Notes for Justus Nolton:

General Notes:

In the war of 1812 Petersburgh furnished her share of soldiers. As far as can be learned from existing records these were the following:

Captain Aaron Worthington, Captain William Coon, Captain Raper Andrus, Gardner Maine, Lewis Hewitt, John S. Brimmer, Amasa Lamphere, Sanford Hewitt, Peter Church, Silas W. White, Benjamin B. Randall, JosephusJones, William Miner, Benjamin Babcock, Thomas Randall, Justus Nolton, Nathan Nolton, Benjamin Weaver, Cornelius Henning, John Henning, Oliver Buddington, Isaac B. Maine, George Hakes, Luther Clark, Charles Grogan, Christopher Armsbury, Spicer Chesebro.

-=-==-=-

The town of Petersburgh was formed from Stephentown March 18 1791.

Copied from microfilm, and also the Mabel Hewitt collection located at the Bennington Museum Library Bennington Vermont. Mabel did not copy the complete population information but did note some wife's maiden names which I included in this copy, including a few known to me.

The census consisted of dwellings numbered in the order of isitation, material built and value. Families were numbered in the order of visitation, included every person whose usual place of abode on the first day of June was in this family, including age, sex, color (whether black or mulatto), relation to the head of household. County, state or country born, single, married or widowed. Noted were years of residence in Petersburgh, occupation and whether native, naturalized or alien. Persons of color were not taxed, and persons over 21 who could not read and write are in this copy. Also deaf, dumb, blind, insane or idiotic individuals were recorded.

MY ABBREVIATIONS

al - alien

nv - native

nz - naturalized

m - male

f - female

marr - married

ol - owns land

m/n - maiden name

cnrw - can not read & write

1855 Census

http://members.tripod.com/~DERBYSHIRE_2/Petersburgh.html

PETERSBURGH RENSSELAER CO NY 1855 CENSUS

[#1 Justus Nolton was the census taker]

1st Election District June 1st

1 1 NOLTON Justus 54 m Mass marr 24 farmer nv ol frame $500

Polly 48 f wife Rens marr 34

Sarah P 28 f child Herkimer 19

Ellen A 11 f child Rens 11

6 6 NOLTON Nathan 62 m Mass marr 52 farmer nv frame $900

Eunice 56 f wife Rens marr 56

Paulina 25 f child Rens 25

Harriet E 23 f child Rens 23

Aaron B 21 m child Rens 21 farmer nv

17 17 NOLTON Warren H 33 m Rens marr 33 farmer nv frame $300

Adelia L 24 f wife Rens marr 24

HOVEY Oliver 45 m uncle Rens 40 shoemaker nv

=-=-=-=-=-

Clark, do you have access to fold3 or some other military record site to see pension records?

http://www.fold3.com/image/#25348248

If you join through Ancestry, it is cheaper.

Anyway, it proves that "Justice," Nathan, Daniel,Baldwin, and Ruby are all children of Nathan Sr. (Horace must have died.)

Nathan died 9 Nov 1829. The record is pages long so I have not looked at it all yet.

By the way, these records have been available all along at any Natl Archives branch around the country, on microfilm; I copied my Nathaniel Holmes lengthy file there years ago.

For some reason, the children are bringing it all up in 1880 or 1881, why you have so many juicy details. Will report back unless you say you have this.

Elizabeth W. Knowlton

Notes for Justus Nolton:

General Notes:

In the war of 1812 Petersburgh furnished her share of soldiers. As far as can be learned from existing records these were the following:

Captain Aaron Worthington, Captain William Coon, Captain Raper Andrus, Gardner Maine, Lewis Hewitt, John S. Brimmer, Amasa Lamphere, Sanford Hewitt, Peter Church, Silas W. White, Benjamin B. Randall, JosephusJones, William Miner, Benjamin Babcock, Thomas Randall, Justus Nolton, Nathan Nolton, Benjamin Weaver, Cornelius Henning, John Henning, Oliver Buddington, Isaac B. Maine, George Hakes, Luther Clark, Charles Grogan, Christopher Armsbury, Spicer Chesebro.

-=-==-=-

The town of Petersburgh was formed from Stephentown March 18 1791.

Copied from microfilm, and also the Mabel Hewitt collection located at the Bennington Museum Library Bennington Vermont. Mabel did not copy the complete population information but did note some wife's maiden names which I included in this copy, including a few known to me.

