THE PIERCE LINEAGE OF DANIEL PIERCE (1746-1839)

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Many Family trees assume the parents of Ann Pierce (1635-1661), the wife of George Kinchen, to be the daughter of Capt. Michael Pierce of Massachussetts. There is no evidence in the following document from Ancestry.com that such was the case. No Ann is mentioned who was born in England in 1635, married a George Hinchen, and died in England in 1661.

THE PIERCE LINEAGE OF DANIEL PIERCE (1746-1839)PRIVATE

Two genealogies of the descendants of Capt. Michael Pierce, who was slain by the Indians at Rehoboth, Mass. on 26 March 1676 in the fight which was given his surname, have been published. The late Frederick Clifton Pierce compiled the Pierce Genealogy which was published in Rockford, Ill., in 1889, and Harvey Cushman Pierce compiled his Seven Pierce Families which was published in Washington, D.C., in 1936, pages 145 to 214 dealing with 'The Descendants of Michael Pierce of Scituate, Mass."

The earlier volume cannot be safely relied upon to any extent. It is both inaccurate and incomplete and it contains numerous errors of commission and omission, some of which seem rather obvious. The compiler apparently examined few of the vital records, deeds or probate records. The genealogy refers to some wills but almost invariably the mere dates and the names of witnesses are given, the writer curiously omitting the most important of all information, the names and the relationships of the beneficiaries. Mr. Frederick Clifton Pierce frequently assigns mythical children who do not exist and never did exist to families to which they clearly could not belong without the slightest authority for so doing. Existing children are disposed of in the same magical manner. Leading hereditary societies have accepted some of the incorrect lineages found in this volume. Specific instances of just a few of the many mistakes found in this book will be pointed out later in this paper. It is most unfortunate that this genealogy was printed for its very existence lessens the probability that another, and more accurate, history of this family will ever be published.

Some time ago this writer examined the pedigree of a client found in the Pierce Family and found it completely erroneous. He next found that his own lineage in the same volume was entirely incorrect. As a result of these two discoveries, this writer checked and corrected several of the lineages found in this family history. This paper is the result.

The later book, Seven Pierce Families, is frankly stated by the compiler to be a "collection" and must, of course, be regarded entirely as such. It is strictly the result of work with secondary records and thus not the result of any original research. That portion of it which pertains to this family, at pages 145-214, appears to be for the most part merely a repetition of the data in the earlier volume and, as a result, it contains most of the same errors although a few mistakes have been corrected and a small amount of material added. All dates have been shortened to the years alone, a distinct disadvantage in any family history.

1. MICHAEL PIERCE, yeoman, of Hingham and Scituate, Mass., born probably in England about 1615-1620, slain by Indians in Pierce's Fight at Rehoboth, Mass., 26 Mar. 1676, of undetermined parentage. He married first, probably in Hingham, Mass. about 1645,--Eams, born probably in England about 1620-1625, died in Hingham, Mass., 31 Dec. 1662, the daughter of Anthony and Margery ( ) Eams of Charlestown, Hingham and Marshfield, Mass. He married secondly, probably in Scituate, Mass., between 1 June 1663 and 7 Mar. 1664-5, Ann ( ) Allen, born probably in England in 1605, died probably in Scituate, Mass, after 22 July 1676, when his "widdow" is mentioned and of undetermined parentage, the widow of John Allen of Plymouth and Scituate, Mass. who died prior to 3 Oct. 1662, of unknown parentage.

The date of birth of Michael Pierce, even the year, is unknown and is merely estimated here, based upon all of the known factors involved, particularly the baptism of this eldest known child, his daughter Persis, in 1646.

No proof of the parentage of Michael Pierce has been found. Seven Pierce Families, at page 145, states that he was a brother of Capt. William Pierce of London, butt proof of this statement is not given.

Michael Pierce first appears in Hingham, Mass. on 7 Jan. 1645-6, when his daughter Persis was baptized there on that date. (History of Hingham, Mass., vol. iii, p; 108) It would appear probable that he was in Hingham, Mass. as early as 1645 and there married to his first wife whose parents resided there from 1637 on. The vital records of Hingham, Mass. have not bene printed and the original vital records have not been examined. Bowen's Early Rehoboth, vol. iii, footnote on page 12, states that Hobart's Journal records "Persis, daughter of Michael Pierce baptized 1640" and "Michael Pierce's daughter born 1662, and Michael Pierce's wife died 1662." This earlier date for the baptism of Persis, in 1640, does not agree with the History of Hingham, Mass., as previously cited, which gives the year as 1645-6. It may have been the baptism of an earlier Persis, of course.

In 1647 Michael Pierce purchased la__s in Conihasset, a part of Hingham, Mas. ((History of Hingham, Mass., vol. iii, p. 108)) This land was on the "country road"" and was bought from Conihasset partners. ((The Early Planters of Scituate by Harvey Hunter Pratt, Scituate, Mass, 1929, pp. 325.))

It is probable that Ephraim pierce, the eldest son of Michael Pierce was born about 1650, for on 12 Oct. 1672, Ephraim Pierce released his rights in land deeded by his father on that date and Ephraim Pierce married about 1671, as his first child was born on 4 Jan. 1671-2.

On 15 July 1653 Michael Pierce was a party to an indenture of apprenticeship which reads in part, "... whereas Mr. James Garret mt of the ship called the Trader encrease of Charlestowne brought over into this Countrey Divers Servants & Amongst others one John Read for whom Michaell Pearse of Hinghame hath payd unto the sayd James Garret the sum of seaven pounds sterl and in consideration thereof the sayd John Read hath with and by consent of the sayd James Garret of his owne voluntary minde put himself apprentice with him to dwell from the day of the date thereof unto the end of the terme of Nine years now next ensuing & fully to be compleat and ended..." Signed by the F of John Read. Witnessed by Samuel Norden and Nathaniell Souther. ((Suffolk Co., Mass. Deeds iv, p.43))

In 1658 Michael Pierce's son Benjamin was born, for he died in Scituate, Mass. 3 May 1730, in his 73rd year. ((Scituate, Mass. Vital Records, ii, p. 432))

On 28 May 1659, at a meeting of the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the court rendered an answer to the petition of Anthony Eames, in which is named "his sonne in lawe Michaell Pearse". The complete statement of the court reads, "In ansr to the petition of Anthony Eames, who affirming that himself, with Mr busby & Robt Martin, were not only appointed to runne the line betwixt this pattnet & Plimouth pattent, which was pformed by them, but was promised sattisfaction for theire time & chardge, which he never received, & therefore humbly desireth that he may have due sattisfaction for his time & paines, or that his sonne in lawe, Michaell Pearse, may be freed of a fine wch was laid upon him by the County Court in June last, the Court Judgeth it meete to order the County Tresurer to examine the accounts of the peticoner in refference to the pmises, & ___payment be made of what shall be found to be his just due out of the Country Treasury. ((Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, published by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston, Mass. 1853, in 6 volumes, vol. iv, part i, pp. 380-1)) This record is of the utmost importance for it, together with the will of Michael Pierce, completely identifies the first wife of Michael Pierce. In his will, Michael Pierce mentions "my father Eaimes", "my brother Marke Eames", and "my Brother Charles Stockbridge". The latter married Abigail Eames, a sister of the first wife of Michael Pierce. Frederick Clifton Pierce incorrectly called the name "Eames", which is correct, "James", and completely fails to note the identity of the first wife, or, for that matter, the second wife. Virginia Hall Cambridge, Mass. solved this problem of the identity of the first wife and her notes were published in The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 56 for October, 1902, at page 409.

On 31 De. 1662--(Eames_ Pierce, the first wife of Michael pierce, died in Hingham, Mass. Her death is recorded in the Journal of Rev. Peter Hobart as follows, "Dec. 31, 1662, Michaell Perces wife dyed." ((History of Hingham, Mass. vol. iii, p. 108; Pope's Pioneers of Massachusetts, p. 360; and New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. 56, o. 409.))

Between 1645 and 1662, Michael Pierce had twelve children by his first wife, probably all born in Hingham, Mass. He had no known children by second wife.

On 5 Nov. 1663 Michael Pierce was still residing in Hingham, Mass., when as "Micaell Peirse of Hingham" he acknowledged a receipt. (See under date of 9 June 1665 for complete details)

On 16 May 1664 Edward Wilder of Hingham, suffolk co., New England, planter, and Elizabeth his wife deeded John Tower, Sr. of Hingham 5 acres in Hingham, given unto "Martha Wilder, my mother...bounded...with the land of Michael Pearse Eastward." ((Suffolk Co., Mass. Deeds, viii, p. 148)) Suffolk County, Mass. was incorporated 10 May 1643 and then included all the territory now within the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk, together with the towns of Hingham an Hull, which are both now in Plymouth County. Hingham continued a part of Suffolk County until long after the death of Michael pierce and was a part of Suffolk County as late as 26 Mar. 1723. Thus, all deeds of Hingham land to which Michael Pierce was a party are found in the deeds of Suffolk Co., Mass. Scituate, Mass., on the other hand, has always been a part of Plymouth County, Mass., from 2 June 1785, when the county was formed. Prior to the founding of Plymouth County, Mass., Scituate was a part of old Plymouth Colony, Mass. Thus, all deeds of Scituate land to which Michael Pierce was a party are found in the deeds of Plymouth Colony.

On 6 Oct, 1664 Michael Peirce was one of two witnesses to a bond of Susan Wheston of scituate, Mass. ((The Plymouth Scrap Book Edited by Charles Henry Pope, Boston, Mass. 1918, pp. 37-38.)) This is a probably an indication that Michael pierce had removed to Scituate, Mass. by this date, for it is likely that the witnesses would resided in the same town as the maker of the bond.

On 7 Mar. 1664-5, at a meeting of the General Court of Plymouth Colony, "Mr. Micael Peirse came before this court, and desired that an order passed by the court in reference unto the desposing of the estate of John Allen, deceased, with special reference unto the portion of Josias Leichfeild, might be considered by the court, and amended" etc. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. iv, Court Orders, pp. 81-82)) This record indicates that Michael Pierce had married for the second time by this date and was acting more or less in the capacity of a guardian for the adopted child of his second wife. On 1 June 1663 Josias Leichfeild chose Leiftenant Torrey and Cornett Studson his guardians and this choice was approved by the court, the record further stating that, "Whereas John Allin of Scittuate, an Anna, his wife, long since tooke Josias Leichfeild as theire adopted child...it was att this Court agreed between Anna, the relict of the said Allin, and the boyes above named guardians...that the said josias should have twenty pounds sterling payed into the hands of his said guardians about Michilmus next...and when hee shall come to the age of twenty one years, to be possessed of the farme and appurtenances given him by the said John Allin, deceased." ((Ibid, p. 39)) It appears that Anna () Allen was a widow on 1 June 1663, the date of this last record, and had married by 7 Mar. 1664-5, the date of the earlier record, since Michael Pierce came into court in regard to the estate left Josias Lichfield. His marriage to the widow of John Allen would have given him an interest in this matter. The nuncupative (i.e. oral) will of "John Allin of Scittuate Deceased" was deposed to by Nicholas Baker of Scituate and taken in court at Plymouth on 2 June 1663. It provided for Josias Lichfield and for his wife, without naming her. ((Plymouth Colony Wills, vol. ii part 2, p. 76)) On 3 Oct. 1662 "ann Allin, widdow, and Mr. Timothy Hatherly, both of Scittuate" gave a bond for 400 and the court granted "unto the said Ann Allen to administer on the estate of John Allin, deceased." ((Plymouth Colony Records vol. iv. Court Orders, p. 29.)) The conclusive evidence of the identity of the second wife of Michael Pierce is contained in a deed dated 1 Apr. 1669, which is given in its proper Chronological order. Mr. Frederick Clifton Pierce states, at page 33 of his genealogy, that Michael Pierce married secondly "Mrs. Annah James", and he gives neither given nor surname of his first wife.

