Amos Pierce 1867 - 1940

AMOS PIERCE
1867 - 1940

Amos Edward Pierce was born November 23, 1867 in Pennsylvania, and died February 17, 1940 in Chester, Delaware Co, Pennsylvania.

Amos grew up in Chester and spent a good deal of time on the Delaware River. He spent much of his childhood years gunning and fishing with his brothers and his father. He became a fisherman like his father James and his grandfather Edward Pierce, catching sturgeon and shad from the river and selling them at the local marketplace.

At the age of sixteen Amos became a member and trustee of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows , Upland Lodge. The following article appeared in the Chester Times announcing the lodge’s election results:

September 26, 1883 Chester Times
Officers of Upland Lodge

An election of officers was held at the meeting of Upland Lodge, No. 2?3 (253 or 233), I.O.O.F. last night, with the following result:

N.G. - Hugh Crooks
V.G. - Thomas B. Robinson
Treasurer - James Z. Taylor
Trustees - Amos PIERCE and John Smith.
Representatives to Grand Lodge - M.L. Taylor

When Amos was about 24 years old, approximately 1891, he married Elizabeth A. Greenhalgh. She was born May 1871 in England.

March 1892 Amos and Elizabeth had a daughter whom they named Sarah. January 28, 1897 Amos and Elizabeth had a son, Amos Edward Pierce Jr. According to information reported on the 1900 census in Delaware County, PA., they had another child but it evidently did not survive. The beginning of this year was not a good one for the Pierce family. Amos and his brother James were arrested January 24, 1900 for the murder of their friend George Eyre, a wealthy Chester resident.

After he was arrested, Amos, also known as “Pinny”, was given a chance “to tell his side” of the story regarding what police called damaging evidence. He denied having anything to do with the murder and stated he had not been gunning with George Eyre on Thursday, the day Eyre was killed. Amos was put in a cell on the second floor of the jail away from his brother James. He was given the only bed, along with a pillow and blankets to keep him warm as he had been on “the sick list”. Both brothers were reportedly ill with consumption.

January 26th a preliminary hearing took place at 10 o’clock in the Chester courthouse. Amos reportedly walked into the courtroom ahead of his brother, shrinking back from the gaze of spectators and lawyers. James on the other hand had a “nonchalant air which characterized him throughout all of the varied scenes of the now celebrated case.” Joseph H. Hinkson was counsel for the accused brothers. A shocking turn events came when a woman named Mary Cowan implicated Amos in disposing of George Eyre’s body. She testified that she was James’ sweetheart and that James confessed to her that Amos tied stones to the murdered man’s legs to sink the body.

Several days later in his confinement Amos became ill. He was visited by his wife, sisters and father, bringing him medicine and clothing. Upon seeing his wife Elizabeth and family standing at his cell door he exclaimed, “My, am I glad you came” and greeted them, clearly happy to have their support and devotion.

In this time period many extended family members shared the same household. The Pierce family was no exception to this and Elizabeth’s younger brothers lived with them at 23 Graham Street, just down the street from Amos’ parents. At such a stressful time in her life, with her husband incarcerated, it must have given her comfort to have her brothers in the household, taking care of things Amos normally handled.

Months of testimony passed. In June, just prior to the scheduled courtroom verdict, James Pierce committed suicide. This halted the trial as James had left a note claiming his innocence and exonerating Amos from the crime.

September 25, 1900 Amos was acquitted of the murder of George Eyre and released from jail. Evidence was not sufficient to warrant a conviction.

Elizabeth and Amos may have split up after his release from jail as she is enumerated as the head of the household on the 1910 census. Living with her at 402 Eighth Street is their daughter Sarah, son Amos Jr. and her brother William Greenhalgh. Amos does not appear in their household or on the 1910 Delaware county census. Elizabeth states she is married and her profession is sewing at a print mill. Her brother William also works at a print mill. Sarah is 18 years old and working as a comber in the cotton mill.