The census consisted of dwellings numbered in the order of isitation, material built and value. Families were numbered in the order of visitation, included every person whose usual place of abode on the first day of June was in this family, including age, sex, color (whether black or mulatto), relation to the head of household. County, state or country born, single, married or widowed. Noted were years of residence in Petersburgh, occupation and whether native, naturalized or alien. Persons of color were not taxed, and persons over 21 who could not read and write are in this copy. Also deaf, dumb, blind, insane or idiotic individuals were recorded.

MY ABBREVIATIONS

al - alien

nv - native

nz - naturalized

m - male

f - female

marr - married

ol - owns land

m/n - maiden name

cnrw - can not read & write

1855 Census

http://members.tripod.com/~DERBYSHIRE_2/Petersburgh.html

PETERSBURGH RENSSELAER CO NY 1855 CENSUS

[#1 Justus Nolton was the census taker]

1st Election District June 1st

1 1 NOLTON Justus 54 m Mass marr 24 farmer nv ol frame $500

Polly 48 f wife Rens marr 34

Sarah P 28 f child Herkimer 19

Ellen A 11 f child Rens 11

6 6 NOLTON Nathan 62 m Mass marr 52 farmer nv frame $900

Eunice 56 f wife Rens marr 56

Paulina 25 f child Rens 25

Harriet E 23 f child Rens 23

Aaron B 21 m child Rens 21 farmer nv

17 17 NOLTON Warren H 33 m Rens marr 33 farmer nv frame $300

Adelia L 24 f wife Rens marr 24

HOVEY Oliver 45 m uncle Rens 40 shoemaker nv

=-=-=-=-=-

Clark, do you have access to fold3 or some other military record site to see pension records?

http://www.fold3.com/image/#25348248

If you join through Ancestry, it is cheaper.

Anyway, it proves that "Justice," Nathan, Daniel,Baldwin, and Ruby are all children of Nathan Sr. (Horace must have died.)

Nathan died 9 Nov 1829. The record is pages long so I have not looked at it all yet.

By the way, these records have been available all along at any Natl Archives branch around the country, on microfilm; I copied my Nathaniel Holmes lengthy file there years ago.

For some reason, the children are bringing it all up in 1880 or 1881, why you have so many juicy details. Will report back unless you say you have this.

Elizabeth W. Knowlton

Notes for Justus Nolton:

General Notes:

In the war of 1812 Petersburgh furnished her share of soldiers. As far as can be learned from existing records these were the following:

Captain Aaron Worthington, Captain William Coon, Captain Raper Andrus, Gardner Maine, Lewis Hewitt, John S. Brimmer, Amasa Lamphere, Sanford Hewitt, Peter Church, Silas W. White, Benjamin B. Randall, JosephusJones, William Miner, Benjamin Babcock, Thomas Randall, Justus Nolton, Nathan Nolton, Benjamin Weaver, Cornelius Henning, John Henning, Oliver Buddington, Isaac B. Maine, George Hakes, Luther Clark, Charles Grogan, Christopher Armsbury, Spicer Chesebro.

-=-==-=-

The town of Petersburgh was formed from Stephentown March 18 1791.

Copied from microfilm, and also the Mabel Hewitt collection located at the Bennington Museum Library Bennington Vermont. Mabel did not copy the complete population information but did note some wife's maiden names which I included in this copy, including a few known to me.

The census consisted of dwellings numbered in the order of isitation, material built and value. Families were numbered in the order of visitation, included every person whose usual place of abode on the first day of June was in this family, including age, sex, color (whether black or mulatto), relation to the head of household. County, state or country born, single, married or widowed. Noted were years of residence in Petersburgh, occupation and whether native, naturalized or alien. Persons of color were not taxed, and persons over 21 who could not read and write are in this copy. Also deaf, dumb, blind, insane or idiotic individuals were recorded.