On 9 May 1665 Michael Pierce's children Benjamin, John, Ephraim, Elizabeth, Deborah, Anna and Abigail were all baptized in Hingham, Mass. ((Pope's Pioneers of Massachusetts, p. 360)) Pope also states that the daughter Persis was baptised 7 Jan. 1645, and that there were also Abiah and Ruth.

On 9 June 1665, at a meeting of the General Court of Plymouth Colony, Cornett Robert Stetson and James Torrey of Scittuate stated that they had received of "Micaell Peirce of Hingham" 20 for the use of Josias Leichfeild of Scituate, and their receipt was dated Nov. 1663. ((Plymouth Colony Records vol. iv, Court Orders, p. 89)) This was previously referred to under date of 5 Nov. 1663.

On 5 June 1666, at a General Court of Election of Plymouth Colony, an order was sent to the military company of Scittuate criticizing the election of Capt. James Cudworthas leader of the group and attempting to cashier Cudworth who suggested Michael Pierce in his place and the court then added,"...and alsoe concerning Mr. Peirse, wee have not to object concerning him but that hee is a stranger to us." ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. iv, Court Orders, p. 126-127)) This record is chiefly important as strong evidence that Michael Pierce had but recently come to Scituate, Mass. from Hingham, Mass. for he was" a stranger to us". It is quite probable that he came to Scituate, Mass. in this year (1666).

By 1666 Michael Pierce had erected his home on the Egypt farm purchased from the Conihasset partners. Nine generations have lived there and in 1929 Silas Pierce, a direct discendant of Michael Pierce, resided on the premises. ((The Early Planters of Scituate, pp. 325-329))

On 5 June 1667, at a General Court of Election of Plymouth Colony, Michael Pierce, called "Micaell Peirse", and William Brooks were elected an sworn in as constables of Scituate, Mass. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. iv, p. 146))

On 2 Mar. 1668 the General Court of Plymouth Colony agreed to see "Michaell Peirse" discharged of his engagement in reference "to the possessing Josias Leichfield of Scittuate of land." ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, pp. 12-13))

On 1 Mar. 1669, the General Court of Plymouth Colony declared "In reference to the psentment of Micaell Peirse, of Scittuate, for unseemly carriage towards Sarah Nicolls, of Scittuate, forasmuch as their appeered but one testimony to the psentment, and that the testimony was written and not read unto the deponant, the court saw cause to remitt the said sentiment." ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, p. 33)) There are no further particulars concerning his conduct in this case.

On 1 Apr. 1669, "... Michaell Peirse and Anna his wife sendeth Greeting &c...whereas att the court held att Plymouth in New England the first of June 1663 betwixt the guardians of Josias Leichfeild and Anna the Relict of John Allen deceased and now the wife of Michael peirce...it was agreed that Josias Leichfield should when hee came of the age of twenty one yeares be possessed of the farme and the appurtenances given him by the said John Allen...so accordingly this first day of April 1669, Josias Leichfield beeing attained to the full age of twenty and one yeares: was by Michael Perse and Anna his wife put into full possession of the aforsaid farme." Signed by Michaell Peirse and by the Mark of Anna Peirse. Witnessed by Constant Southworth and Mark Eames. ((Plymouth Colony Deeds, vol. iii, Part 1, p. 142)) This deed is of the utmost importance because it conclusively establishes the identity of the second wife of Michael Pierce. The agreement referred to in the above deed as taking place at the meeting of the General Court on 1 June 1773 is given on page 3 under 7 Mar. 1664-5.

On 29 Oct. 1669 Joseph Turner, Sr. sued Michaell Peirse in an action of slander and defamation" for damages of 100 "for saying that the said Joseph Turner did attempt to comitt a rape with Abigail Peirse, the daughter of the said Micaell Peirse, striveing with her untill shee was constrained to cry out for help. action was withdrawn. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. vii, Court Orders p. 157))

On 29 May 1670, in a "list of Freemen of New Plymouth transcribed by Nathaniel Morton, Secretary to the Court for the said Jurisdiction", under "Scittuate", is found the name of "Michaell Peirse", ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, Court Orders, p. 275))

On 7 June 1670, at a Court of Election of Pl.ymouth Colony, the "Surveyors of the Highwaies" for "Scittuate" included "Michaell Peirse". ((Plymouth Colony rEcords vol. v, Court Orders, p. 26))

On 29 Oct. 1670 Humphrey Johnson of Hingham sued Michaell Peirse of Scittuate as agent for the town of Scituate by an order dated 18 May 1665 in an action of debt against the town of Scituate, for 20. The plaintiff was non suited. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. vii, Court Orders, p. 161))

On 5 June 1671, at a General Court of Election of Plymouth Colony, "The Grand Enquest," included "Mr. Micaell Peirse". ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, Court Orders, P. 56)) On this same date, his name was included among "The Names of the Jury" in a case on trial. ((Ibid,p. 61))

On 4 Mar. 1672 Anthony Dodson of Scittuate sued Michaell Peirse, of the same town, in an action of the case or 100 silver money, "for that the said Peirse sometime this yeare, 72, said that the above said Dodson had either lyed horribly or notoriously, or for sworne him selfe, in the case tetwe William Rogers and John Williams, by which the said Dodson came to be damaged. This was agreed without a verdict of jury." ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. vii, pp. 17405)) The plaintiff in this case is the same Anthony Dodson whose daughter, Patience, later married John Pierce, a son of Michael Pierce, the defendant in this case.

On 5 June 1672, at a General Court of Plymouth Colony, "The Names of the Celect Men in each Towne" included, under "scittuate", "Mr Michaell Peirce" and tow others. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, p. 91))

On 12 Oct 1672, "... Michaell Peirse of Scituate in the Colony of New Plimouth in New England... for a valuable consideracon to him in hand Paide...by Cornelius Cantleberry of Hingham in the County of Suffolke in the Massachusetts in New England, cooper" deeded said Cornelius Cantleberry one Planting lott of 4 acres in the Plaine Neck; also one Planting Lot of 3 acres in the Plaine Necke; "and also all my part of that tract of land which was given unto myselfe & unto Marke by the Town", etc. "In witness whereof I the said Michael Peirse have hereunto Set my hand & Seale" on 12 Oct. 1672. "... and also I, Ephraim Peirse, son of the above saide Michael Peirse...resign up into the above said Cornelius Cantleberry...all my right, title, interest, claime or demand of & into the above bargained parcells or land or any part of them. In witness whereof I have set to my hand & Seale the "12 Oct. 1662. Signed by "Michaell Pearse" and "Ephraim Pearse". It was witnessed by Matthew Hawke and James Hawke. It was acknowledged by Michael Pearse on 8 May 1673, before Edw. Tyng, Asst., and recorded on 9 May 1673. (Suffolk Co., Mass. Deeds vol. viii, p. 144)) This deed states that Ephraim Pierce released in rights in the land on 12 Oct. 1662, but this is clearly an error for 12 Oct. 1672 the date of this deed, for the release would not be dated ten years before the deed. In addition, it is known that Michael Pierce was residing in Hingham in 1662 and not in Scituate. It is also known that Ephraim Pierce, his eldest son, could not have been born much before 1650, so he could not have released his rights in this land as early as 1662, for he would have had to be born by about 1640 to do so.

On 29 Oct. 1672, at a General court of Plymouth Colony, "Mr. Michaell Peirse", Edward Jenkins and John Bryant, of Scituate, were appointed to execute an order of the court "prohibition the transportation of plankes, boards, belts , or barks out of this govment." ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, pp. 104, 106))

On 28 Jan. 1672-3, Michaell Pearse of Scituate in New England, yeoman, for 5 lawfull mony of New England deeded Daniell Cushing, Sr., or Hingham in New England, yeoman, "all that Lott of Salt-Marsh which I the said Michael Pearse purchased of Joseph Underwood...in Hingham aforesaid at a Place called the Beach Islands at Connehassett, it is the seventh lott in the first division of the Saide Connehassett Marshes which saide Lott conteineth one acre of Salt Marsh." Signed by "Michael Pearse". Witnessed by John Stodder and Matthias Brigges. Acknowledged on 8 may 1673 by Michael Pearse before Edward Tyng, asst. ((Suffolk Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. viii, p. 151))

On 28 Jan. 1672-3 Michaell Pearse of Scituate in New England, yeoman, for 40 lawfull mony of New England deeded John Stodder of Hingham in New England, planter, 5 acres in Hingham "lately purchased of Steven Paine", and another parcel of land, and also one-third, or one share, of his common land in Hingham. Singed by Michael Pearse. Witnessed by Daniel Cushing and Matthias Briggs. Acknowledged by Michael Pearse 8 May 1673. ((Suffolk Co. Mass. Deeds x, p. 48))

On 4 Mar. 1673 John William of scituate sued Micaell Peirse, John Cushen and Jeremiah Hatch, selectmen of Scituate, in an action of the case for damages of 20 "for entertaining of an illegal ((word omitted)) into the court of Scituate" and for not letting him appeal from the selectmen's decision. This case was nonsuited. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. vii, p. 186))

On 19 Mar. 1672-3 Michael Pearse of Scituate in New England, yeoman, for 120 current money of New England deeded Edmond Pitts of Hingham in New England Linnen weaver, a houselot of 4 acres in Hingham, purchased of Joseph Underwood, "except a small parcel of the southern end of the sd Lot lately sold from it by the sd Michael Pearse to John Stodder"; also a 5 acre lot and a 10 acre lot, both house house lots, in Hingham. Signed by Michael Pearse and by the Mark of Annah Pearse, "the wife of Michael". Witnessed by Daniel Cushing and Peter Cushing. Acknowledged on 8 May 1673 by Michael Pearse before Edw. Tyng, Asst. ((Suffolk Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. xi, p. 299))

On 3 June 1673, at a General Court of Election of Plymouth Colony, the selectmen of Scituate included "Michaell Peirse". ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, p. 113)) "Michaell Peirse" was a member of "The Grand Enquest" on this same date. ((Ibid, p. 114))

