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| ISAAC W. PIERCE, member of the Council of Mecosta village, was born in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1833, and is a son of Jeris and Rachel (Watkins) Pierce. His father was a carpenter and farmer, and came to Michigan about the year 1835, and settled in Leonidas, St. Joseph Co. He entered a claim of 160 acres of timbered land, and was a pioneer of that community. He made a small clering, built his og house and labored until he cleared about 120 acres. His children were small, and at first could be of but little assistance; but as time passed on, their interest in the improvement of the homestead grew with their years, and they lent no inconsiderable aid to the development of the place. When 19 years old Mr. Pierce turned his face westward to the golden promise of the Pacific coast. He made his first essay in placer mining in the American River, and operated similarily on the Middle Fork of Feather River in Butler Co., Cal. He finally engaged in stock business, going at last to Long Valley, Nev., where he was associated with Abner Stimpson, William Prosser and John Ferris, and engaged in rearing and shipping stock two and one-half years; they then sold out, and all returned to California except Mr. Prosser. Shortly afterward Mr. Pierce went to Idaho City and engaged actively in mining for nine and a half years, with fair success. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Leonidas, resumed his trade, and there has operated as a builder. In March, 1881, he came to Mecosta village. In the spring of 1883 he was elected Treasurer, and member of the Village Council. He owns his reidence and three lots on Franklin steet, in the southwest part of town; also 40 acres of farming land in Martiny Tp., located one mile north of the village of Mecosta. Mr. Pierce was married in Leonidas, Jan. 3, 1867, to Carrie, daughter of Henry and Louisa Porter, born at Naple, Ontario Co., N. Y., Sept. 5, 1839. They have one child - Frank H., born in Leonidas, Oct. 30, 1867. |