MY ABBREVIATIONS

al - alien

nv - native

nz - naturalized

m - male

f - female

marr - married

ol - owns land

m/n - maiden name

cnrw - can not read & write

1855 Census

http://members.tripod.com/~DERBYSHIRE_2/Petersburgh.html

PETERSBURGH RENSSELAER CO NY 1855 CENSUS

[#1 Justus Nolton was the census taker]

1st Election District June 1st

1 1 NOLTON Justus 54 m Mass marr 24 farmer nv ol frame $500

Polly 48 f wife Rens marr 34

Sarah P 28 f child Herkimer 19

Ellen A 11 f child Rens 11

6 6 NOLTON Nathan 62 m Mass marr 52 farmer nv frame $900

Eunice 56 f wife Rens marr 56

Paulina 25 f child Rens 25

Harriet E 23 f child Rens 23

Aaron B 21 m child Rens 21 farmer nv

17 17 NOLTON Warren H 33 m Rens marr 33 farmer nv frame $300

Adelia L 24 f wife Rens marr 24

HOVEY Oliver 45 m uncle Rens 40 shoemaker nv

=-=-=-=-=-

Clark, do you have access to fold3 or some other military record site to see pension records?

http://www.fold3.com/image/#25348248

If you join through Ancestry, it is cheaper.

Anyway, it proves that "Justice," Nathan, Daniel,Baldwin, and Ruby are all children of Nathan Sr. (Horace must have died.)

Nathan died 9 Nov 1829. The record is pages long so I have not looked at it all yet.

By the way, these records have been available all along at any Natl Archives branch around the country, on microfilm; I copied my Nathaniel Holmes lengthy file there years ago.

For some reason, the children are bringing it all up in 1880 or 1881, why you have so many juicy details. Will report back unless you say you have this.

Elizabeth W. Knowlton

Notes for Almon N. Allen:

General Notes:

Berkshire Eagle, February 7, 1884

The death of Doctor Almon N. Allen, one of Pittsfield's elder physicians, and a genial gentleman, occurred yesterday morning after an illness of some weeks, of heart troubles and some other complaints. The deceased was a native of Petersburgh, NY, where he was born in 1820, and he graduated at the Albany medical college. He set up practice in his own town. In 1852 he came to Pittsfield where he carried on a drug store, with his brother, Squire L. Allen, for some time. He soon returned to his profession, and had a good practice and reputation as a successful physician. He lived nearly all the time in the house where he died, corner of North and Union streets. He was a member of the Pittsfield Baptist church, which he joined by letter in 1852, and lived a consistent Christian life. Few men had as few enemies as Dr. Allen; he was a clever, sunny man, kind to everyone and considerate in his judgments. He was a man of extensive reading and general information, and had a decided taste for invention and mechanics. His wife, formerly Miss Mary Knowlton, and one son, Dr. Almon S. Allen of Brooklyn, survive him. He was a good man, a kind friend, and Pittsfield will miss him. His funeral occurs Saturday afternoon, probably from the Baptist church.

-=-=-=-=-

ALLEN, ALMON N., 155 North St., Pittsfield 1861 9 to 11 ; 7 to 9. M. D. (Albany) 1845. Member Pittsfield Medical Association

DEATHS DIED in Pittsfield Mass February 6th Almon N Allen MD aged sixty three. He was a native of Petersburg NH (should be NY), a graduate of the Albany Medical College and had practiced in Pittsfield over thirty years He was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society since 1861 He leaves a widow and a son who is a physician in Brooklyn.

RESOLUTIONS OF THE BERKSHIRE MEDICAL SOCIETY ON THE DEATH OF DR ALMON N ALLEN AND DR HL SABIN AT the regular monthly meeting of the Berkshire Medical Society the following resolutions were adopted Whereas Our brother Almon N Allen of Pittsfield been removed from the scene of his long and useful labors earth and as we trust to a happy and everlasting home in life which succeeds this therefore Resolved That while we bear our willing testimony to character as a man and a physician and deplore his from this our monthly meeting of the Society we tender to wife son and other relatives the sincere expression of our condolence and sympathy in their affliction and commend them the love of that Being who doeth all things well Resolved That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to family of our deceased brother The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal and the same be sent to the Berkshire County ayle and Pittsfield Sun for publication Resolved That a copy be placed on the records of this Society AM SMITH FK PADDOCK Committee OS ROBERTS

Patents:

Almon N. Allen - electric gas lighter Feb 6, 1872

Magneto-to-electric machine same.

Almon N. Allen and Rodney H Dewey - Lubricator for steam engines January 23, 1872

Chairman of the Pittsfield School Committee in 1870 per wife's sister Ellen's certificate and Pittsfield school dept records.