On 2 Aug. 1673 "Michael Peirce" was one of twelve men of a Coroner's inquest into the accidental death of Experience Leichfeild. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, p. 122))

On 17 Dec. 1673, at a General Court of Plymouth Colony, it was ordered that one hundred men be raised to take part in an expedition against the Dutch at New York. The three top officers were Capt. James Cudworth, Leiftenant Mr. John Gorum and Ensigne Mr. Michaell Peirse. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, pp. 135-6)) Richard LeBaron Bowen states, "A General Court held at Plymouth 14 Dec. 1673, upon serious consideration of the seizure of several vessels by the Dutch at New York, voted to raise an expedition of one hundred men to go against the Dutch 'by March or voyage'. The officers chosen were: Capt. James Cudowrth, Lieut. John Gorham, and Ensign Michaell Peirse; Serjants William Witherell, Thomas Harvey, John Witherell, and Philip Leonard. Capt. Mathew Fuller was chosen surjean generall for the expedition. Wages per day to be, ---for a captain 6s; Lieutenant, 5s; ensign, 4s; Serjant, 3s; drummer 2s.6d.; and to a private soldier 2s. ((Plymouth Colony Records, vol. v, p. 136)) Peace was declared the next spring, so that there was no need for an expedition." ((Bowen's Early Rehoboth, vol. iii, p. 74))

On 31 Mar. 1674 Michaell peerse of Scittuate in New England, yeoman, for 29 currant money of New England deeded John Jacob, Sr., of Hingham in New england, yeoman, 1 acre of salt marsh, being the Second lot of the First Division of Conahasset salt marshes in Hingham and formerly the lot of Thomas Hett granted him by the Town of Hingham, "also two Islands of upland Called beach Iland lying in Hingham at Conahasset neare the falls at the Comming into the little harbor" which contains 16 acres of land "& were sately granted to the sd Michaell Pearce by the inhabitants of the town of Hingham." Signed by "Michaell Peerse". Witnessed by Daniell Cushing, Senior, and by Daniell Cushing, Junior. Acknowledged on 27 Jan. 167405 by Michael Peerse before William Stoughton. ((Suffolk Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. ix p. 107))

On 28 July 1674, at a session of the Suffolk County court, "In Answer to the petition of William Sprague: the Court orders that Wm & Mihel Peirce doe pay twenty pounds in mony to the Treasuror o of the County towards paying of charges expended about Jonathan Sprague for whome they were bound & their bonds declared forfited & respit any farther proceeding till father order upon condicion they pay ten pounds a peice in mony." ((Records of teh suffolk County Court. 1671-1680, published by the Colonial Society of Massachusetts in two volumes, vol. i, pp. 494-5; vol. xxix of the society';s publications))

On 27 Apr. 1675, at a session of the Suffolk County court, "The Court orders that upon Mihel Peirce his payment of Five pounds in mony forthwith to the treasuror of the County the forfiture of his bond upon the disappearance of Jonathan Sprague bee remitted & the former Orders respecting it reverses" ((Ibid, vol. ii, p. 595; vol. xxx of the society's publications.))

On 1 No . 1675 Michaell Peirse of Scittuate for 12 deeded Ephraim Wilder and Isacke Wilder of Hingham one tract to Timothy Hatherly which said single share contained a fortieth part of the said tract of land. Signed "Michael Peirse". Witnessed by Daniel Cushing, Sr., and by Peter Cushing. It was acknowledged by Michaell Peirse 15 Jan. 1675-6 before James Cudworth, Assist. ((Plymouth Colony Deeds, vol. iv, Part 1, p. 63)) This is the last deed found of which Michael Pierce was the grantor. Note that it bears the same date as his will, and is another indication that he was finishing his business before leaving for the wars. It is the acknowledgement that bears the same date as his will, of course.

On 20 Dec. 1675 William James of Scittuate, in the Jurisdiction of New Plymouth in New England in America, for 20 deeded Mihill Peirse of Scittuate aforsaid, yeoman, a parcel of marsh or meadow land in Scituate and was half of the fiftieth lot of marsh of 3 acres, and was a part of the land called Conahassett. ((Plymouth Colony Deeds vol. iv, Part 1, pl. 44))

On 15 Jan. 1675-6 Michael Pierce made his will, "Being Now by appoyntment: Goeing out to Warr against the Indeans". It was proved on 5 June 1676 and a verbatim copy is given under that date.

On 29 Feb. 1675-6 "Att a Meeting of the Councell of Warr for this Jurisdiction, held att Marshfeild the 29th Day of February, 1675", "The Councell doe agree, that the souldiers now under the presse from the southern townes be att Plymouth on Weddnesday, the eight of this instant in order unto a further march and with them 20 or 30 of the southern Indians, whoe, together with teh others whoe are under presse, to goe forth under the comand of Captaine Michael Peirse and Leiftenant Samuell Fuller." ((Plymouth Colony records, vol. v, p. 187)) Richard LeBaron Bowen states, "This order is clearly out of place in the record book and should be under the meeting held 7 Mar. 1675-6." ((Bowen's Early Rehoboth, vol. iii, footnote on p. 13))

On Sunday, 26 Mar. 1676, Michael Pierce, with his company, was ambushed by the Indians at Rehoboth, Mass. and killed. A few particulars of the service of Capt. Michael Pierce is now given. "The first engagement in which Schituate troops took active part was 'The Great Swamp fight' in December, 1675. The weather was extremely cold, the snow was deep, and the Plymouth troops though victorious, suffered great hardships. The Narragansett Fort was destroyed and at least 1,100 Indians slain. Scituate had twenty men in the battle, led by Capt. Michael Peirce who returned unharmed to lose his life a few months later near Pawtucket." ((Old Scituate, published by Chief Justice Cushing Chapter, D. A. R., p. 8)) "Capt. Nathaniel Davenport was in command of the Massachusetts Regiment ... of the 5th company, which was made up mostly of men from Cambridge and Watertown. The Narragansett Expedition was fitted out in December, 1675. This company, numbering about 75 men, joined the rest of the forces at Dedham Plain, and marched to Narragansett with the Army, around the middle of December 1675." ((Bodge's Soldiers in King Phillip's War, 1896 edition, p. 169)) On 19 Dec. 1675 a force of 1,000 men under the command of Josiah Winslow, attacked the stronghold of the Narragansett Indians, in what is now South Kingstown, R. I. The abode of the Indians was on an island of about fife or six acres, situated in an impassable swamp. It was the close of the day when the colonists came up to the place; a fort, a blockhouse and a wall that passed around the isle. This is known as the Great swamp fight. ((Historian's History of the World, vol. 23, p. 148)) George Madison B dge has this to say of Capt. Michael Pierce, "Michael Peirse was appointed ensign of a company raised in Plymouth Colony to go against the Dutch, in December, 1673, ((see under date of 17 Dec. 1673 on page 6)) and captain of the company raised in the spring of 167506 as hereafter told...Plymouth Colony, on February 8, 1675-6, had ordered a company of men to be impressed from the southern towns of the colony, and on the 29th the council ordered 'that the Souldiers now under Presse, from the Southern towns, be at Plymouth on Wednesday the 8th of this Instant (March) in order unto a further March, and with them 20 or 30 of the Southern Indians, whoe together with the others whoe are under Presse to goe forth under the Command of Captain Michael Peirse and Lieftenant Samuell Fuller.' The force probably got ready sometime in the middle of March. 'Capt. Amos', a Wampanoag Indian who refused to follow with Philip and joined the friendly Indians, was in command of the Cape Indians in Capt. Peirse's company, and also acted as a guide to the whole force. The command marched to Seekonk, where they arrived March 25th, and that day had a skirmish with a party of Indians in the vicinity whom they pursued until night an supposed they had seriously damaged. Retired to the Garrison House at Seekonk that night, early on the next day, Sunday, March 26th, the forces, increased by several from Seekonk as guides, started again in pursuit of the enemy; and soon came across a few Indians who showed themselves in the distance and seemed to be trying to get away, but to be impeded by lameness. The English as usual were lured to rush forward, and in spite of former experiences and the warnings of the Indian allies, they soon found themselves in an ambuscade. Though not taken entirely by surprise by the old trick, which he believed his company was strong enough to fight through, Capt. Peirse was entirely deceived by the numbers of the Indians. He was a brave officer, and supposing he had a large body, perhaps twice his number, at bay, he fearlessly attacked them even at great disadvantage. The Indians did not discover their full numbers until they had drawn the English across a small river, to some distance, when the attempt was evidently made to surround him. This forced him back upon the bank of the river, where he found himself attacked in the rear by a large party sent to cut him off. There is no doubt that Capt. Peirse was out-generalled, as well as vastly out-numbered, and , like the brave man that he was, he fought it out till he fell, with his brave men around him. Before leaving the garrison in the morning Capt. Peirse had sent a messenger to Capt. Edmonds in Providence, asking him to cooperate in an attack upon a large body of Indians then at Pawtucket falls; the messenger did not deliver his message until after morning service (it being a Sunday), when Capt. Edmonds indignantly berated him, declaring it was then too late, as it proved. It is doubtful if a company from Providence could have saved Capt. Peirse and his men after they crossed the river, as with their great numbers the Indians were able to beset every approach to the battle-field and choose their ground...It is doubtful if during the war the English had come face to face in the open field with so large and well-organized a force of Indian Canonchet doubtless directed the operations in this campaign in person, and was assisted by the ablest chiefs and the best warriors, picked from all the Indians Capt. Pierce probably had over 100 men; 52 of the English, and 11 friendly Tribes were killed." ((Soldiers in King Philip's War by George M. Bodge, 1896 edition pp. 347-348)) Deacon Philip Walker (abt. 1628-1679 of Rehoboth, Mass. was the author of a poem entitled "Captan Perse and his coragios Company" which graphically describes the tragic ambush and almost total annihilation by the Indians of Capt. Michael pierce and his whole company at Rehoboth on 26 Mar. 1676 in what is known as "Captain Pierce;s fight". This epic is given verbatim in Bowen's Early Rehoboth, vol. iii, pp. 34-38, and is worth careful study.

On 27 Mar. 1676, the day after the fight, Rev. Noah Newman of Rehoboth, Mass. wrote a letter to his friend Rev. John Cotton of Plymouth, Mass. giving many details, from which the following is taken;"...I have now according to the words of yor owne Letter an oppertunity to retaliate yor account wth a Relation of what yesterday Happened to the great sadning of all our hearts filling us wth an awfull expectation of wt further evills it may be antecedaneous too both respecting ourselves & you. Upon the 25 of this Instant Capt. Peirce went forth wth a small party of this men & Indians wth him, & upon discovery of the enemy fought him wth out damage to himselfe, & Judged that he had Considerably damnifyed them. yet he being of no greater force chose rather to retreat & go out ye next morning wth a recrute of men & accordingly hi did taking Pilots from us that were acquainted wth ye ground. But it pleased the Sovereign God son to order it, yt they were inclosed wth a great multitude of the enemy wch hath slaine 52 of our Engl; & ll Indians---The account of their names is as follows: From Scituate 18 of wch 15 slaine (viz) Capt. Peirce", etc. ((Bowen's Early Rehoboth, vol. iii, pp. 14.)) The verbatim copy is given there."

