Curtis Irish Pierce

[KGDevil]

Aaron Pierce was born in Rehoboth, Massachusetts on September 11, 1810. Aaron married Emily Brown, born February 20, 1826 in North Stonington, Connecticut, on April 14, 1845. The couple was married in Westerly, Rhode Island. According to census records and directories Aaron was a carpenter by trade. The couple had one child, Curtis Irish Pierce, born May 18, 1850 in Westerly. Emily (Brown) Pierce died four years later on July 6, 1854. Aaron remarried on April 16, 1855 to Francis E. Bailey. Aaron and Francis had one daughter named Cannie Belle Pierce who was born on March 22, 1862, also in Westerly.

Cannie married Charles H. Ledward in 1883. The Ledward family resided in Westerly where Charles died in 1924. Cannie is listed in the Civil War pension rolls as his widow. She died November 6, 1946 in New London, Connecticut at the home of her daughter Madeline Ledward Colby.

Curtis I. Pierce resided in Westerly until the 1880 census. Then he’s found boarding in the home of an elderly widow named Christina (Little) Francis in Westport, Massachusetts. Christina’s husband, Capt. Hiram Francis, had died from typhoid fever in July of 1869. It was during this time that Curtis was the minister of the First Christian Church at the head of Westport. He was still boarding with Widow Francis in the 1900 census. Reverend Pierce became quite close the widow. Christina had her will drawn up on February 7, 1900. She left everything to Curtis I. Pierce in “recognition of his fidelity to me and my interests by more than 25 years of faithful service”. She disinherited any and all living family in favor of Curtis getting it all. Christina died October 1, 1901. A notice appeared in the Fall River Daily Evening News on October 2, 1901 stating Christina had sold the good Reverend "4 ½ acres of land and buildings at the head of Westport". He was named the executor of her will.

By the time of the 1910 census Curtis somehow has ended up residing in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He seems to have been in the pursuit of gold. In 1920 he’s in living in Union, Arkansas. By the time of the 1925 Rhode Island State census Curtis has moved back to Westerly to live with his sister Cannie at 10 Spruce Street. I was unable to find Curtis in the 1930 census. But, he’s found in the 1935 Rhode Island State census living at 807 Broad Street Providence, Rhode Island. He remains there until his death on April 19, 1940.

[KGDevil]

I will try to share as much information that I found as I can.

[KGDevil]

The record of Christina's death shows that her parents were Nicholas Little and Mary Macomber.

[KGDevil]

Curtis somehow arrives in Arkansas and his brother in law dies in 1924.

[KGDevil]

Census records and the listing for Curtis's death in the City Directory.

[KGDevil]

Reverend Curtis Pierce.

[camgarsky4]

KGDevil -- all I can say is wow and great research. I've read thru once and getting ready for round 2.

Would Christine's will or estate be public record? Besides buying the 4 acres (likely at a nice price), wondering if Curtis benefitted substantially from Christine's estate dispersal.

Living with the Widow Francis for >25 years is intriguing. His interaction with Lizzie would have occurred in the late 1880's and then again with his letter correspondence in 1892.

Yellville/Mountain Home, Arkansas is in the depths of the Ozarks. In the early 20th century it would have been VERY rural and 'unpolished'. So Mr. Pierce couldn't have been a wimp. Especially if he got into mining. What an interesting character.

Side note, a Macomber rented store space at the AJB Building from Andrew. He is mentioned in Jennings Journals.

[KGDevil]

These are some other articles that appeared in the Fall River Daily Evening News in which Curtis described what it's like in Mountain Home, Arkansa. He had purchased a real estate business and 600 acres of farm and timberland. There were also mentions in other articles of Curtis believing there is gold to be found there in Arkansas which lead me to believe he was interested in looking for it. Then just a few bits and other bobs that I found in the newspapers. He appeared in the Daily News quite frequently.

[KGDevil]

KGDevil -- all I can say is wow and great research. I've read thru once and getting ready for round 2.

Would Christine's will or estate be public record? Besides buying the 4 acres (likely at a nice price), wondering if Curtis benefitted substantially from Christine's estate dispersal.

Living with the Widow Francis for >25 years is intriguing. His interaction with Lizzie would have occurred in the late 1880's and then again with his letter correspondence in 1892.

Yellville/Mountain Home, Arkansas is in the depths of the Ozarks. In the early 20th century it would have been VERY rural and 'unpolished'. So Mr. Pierce couldn't have been a wimp. Especially if he got into mining. What an interesting character.