Notes for Almon N. Allen:

General Notes:

Berkshire Eagle, February 7, 1884

The death of Doctor Almon N. Allen, one of Pittsfield's elder physicians, and a genial gentleman, occurred yesterday morning after an illness of some weeks, of heart troubles and some other complaints. The deceased was a native of Petersburgh, NY, where he was born in 1820, and he graduated at the Albany medical college. He set up practice in his own town. In 1852 he came to Pittsfield where he carried on a drug store, with his brother, Squire L. Allen, for some time. He soon returned to his profession, and had a good practice and reputation as a successful physician. He lived nearly all the time in the house where he died, corner of North and Union streets. He was a member of the Pittsfield Baptist church, which he joined by letter in 1852, and lived a consistent Christian life. Few men had as few enemies as Dr. Allen; he was a clever, sunny man, kind to everyone and considerate in his judgments. He was a man of extensive reading and general information, and had a decided taste for invention and mechanics. His wife, formerly Miss Mary Knowlton, and one son, Dr. Almon S. Allen of Brooklyn, survive him. He was a good man, a kind friend, and Pittsfield will miss him. His funeral occurs Saturday afternoon, probably from the Baptist church.

-=-=-=-=-

ALLEN, ALMON N., 155 North St., Pittsfield 1861 9 to 11 ; 7 to 9. M. D. (Albany) 1845. Member Pittsfield Medical Association

DEATHS DIED in Pittsfield Mass February 6th Almon N Allen MD aged sixty three. He was a native of Petersburg NH (should be NY), a graduate of the Albany Medical College and had practiced in Pittsfield over thirty years He was a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society since 1861 He leaves a widow and a son who is a physician in Brooklyn.

RESOLUTIONS OF THE BERKSHIRE MEDICAL SOCIETY ON THE DEATH OF DR ALMON N ALLEN AND DR HL SABIN AT the regular monthly meeting of the Berkshire Medical Society the following resolutions were adopted Whereas Our brother Almon N Allen of Pittsfield been removed from the scene of his long and useful labors earth and as we trust to a happy and everlasting home in life which succeeds this therefore Resolved That while we bear our willing testimony to character as a man and a physician and deplore his from this our monthly meeting of the Society we tender to wife son and other relatives the sincere expression of our condolence and sympathy in their affliction and commend them the love of that Being who doeth all things well Resolved That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to family of our deceased brother The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal and the same be sent to the Berkshire County ayle and Pittsfield Sun for publication Resolved That a copy be placed on the records of this Society AM SMITH FK PADDOCK Committee OS ROBERTS

Patents:

Almon N. Allen - electric gas lighter Feb 6, 1872

Magneto-to-electric machine same.

Almon N. Allen and Rodney H Dewey - Lubricator for steam engines January 23, 1872

Chairman of the Pittsfield School Committee in 1870 per wife's sister Ellen's certificate and Pittsfield school dept records.

Notes for William Alton Pierce:

General Notes:

William Alton Pierce

Obituary in Berkshire Eagle 3 June 1925

Born 2 Sept 1848

Died 2 June 1925

Age 76

William Alton Pierce, aged 76 years, died last evening in the home of his daughter Mrs. A. W. Irwin of Baltimore, MD. where he has been for the last two months. Mr. Pierce suffered a shock three weeks ago today and his death came as a result of it. Mr. Pierce was born in Leominster, MA, September 2, 1848, and has lived all his life in this city (Pittsfield) since his family moved here when he was two years of age. For 19 years he owned and operated the W. A. Pierce Coal company of this city.

Mr. Pierce is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Irwin (Mabel Elizabeth Pierce) of Baltimore and Mrs. S. N. Nicholls (Clara Winthrop Pierce) of this city, and one son, Knowlton F. Pierce of Arlington, NJ, and one sister, Mrs. Nellie E. Packard of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Pierce was a charter member of the Morningside Baptist Church, a member of the Park club, Crescent Lodge of Masons, the Pittsfield Elks’ club and was a member of the Old Elm Baseball club, which represented Pittsfield about 50 years ago. For the past few years the W. A. Pierce Coal company has been owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Nicholls.

The body will be brought to this city and the services will be in charge of the local Masonic order on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Pittsfield Cemetery.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Information of interest:

Is there an obituary from Baltimore newspaper.

Any information about Arthur William Irwin. Address, age, job, whatever.

AW born in Bikesville MD ?? Should that be Pikesville??