Amos was still absent from the Pierce household in the 1920 census. Elizabeth is 49, head of household and maintains she is a widow. Living with her is son Amos Jr., a 23 year old single man; her widowed son-in-law David MacAvany; and Leonard and Mary Leary. Interestingly enough David MacAvany and the Leonards are reported as boarders in her home rather than the true relationships. David had been married to Amos and Elizabeth’s only daughter Sarah who died in 1919. Mary and Leonard Leary are Elizabeth’s sister and brother-in-law.

Amos went back to his profession as fisherman and lived the rest of his days in Chester. His final address is 3rd and Penn Street. He went under the care of Dr. F.H. Murray for illness and died in the Delaware County Home Hospital in Middleton on February 17, 1940 from stomach cancer. E. F. White undertakers on W Third Street handled the funeral services. He is buried in Chester Rural Cemetery, Section U, Lot 371.

Children of Amos and Elizabeth Pierce:

Sarah Pierce born March 1892, Pennsylvania
Died 1919
Married David MacAvany

Amos E. Pierce Jr. born January 1897, Pennsylvania
Died November 1963
Married Sarah Mildred Smith
Married second wife Nina A. Eggleson

Lazy Sunday

We went camping last weekend and had a very good time. The week and a half before we had been determined to trade our truck and camper for a more fuel efficient car. After driving the two choices (Matrix and Scion) we decided the truck was much more comfortable and we really enjoy camping. So...we took off for Lake Seminole State Park in Georgia.

The park is very nice and the campsites are large. Most likely this is accommodate a camper and a boat. We were among the very few campers without a boat. The water was close to the campsites and it was great weather to sit outside and watch people ride by in their boats or on jet skis. Saturday night the campground host came by to tell us to bring in the awning as a big storm was headed our way. Evidently it caused tornadoes and hail. Other campers were almost panicking in their efforts to pack up and drive away. Some left without emptying their black and gray water tanks! One family left the dog stake tie down in their site. Thankfully they took the dog.

Since it was so late, and since we'd had a bottle of nice Cotes du Rhone with dinner, and we made storm preparations such as bringing in all the chairs, awning, etc...we stayed the night. Nothing happened. Despite the weather map that showed all red in the way of a mother of a storm headed into us...we had maybe 4 drops of rain. Literally. So many people left in panic that by Sunday morning we were only 1 of 4 families left in the entire campground. Wild!

Tristan is now in day two of a motorcycle safety course. He had a good time yesterday and got a little sunburned. He should have his bike by the end of this week. The Triumph came in and after he gets his insurance handled they'll deliver the bike to the house.

Today I am trying to figure out a game called Guild Wars and I have a pile of Amos Pierce information to type. We'll have pastisio for dinner (Greek ziti)and just enjoy the good weather we are having.

Idyls of Old South Ward

It's hard to believe that we're half through the month of April. Tristan will be back tonight, at midnight, from his vacation in Indiana. I'm really looking forward to seeing him. We've had very nice weather this weekend - the exception is one small fast storm that blew in - and all the windows are open now. What a gorgeous Sunday.

I bought a new book. Cousin Mark turned me on to The Idyls of Old South Ward by John McDonough. This is a book that I have tried getting inter library loaned to me without success. Well, it's evidently being reprinted and I couldn't be happier. This book was originally printed by The Chester Times, copyright 1932. McDonough wrote his recollections of the people in the Upland and Chester area. There is mention of some relatives in the book so this will be fun reading.

First off, page 291 offers a chapter entitled Crossing the Delaware and the names George Eyre, Pinney Pierce and Tom Berry are under this header. The author gives a colorful description of the homes near Seventh and Barclay streets as well as a description of the Eyre family. George Eyre and his younger sister Helen. Then goes on to describe Jim Pierce and family. In his words:

"Heretofore I have dealt with some of the piquant characters among the many fishermen of the village, and in at least one of these sketches appears the name Jim Pierce. He was one of the most creditable citizens of this city and the first among fishermen to permit himself to be assimilated into the more methodical life and conventions of the village. He was the father of five children of whom I knew Jim, Amos, George and a daughter Mary.

There was nothing but good in the background of these humble people. They were honest, sober, industrious, kind and friendly folks, and as such they were respected, honored and beloved by all who knew them."

Well....we know Jim Pierce had 7 children but this is the recollection of a man from 1932. A full 32 years after Jim Jr took his life. By 1932 we know Annie and Laura were dead. Frank was still alive but no mention of him in this book - not even as one of Jim Pierce Sr.'s sons.