On 19 Apr. 1676 Rev. Noah Newman again wrote to his friend Rev. John Cotton telling, among other things, of Rehoboth's three-day labor in burying the English slain in "Pierce's Fight", with some help on the last day from Dedham and Medfield. Nr. Newman conducted the services for the mass burial of Captain Pierce, Lieut. Fuller, sixteen soldiers, and one Indian. He writes one paragraph which reads as follows; "The buryall of the slaine tooke us 3 days the burden of ;it lying upon our towne, the 3d day we had some from Dedham & Medfield that afforded their helpe therin, ye first day there was 17 English & e Indians buryed, the 2d day that I might expresse my respect to Capt Peirce & Leift; Fuller who dyed so Honorably, I wend forth & yt day we buryed 18 English & one Indian, ye 3d day they buryed 7 or * Eng; and one Indian since search hath been made but no more Can be found I know not but some might wander & perish in ye woods being strangers." ((Bowen's Early Rehoboth, vol. iii, pp. 15-19, the complete verbatim copy of this letter, at page 17, as quoted.)) The first tow chapters of this volume of Mr. Bowen's series relates to this subject and is well worth reading.

On 5 June 1676 the will of Capt. Michael Pierce was proved, and an exact copy of this will is now given here:

"Situate in the Goviment of New Plimoth 1674 January the 15th: Michell Peiarce of Situate in the Goviment of New Plimoth in America Being Now by appointment: goening out to Warr against the Indians doe make this my last will & Testament; first I doe Comitt my self & wayes unto the: Eternal God; nextly that wiff Anah: Peiarce: During her liff the westward Eand of my now welling house in therto to use and despose of as she shall see Cause; & the on half of my other household stuff for her use during her liff; & then to be desposed of; to my Children as she shall see Cause: also: my will is that for my sayd wiffs yearly mayntainance: that my son Benimen Peiarce: shall: pay unto her twelve pounds p. year: on half in mony & the other half in Provisions & alsoe sufficient firewood for her use in the house During her liff; And I give unto my son Beniamen aforsayd my New Dwelling house & barn; in Situat aforsayd & all the land which I have in Situat Excepting that which I bought of Beniamen Bates of Hingham & that which I bought of william Jam of Situate & Excepting the abovsayd westwardly Eand of my abovsaid house During my wives liff as abovsayd; out of which abovsayd Estate in house & lands Given unto my son Beniamen: he shall pay unto my aforsaid wiff for her maintenance twelve pounds p yeare: as abovsayd During her liff---& sufficient fire wood alsoa as abovsayd; And I give unto my son John Peiarce: all my lands in Hingham in the: masy Chusets & my land in Situate which I bought of William James of Situate; paying out of it to my son Ephraims two Children Eserikim Pearce & Efraim Peiarce; to Ech of them fifteen pounds at the age of twenty and on years; provided that nether my son Ephraim aforsayd nor any of his after him; or any by or under him ; shall goe about to molest my said son John of or upon the account of the tree of four akers of meadow land in hingham aforsayd which my father Eaimes gave unto my sayd son Ephraim; which is not yet soe fully Confirmed to me: as by my son Ephraims promis should have been.

"Alsoe I give unto my abovesayd son Beniamen all my moveable Estate in Cattle & boates & household goods & such like Excepting that which I have desposed of to my wiff as abovsayd; out of which sayd movable Estate: my sayd son Beniamen shall pay; those Legese which I Give unto my children as followeth first I give unto my son Ephraim Peiarce: five: pounds; secondly I give unto my dafter Abigail Houlbrook five pounds; thirdly I give unto my Dafter Elizabeth Peiarce: thirty pounds; fourthly I give unto my Dafter sarah Peiarce; thirty pounds fifty I give unto my Dafter Anah Peiarce fifty pounds sixthly I give unto my Dafter Mary Houlbrook twenty pounds seventhly I give unto my Dafter Abyah Peiarce thirty pounds Eayghtly I give unto my Dafter Peiarses Peiarce fifty pounds Alsoe I give my Grand Child Elizabeth Houlbrook five pounds

"To be payd unto her by my son John Peiarce aforsayd at her day of mariadg or twenty on years of age Alsoe my will is that if it should please god that my abovsayd beloved wiff should be viseted with lameness or sikness soe that the abovsayd twelve pounds p years be not sufficient to maintain her in a Comfortable manner; that then what shall be though meet by my overseers: to be aded: for her Comfortable maintenance shall be Eqaly payd her yearly by my son Beniamen Peiarce: and my son John Peiarce out of that Estate: which I have given them as abovsayd:

"Alsoe I make my beloved wiff abovsayd my executrix & my son Beniamen Peiarce my Executor to this my last will & Testament; And also I the abovsayd: Michell Peiarce: doe make my trusty and well beloved friends Cornet Robert Stutson & Isack Chittneden senr & my brother Marke Eames & my Brother Charles Stockbridg overseers seale this fifteenth of January 1675-1676." Signed "Michaell Pearse". Witnessed by Beniamen Woodworth and charles Stockbridg.

A note in the margin states, "by Reson of the dangerousnes of the times; & questioned by some whether ther will be a Courte in July next & the pts prinsably Charles Stockbridge & Beniamine Wodworth gave oath before mee that they set to ther hands as witneses unto Hihil Pearce sineing sealing & decaring this to be his Lst will & Testament this was testified upon oath the 5 of June 1676 before me Henry Pope, Boston , Mass., 1918, pp. 128-129. Also, Plymouth colony Wills, vol. iii, Part 2, p.8)) Note that Michael Pierce mentions, in addition to his wife and children and grandchild, "my father Eaimes", "my brother Marke Eames", and "my Brother charles Stockbridge".

On 22 July 1676, at a meeting of the General Court of Plymouth Colony, "whereas the last will and testament of Captain Micheall Peirse, of Scittuate, lately slayne on the countryes service, bearing date the 15th of January, 1675, was psented under oath to this court, wherein Benjamine Peirse is made executor this Court Considering the large legacyes in the said will given, and not knowing whether there will remaine soe much clear estate, when debts and the widdows maintenance are discharged out of the same, as will amount to salve the said executors portion, intended by his father, as by the said will is declared doe therefore order, that the said Benjamine Peirse, executor, shall detaine and keep in his owne hand and land mensioned in the said will, bought of Willam James, being the one halfe of a six acre lott of meddow, and alsoe one quarter pte of each legacye by the said will given, until the Court shall see Cause otherwise to order it, on their being satisfyed concerning the clearness of the said estate, the executor being appointed to pay the residue of the said legacyes and bequest, according to the will, in the mean time." ((Plymouth Colony Records vol. v, Court Orders, p. 208)) This record proves that the widow of Michael Pierce was living as late as 22 July 1676.

On 1 Nov. 1676 'Mr. John Jacob, of Hingham, is allowed and approved by this Court to be guardian to John Peirse, the son of Capt. Peirse, deceased." ((Plymouth Colony Records vol. v, Court Orders, p. 213)) John Jacob (1630-1693) married, for his first wife, Margery Eames, a daughter of Anthony and Margery ( ) Eames, and was thus a brother-in-law of Capt. Michael Pierce before this date as she would normally have been guardian of this child.

On 27 Oct. 1680, at a meeting of the General Court of plymouth colony, reference is made to "a poor orphan, named Sarah Nesfeild, living att Mannamoiett, whose father was slaine by the Indians in Capt. Peirses fight." ((Plymouth Colony Records vol. vi, Court Orders, p. 54.)) Rev. Noah Newman's letter of 27 Mar. 1676 mentions Joseph Nessefeild of Eastham as slain.

All twelve children of Michael Pierce were by his first wife, ----(Eames) Pierce. His first wife did not die until 31 Dec. 1662, as shown on page 2. Thus, he could not marry his second wife until 1663, at the earliest. Now, John Allen and his wife, Anne( ) Allen who became the second wife of Capt. Michael Pierce, both aged 30 years, came in the Abigail in June, 1635. Since Anne ( ) Allen wage aged 30 in 1635 she was born in 1605 and was, thus, 58 years of age in 1663, the earliest year she could have married Michael Pierce. ((Pope's Pioneers of Massachusetts, p. 14 for this Allen data.))

Although Michael and ----- (Eames) Pierce had twelve children born in Hingham, Mass. between 1645 and 1662, none of the births of these children were recovered except for the birth of one unnamed daughter. Eight of the twelve children (Persis, Benjamin, John, Ephraim, Elizabeth, Deporah, Anna and Abigail)) were baptized in Hingham, Mass., as shown on pages 1 and 3. Ten of the twelve children were named in the will of Capt. Michaell Pierce but the order of their births clearly is not followed in naming them in the will. The children named in the will were Benjamin, John, Ephraim, Abigail, Elizabeth, Sarah, Anna, Mary, Abiah and Persis, as shown on pages 9 and 10. Only one child (Ruth) is named neither in the baptismal records nor the will and she undoubtedly died young unmarried. Ruth is listed as a daughter in the History of Hingham, Mass. and in Pope's Pioneers of Massachusetts, and she was probably that unnamed daughter who was born in Hingham, Mass., on 26 Dec. 1662, whose birth caused the death of her mother, who probably died soon after her birth. Under these circumstances, it is not possible to list the children in the order of their births, as their birth dates cannot be determined.

The family history of the three sons is quite complete, the family history of two of the nine daughters (Abigail and Mary) is fairly complete, but definite information of the family history of the other seven daughters is lacking. The marriages and deaths of these other seven daughters have not been found, although the former should normally be found in the records of Scituate, Mass. where Michael Pierce and his family resided from 1666 on.

Children, by first wife, all probably born in Hingham, Mass., order unknown:

i.Persis, b. 1645; bapt. 7 Jan. 16450-6. She probably died young. A daughter Persis is mentioned in the will of 15 Jan. 1675-6, but she is probably a later daughter of the same given name. She probably married Scituate Mass., 3 Dec. 1695, Richard Garret.

ii.Abigail, b. ?; bapt. 9 May 1665; m. abt. 1670, John Holbrook, son Capt. John Holbrook (Thomas) and Sarah ----. Resided in Scituate from 1672.

