One of the first settlers of Grand Traverse County. Robert joined Company B of the 27th Wisconsin Infantry in October 1864, he served until August 29th 1865 as a Private.
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Robert Pierce was born on 26 October (possibly November) 1824 in South Lopham, Norfolk, England, the son of James Pierce and Elizabeth Wade. He was baptized on 19 June 1825 in South Lopham. The Pierce family immigrated to the United States in 1829, probably due to the economic problems caused by the collapse of the linen industry in England.
The Pierces lived in Jefferson County, New York. He was married around 1850 to Julia Ann Sprague. In 1850, the couple lived with Julia's brother Daniel H. Sprague and his family in Teresa, Jefferson County. Robert worked as a farmer. In 1860, the couple and four daughters- Sarah DeEtte, Bertha, Florence, and Frances in Alexandria, Jefferson County.
The Pierces moved to Lima, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin between 1860 and 1864. Robert enlisted in Company B of the 27th Wisconsin Infantry on 14 October 1864, serving until 29 August 1865. His pension papers indicate he was 5 ft 8 inches tall, had light hair, and gray eyes.
After the Civil War the family moved to Paradise township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan. By 1870, three additional children had been born- Charles, Mary, and Fannie. The family later moved to Fife Lake township, where Robert continued to farm and work in the lumber woods.
Julia died on 2 July 1878. Robert was elected a constable in Fife Lake township in 1882 and 1885. He applied for a Civil War pension in 1890 stating he had a number of health problems. He moved in with his son Charles. He died from "spinal sclerosis" in 1904.
Bio by: Homer Thiel.