The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-09-10
Franklin P,crce-His Ancestors.

Many fanciful speculatons have been set ahoat
as to the descent of this distinguished person. since
be became the democratic candidate for President.
de is made to be q Sco.chman, or Hishman, or
Engiishman, just according to the several notions
of the writers. One thinks he is ineal descendant
Of the Percy family, with name contracted to one
syllable, and thus escaped the extinct title Of no
bilty, Duke of Northumberland. Another stigma
ties him as the son of an unlearned man, without
distinction. Perhaps readers would like to
learn something more reliable, from who was
born near the Pierce mansion.
Daniel Pierce emigrated from London to New
bury, Mass lchusetts In sixteen hundred and thirty
seven. In the annals OF this town, no name occurs
more honorably or more frequently than that of
Daniel Pierce, the London blacksmith He brought
with him great wealth. and became influential in
all the religious and civil affairs of Newbury. On
the south bank of the Merrimac river, one mile be-
low Newburyport, and about the same distance
from the ocean, lies what is known as the Pierce
farm 1t purchased by John Spencer, in 1861.
and the act of taking formal possession is thus
described By one Of the witnesses -" Mr..
Pierce said to Mr.. Spencer you promised to give
me possession by turfe and twgge. Mr.. Spencer
said SO will, If you please to cut turfe and twigge
and Mr. Pierce did cut of twigge of tree, and
and stuck it into the turfe and bid us bear witness
that ne gave Mr.. Pierce possession thereby of the
house and land and farn that he had bought Of him
ard gave the turte and twigge to Mr.. Pierce" This
farm, though not now owned by the family it was
Daniel Pierces intention TO entail, az in his will he
says, 1T shall never be sold nor in any part diy
ded." Here he bGilt a stone house. which now
stands in tolerable state Of Preservation. AID is
known as the Pierce House, visitors OF
Plum BLAND may see the relic ofthis ancient arch-
lecture overloaded by the prouder dwelling of its
present owner, with its shady lawn sloping down to
the waters Of the Merimac Daniel Pierce, jun,
owned this farm and continued 10 act the same
honorable and conspicuous part. as his father hal
done IN the affairs Of bis native town. His the
largest flock Of sheep which gr0Zed upon the " lower
commons Of the Artichoke River" Like his father
~ q
the town, and held the Office Of Justice Of tho Peace
and also that Of Colonel. With him who served in
ihe Indian wars, began the military character of
the Pierce family. Ii will give your readers some
idea Of the man, and of those times which tined
mems souls, to read the following ogd2r;-
Auersr ?th 1900
These ere II his Majesty name to require all the Sol
ditr belonging 10 this tosn 70 bring their and
nuuon Y " meeting house evary saboh day and az all
Other pubk meeting and also they required to carry
their arms and ANN unition with them into meadows and
places where they worke And If any do refuse
neglect lis dewty above expressed he shall pay i've
sbIlngs for every such neglect.
(sisDed) DANIEL PIERCE Captain.
His son Benjamin Pierce, was born in 1862 and
succeeded to the homestead as did also his son Ben
.jamin Pierce Jr., who was born n 100. Upto this
date the "Perce house and farm" RENAME / in pos
session Of the family, who retained their original
wealth and distinction among the inhabitants of
New bury.
But soon after this tho property passed into other
hands, contrary to the stipuatiors of Mr. Pierce's
will and his numerous defendants became widely
Dispersed
General Benjamin Pierce, Governor Of New Hamp-
shire, was the son Of Benjamn Pierce, jun, of New
bgry. and was born in Chelmsford, Mas in 1852.
ben The revolutionary war broke out he enlisted
"a tic age Of IL in the regiment Of Colonel Brooks.
Ae fought desperately in the battle Of Bunker Hill,
sud aso distinguished himself by his bravery on Sc
HeIal subsequent occasions, which procured him
promotion. At the cose Of the Revolutionary war
As settled at iillshoroueh N H., where till the day
o bs death the rcore OF the Granite State sought
EeIy OPPORTUNITY to honor and elevate him to the
highest stations Of responsibility lad trust.
The ancestors Of General Franklin Pierce came
oIlg,nlaly nom London, and have been among the
| this country. y INV ''AS ~ -