*iii.Ephraim, b. say 1650; d. Warwick, R.I., 14 Sept. 1719; m. abt. 1671, Hannah Holbrook (See the next generation.)

iv. Mary, b. :; m. before 15 Jan. 1675-6 Samuel Holbrook, eldest son of Capt William2 Holbrook (Thomas1) and Elizabeth -----. They had at Weymouth, Mass., a daughter, Persis, b. 11 Oct. 1676. Resided Scituate, Mass. ((Chamberlian's History of Weymouth, Massachusetts, vol. ii, p. 270__

v.Benjamin, b. 1658; d. Scituate, Mass., 3 May 1730, in 73rd year; m. (1) Scituate, Mass., 5 Feb. 1678, Martha adams, b.? 1665 and d. Scituate, Mass., 29 Dec. 1717, aged 52 years, daughter James Adams; m. (2) Scituate, Mass., 23 July 1718, Mrs. Elizabeth (Adams?) Perry, who d. after 4 Nov. 1729, by whom he had no known children, of undetermined parentage. Resided in Scituate, Mass.

vi.John, b. say 1660; d. swansea, Mass., before 6 Nov. 1750 (will proved); m. Scituate, Mass., 12 Dec. 1683, Patience Dodson, dau. Anthony and Mary (Williams )Dodson. Resided Scituate and swansea, Mass.

vii.Elizabeth, b.?; bapt. 9 May 1665; unm. 15 Jan. 1675-6. Nothing further

viii.Deborah, b. ?; bapt. 9 May 1665; d. before 15 Jan. 1675-6.

ix.Sarah, b. ?; unm. 15 Jan. 1675-6. Nothing further.

x. Anna, b. ?; bapt. 9 May 1665; unm. 15 Jan. 1675-6. Nothing further.xi.Abiah, b. ?; unm. 15 Jan. 1675-6. Nothing further.

xii.Ruth, b. ?26 Dec. 1662; d. before 15 Jan. 1675-6. She could not have m. 14 Oct. 1677, Philip Kyrtland, as suggested in "The Register", 48:69.

xiii.Persis, b. ?; unm. 15 Jan. 1675-6; ?m. Scituate 3 Dec. 1695 Richard Garret.

2 EPHRAIM2 PIERCE, yeoman, of Scituate, Mass., Weymouth, Mass., providence, R.I. Rehoboth, Mass., Swansea, Mass., and Warwick, R.I., born probably in Hingham, Mass. say about 1640 and died in Warwick, R.I., 14 sept. 1719. He married probably in Weymouth, Mass. about 1671, Hannah Holbrook, born probably in Weymouth, Mass. say 1650-1655, and died, place unknown, after 18 Sept. 1721, when she was residing in Swansea, Mass., the daughter of John2 Holbrook (Thomas1) and Elizabeth2 Stream (John 1) of Weymouth, Mass.

It is probable that Ephraim Pierce was born in hingham, Mass., where his parents were residing from 7 Jan. 1645-6 to after 31 Dec. 1662 (see pages 1 and 2), about 1650, since he released land that his father, Michael Pierce, had deeded on 12 Oct. 1672 (see page 5). He must have been born as early as 12 Oct. 1651 to have been twenty-one years of age on 12 Oct. 1672.

On 9 May 1665 he was baptized at Hingham, Mass. with two brothers and four sisters. (See page 3.)

Ephraim Pierce was doubtless married in Weymouth, Mass., where his wife's family resided, about 1671, for his first child was born in Weymouth, Mass., 4 Jan. 1671-2, Hannah Holbrook.

On 4 Jan. 1671-2, "Isricum Pierce, son of Ephraim and Hannah" was born in Weymouth, Mass. ((Printed vital records of weymouth, Mass. to 1850, vol. I, p. 206))

On 12 Oct. 1672 "Ephraim Pearse" released land that was deeded to Cornelius Cantleberry by Michael Pierce, Ephraim's father, on this same date. (See p. 5)

In October, 1673, his son, Ephraim Pierce, Jr., was born, doubtless in Weymouth, Mass. This son died in Gloucester, R.I., 18 Mar. 1772 aged 98 years and 5 months. ((The Providence Gazette and County Journal, vol IX, No. 429, for Saturday, 28 Mar. 1772, p. 3; also, Arnold's Vital Records of Rhode Island, vol. xiv, p. 166.))

On 15 Jan. 1676-6, his father, Capt. Michael Pierce, made his will which proved, in part, "...to my son Ephraims two Children Eserkum Peiarce & Erraim Peiarce to Each of them fifteen pounds at the age of twenty and one years; provided that Neither my son Ephraim aforsayd nor any of his after him; or any by or under him; shall goe about to moles my said son John of or upon the account of the three or four akers of meadowe land in hingham aforsayd which my father Eaimes gave unto my sayd son Ephraim; which is not yet soe fully Confirmed to me: as by my son Ephraims promise should have been." (See page 9.)

On 9 Mar. 1677 Vallintine Whittman of Providence, Colony of Rhode Island etc. for 15 deeded Ephraim Pearce of Providence 60 acres of upland in Providence. ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. i, p. 8)) This deed is proof that Ephraim Pierce had removed to providence by this date.

In February 1677-8, land in Providence was laid out to Ephraim Pierce, the record stating, "The Returns of Land laid out to Ephraim peirce", 35 acres of upland, "being part of Vallentine Whittmans fifty acre Division ... the now Dwelling House of ye sayd Ephraim standing upon ye sayd Land and was layd out in february 1677." ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. 1, p. 33))

On 24 Oct. 1679, Ephraim Pierce had land allotted to him and the record reads: Layd out the 24th of October 1679 unto Ephraim Pierce, 25 acres of upland to make up yt 35 acres and 60 acres , "The wch sd sixty Acres ye sd Ephraim pearce Bought of Vallentine Whittman." ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. i, p. 33)) Chamberlain's History of Weymouth, Mass., vol. iv, p. 471, states that Ephraim Pierce "removed from Weymouthe to Warwick, R.I., about 1680." This is, of course, entirely incorrect for he removed from Weymouth, Mass. as early as 9 Mar. 1677, three years earlier, and went to Providence, R.I. not to Warwick, R.I., although he later removed from Swansea, Mass. to Warwick, R.I. between 4 Jan. 1713-14 and 11 Nov. 1715, about thirty-five years later.

On 3 May 1681, at a meeting of the general Assembly held at Newport, R.I., "Ephraim Pearce" and others "all of the towne of Providence are admitted freemen of this colony." ((Rhode Island Colony records, State Archives, 1671-1686, p. 92))

On 23 Dec. 1681 Ephraim Peirce of Providence in the Colony of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations in New England and Hannah his wife for 50 lawful money of New England deeded Josiah Torrey of Boston in the Massachusetts in New England and Angel Torrey of Weymouth in the Colony of the Massachusetts, "all that the piece or parcel of Land...in Mendon in the County of Suffolk in New England containing fifty acres of upland...lying in a place there called the Chestnut plain" etc. Signed by Ephraim Peirce. Witnessed by Samuel Torrey and John Holbrooke. ((Suffolk Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. xii, p. 138)) A reservation of a highway to the town's use was made in this deed. ((Ibid, p. 140))

On 29 July 1682 John Blackston of Boston, Suffolk Co., Colony of Massachusetts in New England, cordwainer, for 30 deeded Ephraim Peirce of Providence, R.I., yeoman, "all that my own moiety of halfe part of all that lott of upland & meadow land which was sometime in the Improvement & possession of my father, William Blackstone", being 65 acres in Providence. ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. i, p. 114))

On 12 Oct. 1683 Abraham Man of Providence, R.I., for 5 deeded Ephraim Pearce of Providence one-half right in commonage "being ye one half Right of my deceased father, William Man, his purchase right of Commonage." ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. i, p. 123))

On 23 Oct. 1685, "Layed out unto Ephraim Pierce on ye Right of Abraham Man 25 acres of land, it being halfe of a fifty acre division ", also 3 1/4 acres of land in ye Right of Abraham Man, and also 12 acres of land in the right of Valentine Whitman. ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. i, p. 133))

In August, 1688, a list was made of all the male persons in Providence, R.I. from sixteen years old and upwards for the purpose of assessing a poll tax of one shilling and eight pence per head, and it included "Ephraim Peirce". ((Bowen's Early Rehoboth, vol. i, pp. 92-93)) In August, 1688, a rate was assessed on all Real and Personal Estates in the Town of Providence, and the list was supposed to include all of the Real Estate and Personal Property owners in the town, which included the heads of families, and the name of "Ephriam Pierce" is found in list and he was assessed "00-05-04". ((Ibid. p. 94))

In 1688, Ephraim Pierce was a constable of Providence, R.I. ((Austin's Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island, p. 153))

On 12 Oct. 1691, Ephraim Pierce posted his wife, one of the earliest examples of this type of document known. It read:

"12th October 1691

"These are to give notice to all persons that I Ephraim Pierce did formerly fore warne all people to have any Trading with my wife Hannah Pierce as to Buy or sell with her, or any wise to Entertaine her in their familyes, & doe still for bid the same upon their perrills

Ephraim Pierce

"Entered the 12 of October 1691 me Tho: Olney Towne Clarke.

Ephraim Pierce Also signified to me, (& did desire it to be Entered also upon Record) that he had above a weeke since also published the abovesd matter in a publick place by writeing.

Tho: Olney towne Clarke."

((The Early Records of the Towne of Providence, vol. IV, p. 80. Printed.))

On 5 Dec. 1691 another record of Ephraim Pierce's marital difficulties was entered and read:

"Whereas there hath for some time been a difference between my selfe & Hannah my wife, And in the said difference I was Some time since my some over persuaded to Sign to an instrument as touching matters concerning ye ordreing about my Estate; whereing it is by some conceived that the power of disposition of my Estate lieth in my saide wife These are therefore to Signified unto all persons that I Ephraim Pierce did upon the tenth of April Anno: 1690; Set up an open & publick prohibition to forbidd any person buyeing or selling any wise with my said wife; thereby countermanding & makeing voyd & annull any Supposed power of my said wife as to ye premises by venture of ye said Instrument: Doe also now again by these presents Signified & declare the said instrument to be wholy annull & voyd (as it also legally is in it selfe) And as I formerly have, so by this instrument I still doe reasume all power over my whole estate which might be supposed by ye instrument I had invested my said wife with all; to be in my selfe and there to remaine; any Contrivance by any written instrument to ye contrarey at any time made notwithstanding

"December ye 5th 1691

Ephraim Pierce

Recorded December ye 5th 1691

Tho: Olney Towne Clarke."

((The Early Records of the Towne of Providence, vol. iv, p. 83. Printed.))