AW died 23 Feb 1953 is there an obituary? Possibly died in Oroville CA??

Mabel and AW married May 30, 1923 in Howard County, MD.

http://www.hchsmd.org/GroomIa.htm :

Burges is Mabel’s first marriage

Groom Age Residence Bride Age Residence Marriage Date

Irwin, Arthur William 48 Bikesville, MD Burges, Mabel Pierce 49 Pittsfield, MA 30 May 1923

Notes for William Alton Pierce:

General Notes:

William Alton Pierce

Obituary in Berkshire Eagle 3 June 1925

Born 2 Sept 1848

Died 2 June 1925

Age 76

William Alton Pierce, aged 76 years, died last evening in the home of his daughter Mrs. A. W. Irwin of Baltimore, MD. where he has been for the last two months. Mr. Pierce suffered a shock three weeks ago today and his death came as a result of it. Mr. Pierce was born in Leominster, MA, September 2, 1848, and has lived all his life in this city (Pittsfield) since his family moved here when he was two years of age. For 19 years he owned and operated the W. A. Pierce Coal company of this city.

Mr. Pierce is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Irwin (Mabel Elizabeth Pierce) of Baltimore and Mrs. S. N. Nicholls (Clara Winthrop Pierce) of this city, and one son, Knowlton F. Pierce of Arlington, NJ, and one sister, Mrs. Nellie E. Packard of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Pierce was a charter member of the Morningside Baptist Church, a member of the Park club, Crescent Lodge of Masons, the Pittsfield Elks’ club and was a member of the Old Elm Baseball club, which represented Pittsfield about 50 years ago. For the past few years the W. A. Pierce Coal company has been owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Nicholls.

The body will be brought to this city and the services will be in charge of the local Masonic order on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Pittsfield Cemetery.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Information of interest:

Is there an obituary from Baltimore newspaper.

Any information about Arthur William Irwin. Address, age, job, whatever.

AW born in Bikesville MD ?? Should that be Pikesville??

AW died 23 Feb 1953 is there an obituary? Possibly died in Oroville CA??

Mabel and AW married May 30, 1923 in Howard County, MD.

http://www.hchsmd.org/GroomIa.htm :

Burges is Mabel’s first marriage

Groom Age Residence Bride Age Residence Marriage Date

Irwin, Arthur William 48 Bikesville, MD Burges, Mabel Pierce 49 Pittsfield, MA 30 May 1923

Notes for Alton Reynolds Pierce:

General Notes:

PIERCE, Alton R., Dec. 21, 1896, age 20

Alton Reynolds Pierce

Born May 1, 1876

Died December 21, 1896

Age 20

Article in Berkshire Evening Eagle December 21, 1896

Repeated in Eagle December 23, 1896

Alton Pierce Drowned

While skating on Silver Lake today.

All efforts to resuscitate him proved to be in vain.

The first drowning accident of the winter in this city occurred at Silver Lake this morning. Alton R. Pierce breaking through the ice about 40 feet from the west shore. His body was in the water fully three-quarters of an hour before recovered but efforts were made for nearly four hours to resuscitate him but all efforts were fruitless. The body was recovered shortly after 9:30 o’clock and it was not until after the arrival of Medical Examiner Brown of North Adams at 1:15 o’clock that the work was given up.

The skating on Silver Lake has been excellent the last few days although the ice has been none too strong. Crowds of young people anxious to make the best of the sport before snow falls have been taking advantage of it. This morning the light fall of snow rather spoiled the sport but nevertheless the lake furnished amusement for a large number of young people. Among the number was Pierce who had come home for a vacation of two weeks. He arrived on the lake early and being an excellent skater was soon enjoying the fun. He had a hockey stick in his hand and had been driving a block across the pond.

Near the west shore of the lake, a short distance from the Silver Lake mill, the lake is always open because of the large quantity of hot water which flows from the mill. The ice which forms in that vicinity is always light and it was here that Pierce skated. It was not until today that ice had formed there and it being covered with snow the young man had no means of knowing he was skating in a very dangerous place. People who were near by heard a shout and saw Pierce go through the ice. The young man is an excellent swimmer and tried hard to save himself and it is claimed was holding to the ice when a man drove by and refused to assist him, although the young man was crying for help. Several of the boys who were on the lake saw Pierce go down and rushed to the mill nearby and notified some men of what had happened. By that time Pierce had become exhausted and being unable to hold to the ice, went to the bottom.

