The Newtown bee., 1888-12-07
REV A. (. PIERCE DEAD.
His Death, Funeral and Faithful Passionate.

The death of Mir Pierce, coming as 1t did with sickness of only IS hours, which was not considered serious until few hours before his death, was q great shock to all. Even his sons, in Waterbury and Meriden, knew nothing of his sickness until the despatch an- nouncing hls death was received.
 Mir Pierce preached an able sermon, Thanksgiving day and attended and spoke at Emmon Hawley's silver we'd ding in the evening. Friday, MT Pierce felt somewhat indisposed and Dr Will Hams was called. There seemed no special cause for alarm, though there were symptoms of pneumonia. Sunday morning, the doctor found his patient failing rapidly and advised summoning the sons, fearing the worst. While ab- sent moment, busy with ministeripg to the needs of his patient, Mir Pierce expired suddenly and alone. A number of his family have died thus suddenly, which is attributed to heart trouble.
 At the funeral, Wednesday at p m, Rev Messrs Palmer of Bridgeport, Slack of Bethel and Hoyt of Newtown were present to conduct the last sad rites for one of the most highly revered and hon Ored members of the pastoral office in Fairfield county. Mir Hoyt conducted the opening service of solemn song, beautifully rendered by the choir, and appropriate Scripture selections, after which Mir Palmer of the North church, Bridgeport, delivered an address, taking as his text, And Man Became Living Soul" from which he drew lessons for the living, taking the deceased pastors exemplary life and widely felt influence as an example of godly living worthy of emulation. Mir Slack followed with a prayer of earnest and touching supplies tion, which was followed by the hymn "Farewell," which was fitting close to the sad yet interesting service.
 Among the throng, who filled the pretty new church to overflowing, were the sons, Wilson, a lawyer in Waterbury and Elbridge, a doctor in Meriden, with other family friends, who could uot fail to note that there was chord of tender affection sundered not only in the fami- ly circle but also in his loved church, as evidenced by the moistened eyes throughout the audience during the ser vices.
 Among the clergy present, beside those assisting in the services, were Rev Messrs Merwin of Trumbull, Whitcome of Brookfield and the pastors of the Danbury churches. The pail bearers were Messrs s. E. Hawley, K. H. North
  CTS, D. D. Jooce and Clarence Vroman, who bore their beloved pastor to burial as reverently as though he were a fath- CT.
 The floral offerings were beautiful and elaborate; a pillow inscribed "Father,' an open book with ''Our Loved Pastor'' written across it's pages, harp, anchor, punches of roses and ripe grain were noticeable, while the chancel rail and pulpit were draped with crape.
 It is a remarkable coincidence that, af- ter working so faithfully and with such success to renovate the church, Mir Pierce should have been the first to be borne before the altar for funeral rites. It was pleasure to meet the deceased pastor and friend, whether on business, socially, or in matters pertaining to his sacred office and the BEE joins with the mourning throng who followed his bier to it's last rest in the quiet valley and drops a tear upon his grave.
 . The beloved pastor and esteemed citi- zen comes of a venerable and honored family, being descended in direct line from Thomas Pierce, who emigrated to America from England in 1883. Asa c. Is eight generations removed from this worthy sire and was the sixth child, be- ing one vi a pair of twins, his twin sis-
 
 The records of the Pierce family show conclusively that they were prolific race, there having been two pairs of twins in his fathers family of nine and, tracing the line farther back, large fami- lies of children abound among the race
 Born among the Berkshire hills and left an orphan early in life, Mir Pierce knew what 1t was to push his way in the world. While n lad he became a de. vout Christian, studied for the ministry later on and taught school while in prep aration, being ordained in 1S49. Since, for 40 years, he has been an eminently successful preacher and his pastorates have been noted for the number of years spent with each parish-13 years at Northford, Conn. and four years at Durham.
 Of the years spent at Brookfield. since 1870, 1t Is not necessary to speak A more faithful and efficient pastor it would be difficult to conceive of or one who could more closely unite the hearts of church membership in earnest church work. Succeeding generations will point with pride and satisfaction to the work of his hands which time and space will not efface. In matters where manly citizen should let his voice and influence be heard and felt, MT Pierce took prominent place and, in ed ucational matters, was of great service to the youth of Brookfeld, introducin 2 Improvements and correcting evils.
 
 S0UTHBURY.
 By request Mir Johnson will hold ser.