On 20 Jan. 1692-3 Ephraim pearce off Rehoboth, Bristol Co., Mass., "and Hannah his wife" for a "valuable sum of money" deeded Thomas Man of Rehoboth "all that houseing and barne with the farme whereon the said houseing doth Stand which the said Ephraim Pearce and Hannah his wife have sum time Lived on" in Providence. Signed by "Ephram Perc" and by the Mark of "Hannah Perc". ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 502))

On 17 Feb. 1692-3 Thomas Man and Mary his wife of Rehoboth, Bristol., Mass. for a "valuable Sum of money" deed "Ephraim Peirce of the Town Ship of Providence in the Coloney of Road Island & Providence Plantations, yeoman...all that my Dwelling House, Barn, orchard & house lott containing Twenty acres...in Rehoboth...att a place Commonly caled Palmer's river on the Easterly Side of said River." ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. i, p. 283)) On 20 Jan. 1692-3 Ephraim Pierce is called "of Rehoboth", Mass., and on 17 Feb. 1692-3, he is called "of Providence', R.I. It would appear that he removed from Providence, R.I., to Rehoboth, Mass. soon after the latter date when he had purchased land in Rehoboth, Mass. where he could live. The next record proves conclusively that Ephraim Pierce and his family were residing in Rehoboth, Mass. when the birth of a child was entered on the records of that town.

On 24 Apr. 1693, Ephraim and Hannah (Holbrook) pierce had their youngest child Mial, born at Rehoboth, Mass. and the original record reads:

"the Birth of the Child of Eprahim Peirce Myell Peirce borne ye 24th of Aprill -- 1693.:

((Births, Marriages & Deaths, Rehoboth, 1648-1739, Vol. i, p. 78; original. Also found in Arnold's Vital Records of Rehoboth, Mass., p. 700. ((Frederick Clifton Pierce's genealogy, at page 50, makes this child, Mial, the first son of Ephraim3 Pierce (Ephraim2, Michael1) and Mary Low, although they were not married until 16 Ar. 1697, nearly four years after this birth, but Mr. Pierce very conveniently omits the date of their marriage in his genealogy although he gives the dates of the births of three children who were born in Swansea, Mass. where this marriage also occurred. The late James Osborne Austin recognized this error in his Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island, page 153, and correctly assigns this Mial Pierce, born 24 Apr. 1693, to Ephraim and Hannah (Holbrook) Pierce, the proper parents, who were living in Rehoboth, Mass. at the time of this marriage. This error seems a very obvious one.

On 19 Dec. 1695 John Saffin and Rebecca his wife for 158 deeded "Ephraim Pearce of Rehoboth...yeoman" 80 acres on Phebe's Neck in Swansea, Mass. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. i, p. 369))

On 31 Dec. 1696, Ezricam Pierce, the son of Ephraim and Hannah Pierce, was married in Swansea, Mass. and the record reads:

"Ezariacam Pearse and Sarah Howard were/ maried December the 31: 1696." ((Swansea, Mass. vital records, Book A. p 87.))

On 16 Apr. 1697 John Saffin Esq. of Bristol and Rebecca his wife for 320 deeded Ephraim Pearse and Samuel Low, both of Swanzey, yeomen, 252 acres on Phebe's Neck in Swanzey, called Quirk meadow, with Dwelling house, Barnes, out houses, etc. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. iii, p. 212)) These last four records would indicate that Ephriam Pierce removed from Rehoboth, Mass. to Swansea, Mass. in 1696 or 1697.

On 16 Nov. 1697 Ephraim Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, for 31 ls, deeded Ebenezer Tiffany of Swanzey, yeoman, 27 acres in Phebe's Neck Swanzey. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. viii, p. 441))

On 2 feb. 1698 Ephraim Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, for 24, 3s, deeded Capt. Simon Davis of Bristol, mariner, 16 acres at Phebe's Neck in Swanzey. Signed by "Ephraim Pearce" and by the Mark of Hannah Pearce. ((Bristol co., Mass. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 312))

On 9 Aug. 1698, Ephraim Pierce's son, Benjamin, died at swansea, Mass.: "beniamin the Son of Ephraim Peirce/ And Hannah his Wife deceased august the/ ninth day Anno dom: 1698." ((Vital REocrds of Swansea, Mass., Book A. p. 139))

On 27 Mar. 1699 John Allen of Bristol, yeoman, and Bethiah his wife, for 14 deeded Epharim Peirce of Swanzey 27 acres in Swanzey, being 1/2 of al lot of 54 acres, bounded"...westwardly by the lands now in the Possession of Samuel Low." ((Bristol Co., Mass., Deeds, vol. ii, p. 364))

On 12 July 1699, Capt. John Holbrook of Weymouth, Mass. made his will which was proved 14 Dec. 1699, and mentioned his daughter Hannah Peirce and his grandsons Azarikum Pierce and Ephraim Pierce, Jr. ((Suffolk Co., Mass. Probate Records, vol. xiv, p. 3)) this is conclusive evidence of the parentage of Hannah (Holbrook) Pierce, the wife of Ephraim Pierce.

On 14 Apr. 1701 John Saffin of Boston, Suffolk Co., Province of Massachusetts Bay, Esp., for 72, one-half of which was paid by Ephraim Pierce and Azarikum Pierce and the other half by Ebenezer Tiffany, all of Swanzey, yeomen, deeded the Pierces 1/2 of 120 acres in Swansea and the other 1/2 of the 120 acres to the said Tiffany ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. iii, p. 233)0

On 21 May 1602, Ephraim Pierce's son, John, married in Swansea, Mass.: "John Peirce & hannah Miles were maired/ the: 21: of May 1702." ((Vital Records of Swansea, Mass., Book A. p. 94.))

On 21 Dec. 1702 Ephraim Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, for 195 deeded Azarikam Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, 151 acres at Phebe's Neck in Swanzey "near unto a place called Nayat". Signed by "Ephraim Pearce" and by the Mark of Hannah Pearce. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. iv, p. 119))

On 18 Dec. 1703 Ephriam Peirce of Swanzey, yeoman, for B, 10s deeded Samuel Fish "now Resident in the Towne of Providence", husbandman, 1/2 of a Purchase Right on the west side of the Seven Mile Line in Providence. It was signed by "Ephraim Peirce" and by the H of Hannah Peirce. ((Providence, R.I. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 572))

On 16 May 1704 two parcels of 20 acres each of land in Providence were laid out to John Inman, "the which is land wch once belonged to one Ephraim Pierce.": ((The Early Records of the Town of Providence, vol. v, pp. 2310-232. Printed.))

On 28 Apr. 1705 Ephraim Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, for 230 deeded Josia Turner of Scituate, Plymouth Co., Mass., 66 acres, it being "all that my...farm of land...in Swanzy...sometimes called & known by the name of Green Spring...Together with...the Dwelling house, Barne," etc. Signed by "Ephraim Pearce"and mark of Hannah Pearce. (Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. iv, p. 429))

On 12 Apr. 1706 John Peirce of Swanzey, for 85 deede "my Honed father Ephraim Peirce" of Swanzey, yeoman, a lot of 9 acres with a dwelling house at New meadow Neck, Swanzey, and also one lot of 7 acres and another lot of 6 acres at the same place. Dower was released by Hannah Pearce, the wife of John Pearce. The deed was signed by the marks of both John Pearce and Hannah Pearce. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. vi, p. 339))

On 17 Mar. 1707, Ephriam Pierce deeded the above land in the last deed for 100 to Thomas Boreman of Swansea. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. vi, p. 341))

On 29 Apr. 1708 Ephraim Pierce of Swanzey mortgaged to Thomas Bowen, yeoman, of Swansey, 170 acres in Swansey. On 2 Mar. 1709 this land was redeemed by Richard Hail of Swanzey, he paying Thomas Bowen 290 for the use of Ephraim Pearce. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. v, p. 436)) This same land was sold by Thomas Bowen to Ephraim Pearce on this same date for 400. ((ibid, v. 435))

On 2 Oct. 1708 Ephraim Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, for 320 deede d Richard Hail, Jr. of Swanzey, cooper, "all that my ....farme...on the East side of New Meadow River...in Swanzey" of 170 acres. this deed was signed by Ephraim Pearce and by the Mark of Hannah Pearce. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. vi, p. 136))

On 10 Apr. 1710 Ephraim Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, for 10 deeded Robert Carter of Rehoboth, carpenter, 2 acres of salt marsh on the East side of New Meadow River in Swanzey. Signed by "Ephraim Pirce" and the Mark of Hannah Pirce. ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. vii, p. 79))

On 8 Feb. 1710-11 Ephraim Pearce of Swanzey, husbandman, "in consideration of love, good will & affection which I have & do bare towards by loveing Daughter, Hannah Martin the wife of William Martin of the same town", deeded said Hannah Martin "all that my Dwelling house and lott...in...Rehoboth lyeing on ye easterly side of Plamer's River', containing 12 acres. Signed by "Ephraim Pearce" and the Mark of Hannah Pearce. Witnessed by Joseph Mason, Azarikim Pearce and Abiel Peirce. It was acknowledged In the Colony of Rhode Island &c on 19 Sept. 1719 by Hannah Pearce. On the Second Tuesday of January 1719-20, at the session of an Inferior Court of Common Pleas held at Bristol Joseph Mason appeared and swore that he "saw Ephraim Peirce sign, seal & deliver the above written Instrument as his Act & deed and that Azarikem Peirce and Abiel Pearce were present at the same time and that he saw them sign as witnesses at the same time." ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. xiii,p. 67))

On 4 Jan. 1713014 Mary Green, widow, and Fones Green, both of Warwick, R.I. for 277 deeded Ephraim Peirce of Swanse, Bristol Co., Province of the Massachusetts bay, two parcels of land in Warwick of 100 acres each, one lying in a place called Nausancut and the other known as Lukes meadow. ((Warwick, R.I., deeds, vol. ii, p. 96))

On 4 Jan. 1613-14 Fones Green of Warwick, R.I., husbandman, for 3, deeded Ephraim Peirce of Swansey, Bristol Co., Province of the Massachusetts bay, a quarter part of an undivided township right in Warwick. ((Warwick, R.I. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 97)) These last two deeds, both the same date, mark the last known date of the residence of Ephraim Pierce in Swansea, Mass., and it would appear that he removed to Warwick, R.I. probably soon after this date.

On 11 Nov. 1715 Ephreim Perce of Warwick, R.I., yeoman, for 30 deeded John Budlong of Warwick 6 acres of meadow and upland in Nanesawcut in Warwick. Dower was released in this land by "Hannah Perce ye wife of me ye said Ephraim Perce." ((Warwick, R.I. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 127))

On 1 Aug. 1717 Ephraim Peirce of Warwick, R.I., yeoman, for 200 deeded "my son, Ezrikam Peirce of Rehoboth", Bristol Co., Province of Massachusetts Bay, yeoman son, Ezrikam Peirce of Rehoboth":, Bristol Co., Providence of massachusetts Bay, yeoman, the "half part of my farm containing about one hundred acres... and ye one...half part of ye housing or buildings there on standing. The said farm is where on I now Dwell...in...Warwick", etc. ((Warwick, R.I. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 186))

On 15 Nov. 1717 Anthony Low of Warwick, R.I., yeoman, for 90 deeded Ephirem Pirce of Warwick 2 shares of 30 acres in Nawsawcut Neck in WArwick. ((Warwick, R.I. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 193))

On 2 Jan. 1717-18 Peter Green, Jr. of Warwick, R.I., yeoman for 6, 6s deeded Ephraim Peirce of Warwick 2 acres, 16 rods of land in Nawsawcut Neck in Warwick. ((Warwick, R.I. Deeds, vol. ii, p. 2111)) Everey single grantor and grantee deed to which any Ephraim Pierce was a party in Warwick, R.I. from 1642 to 1897 has been given in this paper.