The police were notified and Officers Thompson and White soon arrived with grappling irons. After a short search the body was recovered and immediately taken to the house of Mrs. Ann E. Foster near the edge of the lake. Mrs. Foster’s son, Dr. Foster of New York, who is visiting his mother, was at home and lost no time in starting to worn on the unconscious young man. With the assistance of several men efforts were made to resuscitate Pierce and work continued until the arrival of the medical examiner. Drs. Waite, Mercer and Adams were also present. The body was later removed to the home of the parents on First Street.

Alton R. Pierce was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Pierce and a grandson of William Pierce, who was for a number of years in the piano business in Pittsfield. The young man was born here May 1, 1876 and received his education in the public schools, being a member of the class of 1894 at the high school when he gave up his studies and entered the office of the Sunday Morning Call. He was placed at work on the Thorne typesetting machine and soon became an adept at this work. He was later given a position in the works of the Thorne typesetting machine company and got a practical knowledge of the work. About two years ago he took a position in Richmond Virginia having charge of several of these machines. He remained there until last summer when he returned home and spent several months with his parents. During the fall he was proffered a position in a collar works at Arlington NJ where his uncle (Knowlton Francis Pierce) was superintendent, and he accepted. He remained there until last Saturday when he came home for a vacation of two weeks. The young man was an excellent skater and swimmer and was undoubtedly overcome with the cold before going to the bottom. About four years ago while in bathing at Pontoosuc lake he had a narrow escape from drowning, being stricken with cramps when out quite a distance from shore. Fortunately some companions were near by and swam to his assistance.

The deceased is survived by his parents, one brother and a sister. No funeral arrangements have yet been made.

-=-=-

Mom says he was in school in Springfield returning home for vacation. (cwn) ??

Notes for Alton Reynolds Pierce:

General Notes:

PIERCE, Alton R., Dec. 21, 1896, age 20

Alton Reynolds Pierce

Born May 1, 1876

Died December 21, 1896

Age 20

Article in Berkshire Evening Eagle December 21, 1896

Repeated in Eagle December 23, 1896

Alton Pierce Drowned

While skating on Silver Lake today.

All efforts to resuscitate him proved to be in vain.

The first drowning accident of the winter in this city occurred at Silver Lake this morning. Alton R. Pierce breaking through the ice about 40 feet from the west shore. His body was in the water fully three-quarters of an hour before recovered but efforts were made for nearly four hours to resuscitate him but all efforts were fruitless. The body was recovered shortly after 9:30 o’clock and it was not until after the arrival of Medical Examiner Brown of North Adams at 1:15 o’clock that the work was given up.

The skating on Silver Lake has been excellent the last few days although the ice has been none too strong. Crowds of young people anxious to make the best of the sport before snow falls have been taking advantage of it. This morning the light fall of snow rather spoiled the sport but nevertheless the lake furnished amusement for a large number of young people. Among the number was Pierce who had come home for a vacation of two weeks. He arrived on the lake early and being an excellent skater was soon enjoying the fun. He had a hockey stick in his hand and had been driving a block across the pond.

Near the west shore of the lake, a short distance from the Silver Lake mill, the lake is always open because of the large quantity of hot water which flows from the mill. The ice which forms in that vicinity is always light and it was here that Pierce skated. It was not until today that ice had formed there and it being covered with snow the young man had no means of knowing he was skating in a very dangerous place. People who were near by heard a shout and saw Pierce go through the ice. The young man is an excellent swimmer and tried hard to save himself and it is claimed was holding to the ice when a man drove by and refused to assist him, although the young man was crying for help. Several of the boys who were on the lake saw Pierce go down and rushed to the mill nearby and notified some men of what had happened. By that time Pierce had become exhausted and being unable to hold to the ice, went to the bottom.

The police were notified and Officers Thompson and White soon arrived with grappling irons. After a short search the body was recovered and immediately taken to the house of Mrs. Ann E. Foster near the edge of the lake. Mrs. Foster’s son, Dr. Foster of New York, who is visiting his mother, was at home and lost no time in starting to worn on the unconscious young man. With the assistance of several men efforts were made to resuscitate Pierce and work continued until the arrival of the medical examiner. Drs. Waite, Mercer and Adams were also present. The body was later removed to the home of the parents on First Street.

