Wm. Pierce was my Great Grandfather. For any of his family that might be looking into his history I am sending this, I will post it to the Project as well: WILLIAM PIERCE Father Joshier P. Pierce Mother Nancy Jane MERRILL b. Saline Co. Kansas d. 1915 Lawrence Co, SD Buried Mt. Moriah Deadwood, SD M. Christina Emeline Smith Children: Ernest Rose Florence died age 1 Robert. Died age 3 This is a copy of a clipping of an old newspaper, probably from Lead or Deadwood, SD. It was difficult to read no date or name of paper were included. William who lived a mile above Pluma in Strawberry Gulch, SD was struck by a motorcycle and sustained injuries from which he died Sunday morning July 14th 1915 at nine O'clock. The accident happened near the deep cut just below the gas plant. Saturday night about seven. The motorcycle was ridden by Jerry Harrington, a fireman on the Burlington, who lives in Lead City, SD. In the tandem attachment was passenger Arthur Baker, a Burlington car barn employee. A corner's inquest was held yesterday morning at Schuite's undertaking parlor. The jury, composed of E. M. Mitchell, C. H. Henderson and George Parker after considering the evidence introduced, brought in a verdict of "Reckless and careless driving on the part of Harrington." Mr. Pierces' Daughter, Rose who was with him at the time of the accident, they were returning to their home from a visit with an aunt who lives just above the hall park at abt. 8 PM. They had just reached the cut just below the gas plant when they heard a machine coming towards them. Mr. Pierce Stepped t o the road, the machine veered, striking Mr. Pierce with a tremendous force. Harrington stopped the machine and went to Piece's assistance and in the meantime a party in another car came along and picked Mr. Pierce up and started to the hospital. Mr. Pierce requested that he be taken home as he thought nothing was seriously wrong. He was taken home where his daughter gave him every assistance possible. She under the impression that he was sleeping, did not try to arouse him until sometime later. Failing to arouse him she went to a neighbor's home and a doctor was summoned. Sunday morning Doctors Fehliman and Allen held a consultation, discovering that an operation was useless as he had sustained a fracture of the skull at the base of the brain. Pierce leaves a wife and family of five children, Ernest, age, 21, Rose 18, two small boys, and Christina Emeline. ( actually the article was Three boys but I have taken the liberty of correcting it) Mrs. Pierce and the son were out on the ranch at the time. Rose the daughter is in a very nervous condition as the result of the accident, but was able to appear at the corner;s inquest. A report reached this office that the daughter Rose was in a serious condition as the result of a nervous breakdown. A doctor was called, but at the time of going to press nothing further could be learned. (It was thought in later years that Rose perhaps, had suffered a stroke that paralyzed half of her face. From a very young age at about that time of her life she had no control over the muscles of one side. Her faces dropped with a "lazy eye". ) My Great Grandmother, Christina Emeline, never remarried. She always told me with a twinkle in her eye that she didn't want to have to take care of some old man!! She had married Wm. when she was 15, he was 23 a Mead County Assessor, in July 1893. She supported her children with the help of her oldest sons and lived to a ripe age d. 12-13-1969. She is buried in Deadwood with her son and husband. She was nicknamed Tiny, I guess because she was so small. Bright blue eyes and a clear head, I remember her harvesting strawberries and making shortcake for my sisters and I. She had exceptional daughters. One of them. Gladys, is my grandmother b. October 16th, 1906. She is still the most incredible woman alive. I have more tales to tell, the kidnapping ,the Indians coming to the door, but it is late so I must go now. Thank you for giving me this forum to tell about my incredible heritage. I am proud to be from such strong and wonderful women as my grandmothers. Should my address change you can always reach me at [email protected] How many of us hate to change our addresses as we will miss our mail? [email protected] Sheila Walker Texas