The interesting thing about this chapter is the tone of sympathy. In my humble opinion, it sounds like the author felt the Pierce family were very good people and that if Jim did kill Eyre, it was an accident. Evidently many of the fishermen of the community as well as "South Warders" were supportive of Pierce.

Remember, McDonough is writing from his recollections and that he was a friend of District Attorney Josiah Smith who was prosecuting the case. Maybe I misunderstood his reference to Smith and the statement that followed, but it sounds to me like McDonough believed in Pierce and thought it was an accident. He further brought up a few other cases which I need to look into. He states:

"Accidents of that type frequently happened. The tragic experience of Judge Clayton and Ben Heacock is familiar to all the South Warders.....but Pierce, poor boy, did not have the poise of Judge Clayton. In the panic of the tragedy that followed he must have lost his head."

Ok, so if the author is comparing the situation between our Jim Pierce with an accident Judge Clayton experienced....what did happen with Clayton? Goodness...if Jim and Amos Pierce were innocent, expect that of an accidental death, their names really do need to cleared. What an awful thing to spiral out of control.

More later...

Murder on the Delaware River

I'm not slacking...I am printing many pages of newspaper articles covering the murder trial of James Pierce Jr. and his brother Amos. There is so much more to it than I originally thought. After reading it over, and seeing new information (as the press reported)I have come to a conclusion that Amos is totally innocent. James...well...I'm still swaying back and forth on that one. It was either an accident that George Eyre was killed and he panicked OR someone else did it. If you pressed me for a verdict right this minute I'd say James was innocent too. Yes, he was having an adulterous affair but I don't think he's a murderer. Cousin Char was so right - you can read and mentally convict them, then turn around and think they were framed.

James was fooling around with a crazy woman...that much is clear in the articles. But I think her testimony was vengeful and that she was just a bad person. Mary Cowan was less than credible. Everything fell apart when she turned up to testify against him. Hell, she couldn't keep herself out of jail (arrested and held for disorderly conduct) while she was in Chester waiting for further testimony. She'd helped other parties have James and Amos' mother arrested for slander only 6 months prior to the Pierce brothers arrest.

The next set of goals is to shape up the information on James and Edna's children. The 1910 census reports Edna had 8 children. The seven we know about are Laura, Mary, George, James, Amos, Annie and Frank. To take a break from James and Amos I think I'll start with one of the girls. More later......

James Pierce Sr., 1837 - 1911

JAMES F. PIERCE
1837 - 1911

James Pierce was born February 1837 in Marcus Hook, Delaware co, Pennsylvania. He was the fourth child of Edward Pierce and Jane Forsythe Pierce. James had three older siblings: William, Mary and Emma and a younger brother Thomas.

For generations, Pierce families lived in Marcus Hook. Most of the men were fishermen or rivermen by trade. Edward Pierce, James father, was no exception, and made his living fishing from the Delaware River. According to a newspaper article, James spent a good deal of his time “gunning and fishing along the waters of the Delaware River.”

The family was enumerated on the 1850 census, living in Marcus Hook Borough. Sometime after the 1850 census was taken, Edward moved his family to Chester.

1850 CENSUS Delaware Co., Pa.
Marcus Hook Borough
Edward Pierce Age: 45 Occupation: Waterman born PA
Jane 38 born in Ireland
Mary 15 at school
Emma 14
James 12
Thomas 10


In 1862, James married Edna Hulmes. She was born 1841 in England. The same year they had their first child, a daughter named Laura. 1865 their first son, James Jr. was born, followed by babies Amos and Annie.

By 1870, James, Edna and family lived in the 197th District, Middle Ward Chester. James’ reported occupation is a laborer. They have four children ranging in age from 8 to 1. Within the next ten years James moved to 35 Graham Street in the 2nd Precinct 3rd Ward, of Chester.

By 1880 the family increased with seven children in the household. The oldest, Laura, was working in the cotton mill. James Jr., Amos, Annie and George were in school. Mary and baby Frances (Frank) stayed home and kept Edna company. Later census reports indicate Edna had another child but it is unknown when the child was born and died.