Alton R. Pierce was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Pierce and a grandson of William Pierce, who was for a number of years in the piano business in Pittsfield. The young man was born here May 1, 1876 and received his education in the public schools, being a member of the class of 1894 at the high school when he gave up his studies and entered the office of the Sunday Morning Call. He was placed at work on the Thorne typesetting machine and soon became an adept at this work. He was later given a position in the works of the Thorne typesetting machine company and got a practical knowledge of the work. About two years ago he took a position in Richmond Virginia having charge of several of these machines. He remained there until last summer when he returned home and spent several months with his parents. During the fall he was proffered a position in a collar works at Arlington NJ where his uncle (Knowlton Francis Pierce) was superintendent, and he accepted. He remained there until last Saturday when he came home for a vacation of two weeks. The young man was an excellent skater and swimmer and was undoubtedly overcome with the cold before going to the bottom. About four years ago while in bathing at Pontoosuc lake he had a narrow escape from drowning, being stricken with cramps when out quite a distance from shore. Fortunately some companions were near by and swam to his assistance.

The deceased is survived by his parents, one brother and a sister. No funeral arrangements have yet been made.

-=-=-

Mom says he was in school in Springfield returning home for vacation. (cwn) ??

Notes for Alton Reynolds Pierce:

General Notes:

PIERCE, Alton R., Dec. 21, 1896, age 20

Alton Reynolds Pierce

Born May 1, 1876

Died December 21, 1896

Age 20

Article in Berkshire Evening Eagle December 21, 1896

Repeated in Eagle December 23, 1896

Alton Pierce Drowned

While skating on Silver Lake today.

All efforts to resuscitate him proved to be in vain.

The first drowning accident of the winter in this city occurred at Silver Lake this morning. Alton R. Pierce breaking through the ice about 40 feet from the west shore. His body was in the water fully three-quarters of an hour before recovered but efforts were made for nearly four hours to resuscitate him but all efforts were fruitless. The body was recovered shortly after 9:30 o’clock and it was not until after the arrival of Medical Examiner Brown of North Adams at 1:15 o’clock that the work was given up.

The skating on Silver Lake has been excellent the last few days although the ice has been none too strong. Crowds of young people anxious to make the best of the sport before snow falls have been taking advantage of it. This morning the light fall of snow rather spoiled the sport but nevertheless the lake furnished amusement for a large number of young people. Among the number was Pierce who had come home for a vacation of two weeks. He arrived on the lake early and being an excellent skater was soon enjoying the fun. He had a hockey stick in his hand and had been driving a block across the pond.

Near the west shore of the lake, a short distance from the Silver Lake mill, the lake is always open because of the large quantity of hot water which flows from the mill. The ice which forms in that vicinity is always light and it was here that Pierce skated. It was not until today that ice had formed there and it being covered with snow the young man had no means of knowing he was skating in a very dangerous place. People who were near by heard a shout and saw Pierce go through the ice. The young man is an excellent swimmer and tried hard to save himself and it is claimed was holding to the ice when a man drove by and refused to assist him, although the young man was crying for help. Several of the boys who were on the lake saw Pierce go down and rushed to the mill nearby and notified some men of what had happened. By that time Pierce had become exhausted and being unable to hold to the ice, went to the bottom.

The police were notified and Officers Thompson and White soon arrived with grappling irons. After a short search the body was recovered and immediately taken to the house of Mrs. Ann E. Foster near the edge of the lake. Mrs. Foster’s son, Dr. Foster of New York, who is visiting his mother, was at home and lost no time in starting to worn on the unconscious young man. With the assistance of several men efforts were made to resuscitate Pierce and work continued until the arrival of the medical examiner. Drs. Waite, Mercer and Adams were also present. The body was later removed to the home of the parents on First Street.

Alton R. Pierce was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Pierce and a grandson of William Pierce, who was for a number of years in the piano business in Pittsfield. The young man was born here May 1, 1876 and received his education in the public schools, being a member of the class of 1894 at the high school when he gave up his studies and entered the office of the Sunday Morning Call. He was placed at work on the Thorne typesetting machine and soon became an adept at this work. He was later given a position in the works of the Thorne typesetting machine company and got a practical knowledge of the work. About two years ago he took a position in Richmond Virginia having charge of several of these machines. He remained there until last summer when he returned home and spent several months with his parents. During the fall he was proffered a position in a collar works at Arlington NJ where his uncle (Knowlton Francis Pierce) was superintendent, and he accepted. He remained there until last Saturday when he came home for a vacation of two weeks. The young man was an excellent skater and swimmer and was undoubtedly overcome with the cold before going to the bottom. About four years ago while in bathing at Pontoosuc lake he had a narrow escape from drowning, being stricken with cramps when out quite a distance from shore. Fortunately some companions were near by and swam to his assistance.

