New Britain herald., 1925-01-07
RECALLS CITY Of
 CIVIL WAR DAYS
Mrs. Wilson H. Pierce Observes
 Her Sist Birthday


 The stories of those who went away to service in the Civil War have often been heard but the stories of the women who stayed at home and experienced the hardships incident to wars are not heard 50 | oftcn. Such story is told by Mrs. | Wilson H. Pierce, who yesterday ob- | served her Slst birthday at her home | 10l Pleasant street, where she has | lived for over 50 years Mrs. Pierce was born January c, fSi4, in Middletown. the daughter of | James Coats and Ellen White Coats. Mrs. Pierce's father enlisted in the Union Army and saw active service with Rev. Lyman Johnson and the late Ira Hicks. Her uncle, Albert Pierce, who previous to the Civil War was employed by Lyman John son was killed in the Civil War.
 Came Here At Age of 1b Mrs. Pierce attended the public schools in Mlddletown but came to New Britain when she was IS years of age 70 that the greatest part of her life which she recalls was spent in this city. In 1866 she was mar ried to Wilson H. Pierce of Spring field by the Rev. Mir. Goodwin. Two children were born of the union, Ernest c. Pierce of this city and the late Mrs. John Screen, who died about three. years ago.
 Her stories of the existing condi- tlons during the Civil War are in- teresting. As during the last war, prices on many commodities were almost prohibitive. During that time the late Darius Miller was dealer in groceries and provisions and enjoyed the respect of many of the townspeople for his willingness to extend credit during the period when credit extension was more or less of q problem.
 In old New Britain
 New Britain of that day present. cd a picture very much different from that of today. The west sids of Main street was built up of resi- dences and Booths block was as yet unknown. On the south side of
 
 site of the Stanley Rule and Level plant of the Stanley Works was q canalwhich ran through the present location of the Union Works. The land around the canal was very swampy and Mrs. Pierce distinctly remembers crossing 1t by means of boards placed over 1t. Wilson H, Pierce worked in the pioneer plant of the Rule Shop" under the direc- tlon of J. Spencer Douglass, who short time ago observed his ssth birthday. Mrs Pierce's husband was Killed about 20 years ago when he was thrown from wagon after the horse became frightened and ran away.
 Regular In Her Habits
 There are many possible reasons for Mrs Pierce's long life but prob- ably one of the principal ones Is the fact that she has always observed regularity in, her habits. She has been very careful in eating and has enjoyed long hours of sleep. Am other thing which, undoubtedly has been Instrumental in prolonging Mrs. P!erce's life is the beautiful disposi- tion which has made for her a host of friends and gained for her the characteristic name of mother" Mrs. Pierce has been the recipient of cards and letters addressed. to Mother Pierce' as she is called by her friends and members of Trinity Methodist church, of which she ia a member. In her younger life Mrs. Pierce was very active in church work and was jealous and ardent worker in the interests of the Good Templarx A short time ago she finished a table scarf which her daughter. the late Mrs. Screen start ed. Mrs Pierce Is interested in keeping abreast of the times in news She reads the newspapers regularly but deplores the class of books which is being, circulated in the country today.
 Probably another significant thing In Mrs Pierce's longevity Is the faci that tn her advanced age she ha, been able to be comparatively active last summer she enjoyed a triI through western New York state returning by automobile.
 She has been the recipient ot many greetings from friends snt yesterday afternoon about 20 friends called at her home 10 help her cele brate the occasion.