCE: Love note from George T. Pierce found in family Bible belongong to Holmes Pierce: April 13, 1895 Miss Lottie V. Pierce Dearest, I wonder why you have not written to me this week. I am only writing a few words at handjot, no time to write as I would like to, but I think it hard in you for not writing to me. But Lottie if you hain't mad at me come out Sunday afternoon or evening to the chapel and I will be their No more at present Good bye I give you my love and a kiss Yours as ever George T. Pearce 586 Commerce St
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