In 1900 James was making his living as a fisherman. Most of his children had married and moved close by in Chester. His youngest son Frank was a fisherman also and most likely worked with his father on the Delaware River. James, Edna, daughter Annie and Frank still lived at 35 Graham Street. Annie was a confectioner and baked and sold her pastries and cakes in Chester.

The year 1900 brought tragedy to the Pierce household when sons James Jr and Amos were arrested and accused of murdering George Eyre, a resident of Chester. The family visited James and Amos in the Chester jail as much as they were allowed and publicly proclaimed their support and belief in their innocence.

Chester Times, January 25, 1900
There was a heart-rending scene at the door of the old lockup this morning early, when the father of the boys left them. He first spent some time with Amos who was on the second floor with tears in his eyes, a scene that brought tears to the eyes of some of the spectators. He said, “Goodbye, my boy, I will be with you again early in the morning.” He then turned his attention to James who was in one of the lower cells and gave him an affectionate farewell.

James was allowed to have rope to mend and weave fishing nets to pass the time. On June 11th James used the rope to hang himself, leaving behind a note for his family expressing his innocence as well as his brother Amos, and professing his love for his family.


1910 CENSUS, PA, Delaware, Chester, e.d. 103, 5-A, (T624-1338, p. 207) April 20, 1910, 35 Graham Street, HH 85/85
James Pierce, head, M, W, 73, m1, 45 yrs, PA, PA, PA, riverman, fisherman
Edna Pierce, wife, F, W, 69, m1, 45 yrs, 8 children, 4 living, ENG, Eng, Eng
Frank Pierce, son, 31, m2, 1 yr, no children, carpenter

Note: Only four children still living. Frank, George, Mary and Amos.

James died January 07, 1911 in Chester, Delaware Co, Pennsylvania.

Chester Times- Chester, Pa.,
Tuesday, January 10, 1911
DEATHS - Page 5

PIERCE--On January 7th, 1911,
James Pierce, aged 74 years.
The relatives and friends, also Post Wilde, No. 25, G.A.R., are invited to attend the funeral services, on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, at his late residence, No. 35 Graham St. Interment Chester Rural Cemetery.

Chester Times- Chester, Pa.,
Monday, January 9, 1911
Page 1.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN PIERCE
Old Fisherman and Veteran of the Civil War Succumbs to an Operation.

The death of Captain James F. Pierce late Saturday night following an operation in the Chester hospital, came as a surprise and shock for the many friends and aquaintainces of the veteran
fisherman and soldier.
Captain Pierce located in this city when a mere boy, he having been born in Marcus Hook. Most of his life was spent gunning and fishing along the waters of the Delaware river and bay and he ranked among the oldest fishermen of this section.
Deceased served his country in the great struggle of the Civil War and was a member of Wilde Post, No. 25, G.A.R.. which organization will attend his funeral. His illness was somewhat protracted, but it
was only a few days ago that he was taken to the hospital in the hope that an operation would benefit him, but it proved too late.

Death certificate info:
James F. Pierce
35 W. Graham Street, Chester, PA
date of birth: July 1828 83 years old
born in Marcus Hook, PA
occupation: fisherman
died January 7, 1911
attended by Dr. Forwood from April 6, 1910 to January 7, 1911

Father: Edward Pierce birthplace America
Mother: Jane Forsythe birthplace America

Funeral director: N.W. Fairlamb, Chester
buried Jan. 11, 1911

1920 CENSUS, Chester City, Delaware Co., PA
Sheet 2B, Enumeration date January 2, 1920
Address: Graham Street

Edna Pierce HOH Age 79 / Widowed/ Naturalized 1861 or 1898/ Able to read and write/ Born England
Margaret F. Cloud grandchild / age 10 / single/ born PA/ father born New York/ mother born PA

------------------------------------------------
Chester Times- Chester, Pa.,
Monday, July 2, 1923
Obituary - Page 12.

MRS. EDNA PIERCE
Mrs, Edna Pierce, who died on June 30, was the widow of James F. Pierce, and was well known in the section of the city where she had lived for years. She was 81 years old.
The deceased will be buried from the home of her son, George T. Pierce, 113 Penn St. friends and relatives may view the remains this evening.
The services will be held at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Interment will be at the Chester Rural Cemetery.