Side note, a Macomber rented store space at the AJB Building from Andrew. He is mentioned in Jennings Journals.

I posted most of what I found concerning her death, the will, and his involvement in her estate. I will try to find out more about exactly how much he might have inherited. But, I'm thinking if he was able to buy a real estate business and 600 acres he may have gotten a tidy little sum.

[camgarsky4]

Agree, Widow Francis was likely the source of capital to enable the acreage and business purchases.

I googled for any late 19th century murders involving the word "Hoxie". Didn't find anything. You seem to have a great means to research newspapers.....any ideas on what the Hoxie Murder trial in 1887 was about? Never know where we can find a connection to the Borden case.

[KGDevil]

Agree, Widow Francis was likely the source of capital to enable the acreage and business purchases.

I googled for any late 19th century murders involving the word "Hoxie". Didn't find anything. You seem to have a great means to research newspapers.....any ideas on what the Hoxie Murder trial in 1887 was about? Never know where we can find a connection to the Borden case.

[camgarsky4]

Boy, those two were quite the couple.

[Kat]

You should be paid for this kind of research, KG! A professional consultant who really knows their business, and generous . I'm serious.
What's driving me crazy is that in Rebello's index the person's name is Curtis I. Pierce, but then the whole of page 14 in LB, P&P 1999, he is mentioned 8 times and all spelled PIECE. Apparently, it is all Medley, except Jennings wrote to the fellow. Witness Statements, pg 34, 35.
It was brave to go this far with an awkward spelling issue.
Are you yet appeased, camgarsky? Any insights from this in depth research?
(I'm jealous of this kind of ability- pretty cool)

[camgarsky4]

KG has been feeding an information addiction and I love it! Like a kid in a candy shop.

I am intrigued by the Westport visit Lizzie and the Poole's made. That also happened to be where Curtis resided at the time. Then within a month, he is writing Lizzie post-murder letters offering his emotional support (or whatever).

Layer that in with the Widow Francis and his oddly (to me anyway) very lengthy lodging at her home which resulted with all of Christine's family being disinherited and Curtis then controlling whatever there was to control. Blend that in with an adventure based personality (based on his Arkansas episode) and we have a very fascinating individual. Just a guess, but thinking he preferred living a lifestyle that a ministers wages wouldn't support. Gold mining, real estate, estate control.....might he have also have been involved in other money raising schemes?

I suspect KG has given us all there is to have on our much less mysterious Mr. Pierce (aka Piece).
KGDevil....I really can't thank you enough and I wish I knew the source of your research skills! Green w/ envy, but very appreciative.

[KGDevil]

You should be paid for this kind of research, KG! A professional consultant who really knows their business, and generous . I'm serious.
What's driving me crazy is that in Rebello's index the person's name is Curtis I. Pierce, but then the whole of page 14 in LB, P&P 1999, he is mentioned 8 times and all spelled PIECE. Apparently, it is all Medley, except Jennings wrote to the fellow. Witness Statements, pg 34, 35.
It was brave to go this far with an awkward spelling issue.
Are you yet appeased, camgarsky? Any insights from this in depth research?
(I'm jealous of this kind of ability- pretty cool)

Thanks, Kat. I actually really enjoy researching things. I enjoy connecting the dots and finding information. I can get totally lost in it. I like finding the personal stories the most because it brings the people to life and makes them seem less like characters in a story.

[Kat]

Well, camgarsky is your other brother, and you are feeding an insatiable beast! He admits it too! Shameless, he is
When he asks for more, don't say I didn't warn you!

[camgarsky4]

Sorry folks, I can't seem to let go of Mr. Pierce.

Couple of interesting notes from the info KG has provided.

Curtis bought 4.5 acres + buildings from Christine Francis slightly before Oct 2 (notice published in paper that date).
Mrs. Francis died Oct 1 of "cerebral apoplexy". Below is what I found via google. Would love Possum's view of this term.

Google search:
"Cerebral apoplexy" is a confusing term to even the most experienced physician and an enigma to the conscientious student. The author defines it as "a sudden disease caused by spontaneous, endogenic, non-inflammatory circulatory disturbances involving cerebral blood vessels."

Since it involved the brain, guessing this was something that was sudden and even though Christine was 80 years old, perhaps her passing was unexpected. That would mean it was another coincidence in the world of New England that he bought the property from her mere days before her demise. Without knowing the transaction details, presumably he had to actually pay for the property.