The deceased is survived by his parents, one brother and a sister. No funeral arrangements have yet been made.

-=-=-

Mom says he was in school in Springfield returning home for vacation. (cwn) ??

Notes for Knowlton Francis Pierce:

General Notes:

http://kearnyfire.com/html/history.html

On August 11, 1921, Knowlton F. Pierce was appointed Chief Engineer of the fully

paid Kearny Fire Department.

The members worked a 96 hour per week schedule

consisting of 3 ten-hour day shifts, then a 24 hour shift, then 3 fourteen-hour night shifts and then 24 hours off duty.

Since becoming a full paid department the men who have been appointed to the Chief of the Department are:

Knowlton F Piece 1921 - 1931

John Lone 1931 - 1932

-=-=-=-=

In 1921 the membership of the department was as follows:

1 Chief

1 Assistant Chief

1 Superintendent of Repairs

1 Superintendent of Drills

1 Superintendent of Fire Alarm

6 Captains

73 Firefighters

Total Personnel - 84

Notes for Knowlton Francis Pierce:

General Notes:

http://kearnyfire.com/html/history.html

On August 11, 1921, Knowlton F. Pierce was appointed Chief Engineer of the fully

paid Kearny Fire Department.

The members worked a 96 hour per week schedule

consisting of 3 ten-hour day shifts, then a 24 hour shift, then 3 fourteen-hour night shifts and then 24 hours off duty.

Since becoming a full paid department the men who have been appointed to the Chief of the Department are:

Knowlton F Piece 1921 - 1931

John Lone 1931 - 1932

-=-=-=-=

In 1921 the membership of the department was as follows:

1 Chief

1 Assistant Chief

1 Superintendent of Repairs

1 Superintendent of Drills

1 Superintendent of Fire Alarm

6 Captains

73 Firefighters

Total Personnel - 84

Notes for Clara Winthrop Pierce:

General Notes:

Clara Winthrop Pierce Nicholls

Mrs. Samuel Newton Nicholls

Born June 3, 1882

Died August 18, 1956

Age 74

The funeral of Mrs. Clara Winthrop Pierce Nicholls, 74, of 77 Elm Street, who died Saturday night at Pittsfield General Hospital, will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the Wellington Funeral Home. The Rev. Stanley B. Thompson of Morningside Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Pittsfield Cemetery.

Mrs. Nicholls was born in Pittsfield June 3, 1882, the daughter of William Alton and Ellen Adelaide Knowlton Pierce. She lived here all her life. Educated in the local schools, she graduated from Pittsfield High in 1901 and helped her father start the Pierce Coal Co. which observed its 50th anniversary this year.

She was a member of the Morningside Church and treasurer of McCall Auxiliary. She also belonged to the Fortnightly Club.

Besides her husband, Samuel Newton Nicholls, she leaves one son, George Alton Nicholls of this city, and two grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours.

Notes for Clara Winthrop Pierce:

General Notes:

Clara Winthrop Pierce Nicholls

Mrs. Samuel Newton Nicholls

Born June 3, 1882

Died August 18, 1956

Age 74

The funeral of Mrs. Clara Winthrop Pierce Nicholls, 74, of 77 Elm Street, who died Saturday night at Pittsfield General Hospital, will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the Wellington Funeral Home. The Rev. Stanley B. Thompson of Morningside Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Pittsfield Cemetery.

Mrs. Nicholls was born in Pittsfield June 3, 1882, the daughter of William Alton and Ellen Adelaide Knowlton Pierce. She lived here all her life. Educated in the local schools, she graduated from Pittsfield High in 1901 and helped her father start the Pierce Coal Co. which observed its 50th anniversary this year.

She was a member of the Morningside Church and treasurer of McCall Auxiliary. She also belonged to the Fortnightly Club.

Besides her husband, Samuel Newton Nicholls, she leaves one son, George Alton Nicholls of this city, and two grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours.