Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1896-10-15
Death ofHou. Chester Pierce.

On Wednesday, Oct. Z, the funeral ser
vices OF the late Hon. Chester Pierce, who
| died at the ripe age OF n years on Sunday
morning Oct. 4,were held at his late home
| in Rochester. The services were conduct
ed by Rev. I. Roscoe, pastor OF the Roch =
ester Universalist church, OF which the de-
| ceased was an active member and the chief
supporter. The choir, assisted by Mr. III.
Upper, basso, rendered excellent and suit
able music for the occasion. The services
were sympathetic and impressive.
The deceased was born in Royalton in
| 1919, OF WIN. and Hannah Baker Pierce.
He was their 18th child. One brother sur
wives. While a mere boy the deceased
started in business,on his own account, in
his native town. He soon went to Bethel
to become partner in a firm already es-
tablished, and, after a little while married
the fourth daughter OF the late Hon. Eph.
ID. Briggs. The marriage took place on
the 25th of October, 1912. He sold out in
Bethel ana entered business with his
wife's father in Rochester. After a few
years he became sole proprietor and for a
long time was actively engaged in general
trade, retiring about 20 years ago, when
he sold out to his only son, Edward, who
survives him. Since then the deceased has
be dealing in various kinds OF property
and was so engaged at the time OF his
death.
His surviving son, Edward, was born Of
the first marriage ana has two sons living,
Leslie and Chester, grandsobs OF tue de-
ceased.
The Hon. Chester Pierce, though carry.
ing on business on strictly business prin.
ciples, was scrupulously honest, lust ano
OF marked integrity. He was generous
and practically kind TO the worthy poor
de was specially interested in education
al matters and founded the"graded school
system" in Rochester. He was deeply
patriotic and a life long Wing and Repub-
icsn, whose principles he heartily APP
proved. He had been representative IN
both branches OF the legislature.
His first wife died In 1859, whose loss he
deeply felt. On the 18th OF December, 1883.
ne married Miss Ellen L. Ashley,to whom
ne was devoted and affectionate husband.
She survives him to mourn his loss.
The deceased was a man highly respect
ed and deeply loved by his townspeopIe.
as well as by the flock of which he was a
member. His character was well harmon-
lzed. His chief trait was his moral sense
supported by his religious convictions. He
believed that religion was OF little avail
except as it was carried into, and applied
to, the practical duties OF everyday life,
Conscience was his constant monitor, and
10 whatever he held 10 be right, he chung
with fidelity. He believed in God, and in
he worship OF God which helps men TO
i've well. He had calm and equable dis
position, which was the outcome OF high
moral principles. His mind had a bust
1ess and practical turn, which, together
With his integrity, made him the trustee
II many condolences. Though never
thrusting himself upon the attention of
others he was often sought after and con-
suited for his practical counsel and wise
judgment.
While he enjoyed social intercourse, he
could not be approached with any undue
familiarity. be had watched with inter-
est and solicitude the progress of Roches-
er and always tried to advance it high
est good. The community in which he
uveo will long mourn his loss, but the
tsmily be left will miss him deeply for his
domestic relationship was of the most fe-
liciious kind.