On 18 July 1718, Ephriam Pierce "of Warwick", R.I. made his will, which is given under the date of 28 Sept. 1719, the date it was proved.

On 14 Sept. 1719, Ephraim Pierce died at Warwick, R.I., as stated in the inventory of his estate which is given under date of 23 Sept. 1719 when it was taken.

On 23 Sept. 1719, Ephraim Pierce died at Warwick, R.I., as stated in the inventory of his estate which is given under date of 23 Sept. 1719 when it was taken.

On 23 Sept. 1719, "an Inventory of ye Estate of the Late Deceased Ephraim Pirce of Warwick who Deceased ye 14th Day of this Instant September taken by" John Green, Fones Green, and John Rice, Jr. It was entirely personalty and totaled 203-10-00 and included, among other items:

"to one negro woman & her child" 50-00-00

"To mony due to the Estate from Samuell Wheaton upon bond bearing Date from ye 19th day of November 1719" 20-00-00

"To money Due upon bond bareing Date ye second Day of December 1719 from Miell Pierce" 15-00-00

(("Record of/Wills/ No. 1/ Warwick/ 1703-1745", pp. 151-152))

The will of Ephraim Peirce, dated 18 July 1718, was proved 28 Sept. 1719 in briefed in full detail below:

"...I, Ephraim Peirce of Warwick in ye Colony of Rhode Island & Providence plantains in New England, yeoman..."Imprs, I give and bequeath to my Dearly beloved wife Hannah Pierce fifty pounds in mony or bills of Credit & ye feather bed which she & I Lodge upon with all ye furniture thereunto belonging. I also give to my sd beloved wife ye best Roome in my Dwelling house, my garden, nine good aple trees, one acre of land, all to be keept well fenced by my Executor & ye use and cleare profit of one good cow and to be supplied wth sufficiency of fire wood, the sd house, Rome, gardens, apple trees, acre of land, cow and fire wood to be & Remaine to my sd wife during her widow hood. I also give & bequeath to my sd wife ye one half of all my house hold goods" "Item, I give & bequeath to my beloved son, Ephraim Peirce, twenty pounds & one cow and ye Reason why I give him no more is because I have already given him sufficient. "Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved Son, Michael Pierce, Thirty pounds in mony or in bills of Publick Credit and one Cow "Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter, Rachel Peet, Thirty pounds in money or in bills of Publick Credit "Item I give and bequeath to my beloved Daughter, Hannah Martin, thirty pounds in money or bill of Publick Credit "Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved Son, John Pierce, one cow and ye one half of my wareing apparell & my Intentions at present is here after and add in a codicial to this in Warwick in such manner as may appear most Proper "Item, I give & bequeath to my Grand child, Ruth Peirce, my great Iron Skillet" "Item, I give & bequeath to my aforesd Son Michael ye other half of My apparrell "Item, I give and Desire to my beloved son, Azrikam Peirce, who I like wise constitute, make and ordain my Sole Executor of this my Last will and Testament all and Singular the Residue of my Lands, Tenements, herridaments...In witness whereof I have hereunto Sett my hand and Seal this Eighteenth Day of July In ye year of our lord 1718.

"Memorandum, ye Legatee Ruth Peirce, above mentioned, is ye Daughter of ye above sd John Peirce." Signed by: "Ephram Pirce"

Witnessed by James Dexter, Junr., Nathaniel Jencks and Joseph Jencks. The will was sworn to before the Town Council of Warwick on 28 Sept. 1719 by Col. Joseph Jencks, James Dexter, Junr., and Nathaniel Jencks, "ye witnesses." ((Record of/ Wills/ no. 1/ Warwick/ 1703-1745::, pp. 149-150)) There is no record that Ephraim Pierce ever made any codicil to this will, as he states in it he intended to do.

On 1 Sept. 1720, "...Hannah Peirce of Swansey in ye county of Bristoll in ye Province of ye Massachusetts bay in New England, widow, in consideration of ye Love and good will & affection which I have and Doe bare Towards my Loving Son in Law, William Martin, of ye same county, Blacksmith, my wright and Title of Lands an house lying in ye Township of Warwick...that Lott of Land and house yt I Bought of my son, Azrikam Peirce, containing fifteen acres...it is in yt part lying to ye Southward of ye Road Leading to ye fulling mill and is one of ye Lotts yt my husband bought of Mr. Anthony Low of said Warwick and is in number ye fourty Second Lott." Signed by the H of Hannah peirce. This deed was acknowledged at Rehoboth, Mass. 18 Sept. 1721 by Hannah Peirce. ((Warwick, R.I. Deeds: vol. iii, p. 34)) This is definite evidence that Hannah (Holbrook Pierce, widow of Ephraim Pierce, was living as late as 18 Sept. 1721 and was called "of Swansey" on 1 sept. 1721. Frederick Clifton Pierce states, at page 41, states that Ephraim Pierce died 14 sept. 1719 and adds that "his wife also died the same year:". We know that she did not die in 1719, in fact we do not know when she died but it was after 18 Sept. 1721. Harvey Cushman pierce copies this error in his book.

Ephraim and Hannah (Holbrook) Pierce had eight known children, of which one child (Benjamin) died young. All seven surviving children are named in the will of Ephraim Pierce, but the order of their births is clearly not followed. The births of two of the four surviving sons ("Isricum" and "Myell") were recorded and the birth of another surviving son (Ephraim) may be determined as to month and year. The dates of birth of the other surviving son (John) and the tree daughters are unknown. The two eldest children and the youngest child have been identified, but the order of the births of their other five intervening children cannot be determined. The two eldest children were doubtless born in Weymouth, Mass. and the youngest child was born in Rehoboth, Mass. The other five children were probably born in Providence, R.I., Between 1675 and 1692, but their births are not on record there. Children, order uncertain:

i.Azrikam, b. Weymouth, Mass., 4 Jan. 1671-2; d. Rehoboth, Mass., 29 Jan. 1748-9; m. (1) Swansea, Mass., 31 Dec. 1696, Sarah Hayward, b. Swansea, Mass., 2 Mar. 1675-6, d. Rehoboth, Mass., 20 Aug. 1712, dau. William and Sarah (Butterworth) Hayward; m. (2) Providence, R.I., 20 May 1713, Elizabeth Esten, b. Providence, R.I., 8 Apr. 1683, d. ? Providence, R.I. 18 Aug. 1718, dau. Henry and Elizabeth (Manton) Esten. He may have had a third wife by whom he had no known children. He left no estate in Bristol Co., Mass. Resided in Swansea, Ma.., Providence, R.I., and Rehoboth, Mass.

ii.Ephraim, b. prob. Weymouth, Mass., Oct., 1673; d. Gloucester, R.I., 18 Mar. 1772, aged 98 years, 5 months; m. (1) Swansea, Mass., 16 Apr. 1697, Mary Low, d. prob. Swansea, Mass., after 28 Sept. 1726 (deed), prob. dau. John and Mary (Rhodes) Low; m. (2) Swansea, Mass., 13 Dec. 1741, Jael Huberd, d. after 24 Dec. 1746 (deed), of whom nothing is known. His will is in Gloucester, R.I. Resided in Swansea, Mass. and Gloucester, R.I.

iii.Rachel, b. ?; d. after 18 July 1718; m. before 18 July 1718, ----Peet. Nothing further known. The surname "Peet" is not found in Swansea or Rehoboth, Mass. or in Warwick, R.I.

iv.Hannah, b. ?; d. after 27 Aug. 1736 (deed); m. before 8 Feb. 1710-11, William Martin (deed), of whom nothing is known. He is not found in the Martin Genealogy. A william Martin m. Swansea, Mass., 3 Nov. 1709, Hannah Stone. Could this be their marriage? Resided Swansea and Rehoboth, Mass. and Warwick and East Greenwich, R.I.

v.Experience, b. ?; d. after 25 June 1722 (ch. born Swansea); m. Swansea, Mass., 24 Oct. 1709, Samuel Wheaton, b. Swansea, Mass., 21 July 1683, son Samuel and Elizabeth (Wood)Wheaton. They had at swansea, Mass., between 30 Oct. 1710 and 25 June 1722: Elizabeth, Susahhah, Sarah, Samuel and Levi.

vi.John, b. ?; d. after 25 June 1728; m. Swansea, Mass. 21 May 1702, Hannah Miles, of whom nothing is now known. He was of Providence, R.I., 26 Oct. 1719, 4 Feb. 1720-1, and 25 June 1728 (deeds). He was probably the John Pierce of Smithfield, R.I., 19 Apr. 1732 (deed) and Gloucester, R.i. 2 Feb. 17320-3 (deed). He may have been the John Pierce, with wife Rebecca, "of Oblong, In Woster Sheir In New England" 27 Aug. 1742.

vii.Benjamin, b. ?; d. Swansea, Mass., 9 Aug. 1698.

viii.Mial, b. Rehoboth, Mass., 24 Apr. 1693; d. prob. Rehoboth,

Mass., before 25 Mar. 1788; m. prob. Swansea, Mass. about 1712 Judith ?Round. ((See the next generation.))

3. MIAL3 Pierce (Ephraim2 Michael), yeoman, of Swansea, Mass., Rehoboth, Mass., Warwick, R.I., and Rehoboth, Mass., born Rehoboth, Mass., 24 Apr. 1693, and died probably in Rehoboth, Mass., before 25 Mar. 1788 (deed). He married, perhaps at Swansea, Mass., about 1711-1712, Judith ?Round, born, place unknown, in 1687, and died, Rehoboth, Mass., 6 Oct. 1744, in her 58th year, possibly the daughter of John1 and Elizabeth ( )Round of Swansea, Mass., He may have married secondly, Swansea, Mass., 30 Jan. 1763, Lillis (Hale) Mason, born Swansea, Mass., 2 Oct. 1714, and died probably in Rehoboth, Mass., 15 Dec. 1791 (or 1797), the daughter of John and Hannah (Tillinghast) Hale of Swansea, Mass. She married first, Swansea, Mass., 26 Aug. 1731, Nathan Mason, born Rehoboth, Mass., 10 May 1705, and died probably in swansea, Mass., in May, 1758, in his 50th year, the son of Isaac and Hannah ( ) Mason of Rehoboth, Mass.

