This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Pierce, Peirce, Seavey, Chamberlain Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/AFB.2ACE/1770 Message Board Post: Looking for information on engraver and marine artist William J. Pierce/Peirce--also signed his paintings J. W. Pierce. Research indicates that William J. Pierce was born in Vermont in 1828 to John L. Pierce. In 1850 he is living with his father in Burlington, Vermont and his occupation is engraver. In 1860 he is living in Somerville, MA with his wife Harriet Seavey and their daughters Anna b. 1854 and Mary E. b. 1856. They are in the household of Harriet's parents Joshua and Harriet Seavey. In 1870 the Wm. J. Pierce family was living in Somerville, MA with their two daughters. During the 1870's William J. Peirce is listed in the Somerville City Directory as a wood engraver. In 1880 the family is living in Waltham and William J. is listed as J. W. Pierce, artist. He is with his wife Harriet E., daughter Anna and mother-in-law Harriet Seavey 71 years. In 1900 he is listed again as William J. Pierce, artist, 70 years born Aug 1829 in Vermont, married 44 years. With him is his wife Harriet 67 who was the mother of 2 children 1 living, and a granddaughter, Helen P. Chamberlain 15 years as well as Margaret Fife 35 years, lodger, and Lizzie Dana?,22 years servant. It would seem that William and Harriet died by 1910. Does anyone have a death record for William J. Pierce or cemetery information? Are any of his paintings hanging in libraries or museums in Middlesex County? Is there any biographical information available on this gifted artist? Also looking for relatives and descendants.