Children of JAMES PIERCE and EDNA HULMES:
LAURA PIERCE, b. Abt. 1862.
JAMES PIERCE, b. January 1864.
AMOS PIERCE, b. November 23, 1867
ANNIE PIERCE, b. January 1868. died after 1900 before 1910
GEORGE TERRELL PIERCE, b. April 08, 1871
MARY E PIERCE, b. 1873.
FRANCES PIERCE, b. 1879.

Sources:
1850 Census
1870 Census
1880 Census
1910 Census
1920 Census
Death Certificates
Chester Times Newspaper
Chester Rural Cemetery
Char Clark

Sale of the goods & chattels of Wm. Pierce (dec) late of Lower Chichester. Made the 15th day of Dec. 1838.Name of Purchaser Item
Wm. Bartoe tin kettle
C Beatty stove
Thos Beeson ? scythe
H Bullock cups and saucers
H Burns brush and hammer, table
G Cox lot of brushes, pitcher, batteau
Wm Dayle looking glass
J Haranzy ? 2 milk pots, cream pot, small anchor
John Haranzy ? lot of old iron, pot rack
Isaac Haycock bucket
N Haycock cullander
Nathan Haycock pitcher VC
I Haycock washboard, lot of corks, scythe and cradle
J. H. Haycock iron __ot, 1 pair of oars
S Lamplugh audirons
Saml Lamplugh 1/2 bushell of apples
Thos Lamplugh breakfast table
John Larkin Jr frow, book
E. McCafferty rope

E. McDade keg, drawing knife, spade and mallet, old kettle, axe, jar,
lot of jugs

Wm. McGlaughlin mouse trap, maul and wedges, hoe and scythe pole, whip saw

Eliza Morton stool, dish

Edward Pierce frying pan, fishing boats, watch, gun, razor and strap, wearing apparel, wood saw, 1/2 doz. Spoons, hauling ___, batteau, large oars, small oars, sail V.C., ____blanket?, pierce new net, piece cotton net, fishing boots, hoop net, furnace V cups

Lewis Pierce knives, forks and box
L. Pierce coffee mill, 2 sad irons, corner cupboard
R. Pierce (probably Rebecca) quilting frames, 1 Yankee clock

L. Rambo bake iron
W.H. Rigby (might be William) corks and bucket, bottle
William Rigby
J. Stevenson looking glass
Thos Taylor wash tub
W. Taylor chair
Issac Toy
T.J. Valentine pitch pot
Joseph Walker lot of wood
L. Walker (probably Lydia) shovel and tongs, jar, ___ffer tray, 2 bottles, teapot
Lydia Walker hatchet, dipping pan, pitcher, 2 chairs, wash tub, case drawer

Amos Pierce - 3 of them

Amos' bio got complicated. I sorted all the Amos paperwork I have and, lo and behold, there are several Pierce men in the family named Amos. Problem solved by lovely colored folders carefully labeled with birth and death years. There is one Amos who is still living and I made email contact. But it's crystal clear he knows nothing of his grandfather's checkered past and particularly the fact that Granddad spent time in jail, accused of murder. There's no need to tell this Amos as he's in his 80s and what good would come of it. He did solve some mysteries regarding his mother's maiden name and where is grandfather lived. Grandfather Amos moved around a bit it's hard to find people on a census when their living wife states (to the census taker)that she is a widow. She was, in fact, denying his existence due to what...embarrassment over the murder accusation? A true falling out over what she knew was the truth, or protecting her children? All this info was actually discovered late last year but it's always a surprise to me when I sort papers.

Last night I made yummy garlic chicken. Stuffed whole peeled garlic cloves under the chicken skin and roasted over scallions. Basted with broth and white wine. All this came together well with Beck's dark beer, followed by coffee ice cream. Fell asleep during the last 15 minutes of CSI so I don't know why the twin women were killed. Rats!
Took the shibas out for their evening walk and they were quite frisky in the cold. Can't believe it was 27 degrees by 10 pm.
Here's a good picture of pretty shibas.