Mial Pierce was born in Rehoboth, Mass., 24 Apr. 1693, and the record reads: "The Birth of the Child of Eprahim Peirce Myell Peirce borne ye 24th of Aprill -- 1693." ((Births, Marriages & Deaths, Rehoboth, 1648-1739, Vol. i, p. 78, originals; also, found in Arnold's printed Vital Records of Rehoboth, Mas.s, p. 700.)) Mr. Frederick Clifton Pierce, at page 50 of his genealogy, has placed this child, Mial, as the first son of Ephraim3 Pierce (Ephraim2, Michael1) and Mary Low, thought they were not married until 16 Apr. 1697, nearly four years after the birth of this Mial Pierce, but Mr. Pierce quite conveniently omits the date of the marriage of Ephraim pierce, Jr. and Mary Low, although he gives the dates of the births of all their tree children who were born in Swansea, where this marriage occurred. That excellent genealogist, the late James Osborne Austin, recognized this error in his Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island and correctly assigned this Mial Pierce, born 24 Apr. 1693, to Ephraim and Hannah (Holbrook) Pierce, the proper parents, who were residing in Rehoboth, Mass., between about February, 1693, and 19 Dec. 1695. There is no evidence whatever to indicate that Ephraim Pierce, Jr. married prior to his marriage to Mary Low in 1696. The above marriage record does not call Ephraim Pierce, the father, "junior', as it would doubtless have shown if the younger man had been the father. Ephraim Pierce, Sr. was only about 423 years of age at the time of the above birth which is quite consistent with his being the father, and there is nothing to indicate that his wife, Hannah Holbrook, was much his senior, if any. In addition, Ephraim 3 Pierce (Ephraim2 Michael1) died at Gloucester, R.I., 18 Mar. 1772, leaving a will, dated 29 Apr. 1769 and proved 18 May 1772, which mentions his daughter Elizabeth Eddy, his daughter Ruth Brown the wife of James Brown, his granddaughter Mary Thomas, his granddaughter Desiah Pierce, and his son Ephraim Pierce. ((Gloucester, R.I. Probate vol. i, pp. 363-364)) He mentions only one son, his son Ephraim Pierce. He names no son Mial, but this Mial Pierce, born in 1693, was clearly living on 29 Apr. 1769 when Ephraim Pierce made his will. The fact that he names no son Mial Pierce, and no children of any deceased children of this name, is quite conclusive evidence that he was not the father of this child. Frederick Clifton Pierce was unaware of the existence of this will, in fact he did not know that Ephraim3 Pierce removed to Gloucester, R.I. and shows his residences merely as Rehoboth and Swansea, Mass.

The given name of "Mial" is most unusual and is clearly a corruption of the given name of "michael", the name of the progenitor of this family in America. It is strange that a careful examination of the first four generations of this family shows no instance of the use of the given name of "Michael" except as the given name of the progenitor of this family in the first generation alone. On the other hand the given name of "Mial" is used twice in the third generation, twice in the fourth generation, and twice in the fifth generation. It is also most interesting to note that the given name of Capt. Michael Pierce was spelled "Hihel" twice (see page 6) and "Hihill" once (see page 7), in 1674 and 1675, the very last years of his life. The spellings "Mihel" and Mihill" when pronounced sound like "Mial" or Miel" and this is the probable explanation of the ultimate corruption of the original name of Michael" of the first generation to "Mial" by the third generation.

Mial Pierce married about 1711 or 1712 Judith ____, and their first child, Ephraim, was born in Swansea, Mass. 9 Nov. 1712. ((Swansea, Mass. Vital Records, Book B, p. 35)) She was the mother of all of his nine known children, two of which were born in Swansea, Mass. and the others probably all in Rehoboth, Mass., although the birth of one (Joshua) is not on the records. There is considerable doubt as to the identity of this wife, Judith ( ) Pierce. Frederick Clifton Pierce states, at page 58 of his genealogy, that she was "Judith Ellis, daughter of Judge Ellis", and offers no evidence whatever for this conclusion. The vital records of Swansea, Mass. do not show the Ellis surname up to 1755. The family of Ephraim Pierce, father of this Mial Pierce, resided in Swansea, Mass. from 27 Apr. 1797, at least, until 4 Jan. 1713-14, at least. The marriage of Mial Pierce occurred during this period certainly. The surname of Ellis does not appear upon the vital records of Rehoboth, Mass. until 1738 and later. No proof of the statement of Mr. Pierce, that Judith was an Ellis, has been discovered and the statement, extremely vague, may well be doubted, for he fails to give the given name of her father although he says he was a "Judge Ellis". The vital records of Swansea, Mass. show the marriage of a "Micle" Pierce to a Joanah Round 26 Nov. 1711 ((Book B, p. 194)) and this is most uncommon in New England prior to the 1750 at least. There was just one family of this surname in Swansea, Mass., a John and Elizabeth ( ) Round. The will of this John Round of Swansea, yeoman, dated 16 Oct. 1710, mentions his wife Elizabeth; his sons John Richard and George; and his five daughters Elizabeth Bowen the wife of Joseph Bowne, Ruth Mason the wife of Benjamin Mason, Sarah Bosworth the wife of Jonathan Bosworth, Judith Round, and Susannah Reed the wife of John Reed. ((Bristol County, Mass. Probate, vol. III, Part 1, pp. 299-300.)) This John Round died in Swansea, Mass., 7 Oct. 1716, according to the inventory of his estate. This John Round had tree sons, John, Richard and George. None of these sons could possibly have been the father of this Joanna Round who was married at Swansea, Mass. 26 Nov. 1711 to "Micle" Pierce, for John round, Jr., was married about 1699 and his first child was born in Swansea, Mass., 15 Nov. 1699; Richard Round married about 1701 and his first child was born in Rehoboth, Mass., 10 June 1702; George Round's marriage cannot well be estimated but he was undoubtedly the youngest son and married clearly after 1700. No record has been found of the marriage and no record has ever been found of any Joanna Round this early except for this same marriage. Judith ( ) Pierce, the wife of Mial Pierce, died at Rehoboth, Mass., 6 Oct. 1744, in her 58th year, and was thus born in 1687, which is consistent with Judith being the daughter of this John Elizabeth ( ) Round of Swansea, Mass. It is quite probable that there has been some confusion between the given names of "Judith" and "Joanah" Round which both have the exact number of letters. The deeds of Bristol Co., Mass. fail to show any deeds to which a Mial Pierce, with a wife Joanna, was a party. It would seem probable that Judith, the wife of Mial Pierce, was Judith Round, the daughter of John and Elizabeth ( ) Round of Swansea, Mass., who was single on 16 Oct. 1710, when her father made his will, and this available for this marriage on 26 Nov. 1711, slightly over a year later.

On 9 Jan. 1713-14 Ephraim Pearse of Rehoboth, yeoman, for 60 deeded Miel Pearce of Swansey, 80 acres of land in Rehoboth, ((Bristol Co., Mass. Deeds, vol. 16, p.24))

On 11 July 1714 Wheeler Pierce, son of Mial and Judith, was born at Swansea, Mass. ((Swansea, Mass. Vital Records, Book B. p. 159)) The use of the Wheeler surname as the given name of this child caused the writer to examine the family of this name in Rehoboth, Mass. but no Judith Wheeler was discovered. An examination of The Wheeler Family in America failed to produce any Judith Wheeler born anywhere near 1687 who could have been the wife of Mial Pierce.

On 3 Nov. 1715 Jonathan B wers of Swanzey, shipwright, for 400 deeded Mial Pearce of Swanzey, yeoman, two lots of 130 acres "in the land called the Outlott of Shawomet in the precincts of Swanzey", being the 22nd and 23rd lots in the last Division. ((Bristol Co., Mass., Deeds, vol. 9, p. 741)) This last deed probably does not relate to this Mial Pierce but rather to his cousin, Mial Pierce, the son of John and Patience (Dodson) Pierce, who was born (as "Michiell") at Scituate, Mass., 24 Sept. 1684, and died shortly before 3 Jan. 1764 at Swansea, Mass., and married in Swansea, Mass., 155 Oct. 1719, Mary Wood. He is the only other Mial Pierce in this family born prior to 1722. It is interesting to note that although he was born "Michiell" Pierce, he calls himself "Mial" Pierce in his will and signs his will as "Miel" Pierce, once again showing the corruption of the given name of Michael into Mial. John Pierce, a son of Capt. Michael Pierce and a brother of Ephraim Pierce, Sr., settled in that part of Swansea, Mass. known as Shawomet Purchase, which in 1790 was set off from Swansea, Mass. and became the present known of Somerset. The descendants of this John Pierce appear to have resided in that section of Swansea, Mass. which became Somerset while the descendants of Ephraim Pierce, Sr., resided in that part of Swansea, Mass. which was near Rehoboth, mass.

The will of Ephraim Peirce, Sr. of Warwick, R.I., dated 18 July 1718, bequeathed "to my beloved son, Michael Pierce, Thirty pounds in mony or in bills of Publick Credit and one Cow." (See page 17) This son Michael Pierce is quite clearly the Mial Pierce of Swansea and Rehoboth, Mass. and Warwick, R.I. as is definitely established by the deeds under date of 21 Oct. 1740 and the discussion there given.

On 23 Sept. 1719 the inventory of the estate of Ephraim Pierce, Sr., of warwick, R.I. was taken and included, among other things, "to money Due upon bond bareing Date ye second day of Decembr 1719 from Miell Pirce" for 15. (See page 17) This is doubtless his son Mial Pierce.

Mial and Judith (?Round) Pierce had six children born in Rehoboth, Mass., between 21 Feb. 1715 and 8 June 1726, the records reading:

"The Records of the age of ye Children of Miall Pierce Nathan Peirce ye son of Miall Peirce and of Judeth his wife Born february ye 21st 1716

Mary Peirce ye Daughter of Miall Peirce & of Judith his wife Born october ye 16th 1718

Judeth Peirce Daughtr of Miall Peirce and of Judeth His wife Borne october ye 21st 1720

Miall Peirce ye Son of Miall peirce and of Judeth his wife born March ye 24th 1721/22

Job Peirce ye son of Miall and of Judeth his wife Born Aprill ye 25th 1723

Caleb Peirce son of Miall Peirce and of Jedeth his wife Born June ye 8th 1726"

((Births, Marriage & Deaths, Town of Rehoboth, No. 2, pp. 69. Also, Arnold's printed Vital records of Rehoboth, Mass., p. 700))

On 18 Apr. 1735 Samuel Stafford of Warwick, R.I., yeoman, for 217 deed Myall Peirce of Rehoboth, Mass., yeoman, Lot no. 16 in the Four Miles Township in Warwick of 63 acres. ((Warwick, R.I. Deeds, vol. v, p. 271))

On 15 Jan. 1735-6 his daughter Mary married at Rehoboth, Mass., Martin Sallsbury, both of Rehoboth. ((Arnold's printed Vital Records of Rehoboth, Mass., p. 293))

On 26 Apr. 1736 his daughter Judith of Rehoboth married at Rehoboth, Mass., William Tibbetts of Warwick. ((Ibid.))

On 8 Apr. 1737 his son Wheeler of Rehoboth married at swansea, Mass., Elizab