By the way, the Christine Francis's death register includes a few Tripp's.
Lastly, Christine changed her Will so Curtis was the sole benefactor 1 1/2 years before her death.

[Inspector]

Interesting read, and I noticed that Spencer followed Medleys lead for the spelling “Piece”, unless he corrected it later in the book CALB.
The reason I did the necro post, is the last comment from Jennings to Pierce.
Evidently there was some previous conduct that Lizzie didn’t approve of.
I wonder if Jennings ever made a note of whatever the “conduct” consisted of, because obviously Lizzie has informed Jennings to the point the he feels the need to step up in a fatherly role to protect her.
Does that imply a relationship did exist between Pierce and Lizzie?
Hmm… probably she just didn’t care for his advances, but curious nonetheless.

Page 390 Spencer CALB

Copy of letter sent by Andrew J. Jennings to Curtis 1. Piece. Fall River, Mass. September 24, 1892.
Mr. Curtis I. Piece
P. O. Box 34
Westport Mass.
Dear Sir;
Your letter to Sheriff Wright and to Miss Lizzie A. Borden have been handed to me by the latter.
For your sympathy, as for that of everybody else in her suffering, she is grateful but she is at a loss to understand why you should presume upon her unfortunate position to open correspondence with her, or write to Sheriff Wright asking for an interview.
She does not [wish] to see you, nor to receive letters from you. She has not, tis true, a father to appeal to, or family to compel you to cease your attempts to force yourself upon her notice; but there are others who can and will supply his place.
She has told me of your previous conduct, and 1 am surprised that any man should attempt to renew it under present circumstances.
Yours truly,
Andrew J. Jennings
(WS, 34-35)

[camgarsky4]

I spent a LOT of time chasing Mr. Pierce. For over a year I was his shadow. I did find numerous articles out of Arkansas that aren't on this thread, but they don't involve the Borden's at all. I just get addicted to these ancient lives and can't let go.

I think I figured out where and when Lizzie and Pierce first met. Pretty interesting, but like most things doesn't help with the case. Will have to dig deep to re-find the info...I just looked quickly in my online files and didn't see it.

Lorcan could add Curtis I. to the list of possible beau's in Lizzie's life.

[Inspector]

Oh wow, that’s a long time Cam. I agree he could be one of Lizzie’s past beau’s. I would love to hear what Lizzie told Jennings.
I imagine Jennings wanted no evidence of a past boyfriend especially if he had previously upset Lizzie.

[Lorcan]

I'll start looking into him. It's very tempting to think we know his type...but I'll try to keep an open mind.

She has told me of your previous conduct, and I am surprised that any man should attempt to renew it under present circumstances. Yours truly, Andrew J. Jennings

[Lorcan]

From the Witness Statements, Officer Medley:

On the 6th day of October Curtis I. Piece of Westport came to Fall River, and met Mr. A. J. Jennings.

I was informed by Mr. Champlain of the Daily News that Piece was an old lover of Lizzie A. Borden.

In order to sift the matter to the bottom, I commenced a thorough investigation. I found that Mr. Piece first met Lizzie Borden at the house of Mr. Tripp at Westport, about ten years ago. At that time Piece was a sort of itinerant preacher, and was doing a little in that line in Westport at that time. While he was on speaking terms with her, yet there was not anything to indicate that Lizzie cared for him. I was told by Mrs. Tripp that Lizzie could hardly tolerate him.

Mr. Piece told me he first met Lizzie at the home of the Tripp’s about ten years ago. Was not intimately acquainted with her; he had not met her in over four years, and had not written to her in two years before the murder. He was not her lover, and never was. He never was to her house in his life, and did not know her people, either father, mother or Emma, and had never spoken or written to any of them. He did write to Lizzie since she was sent to Taunton Jail; and the letter was answered by Mr. Jennings. He never wrote to any member of Lizzie’s family, expressing regard for Lizzie, or in any other way.

The following is a copy of the letter sent by Mr. Piece to Lizzie.

Westport Sep. 20, 1892.

To Miss Lizzie, with friendly greetings.

I am very anxious to meet you, and as I cannot presume upon your presence without your permission, will you be so kind as to appoint a day for me to visit you as soon as convenient. I can come any day or hour. Please not deny this one request, believe me you have my deepest sympathy and constant prayer. I am sincerely yours.

Curtis I. Piece
Westport Box 34


Copy of letter sent by Andrew J. Jennings to Curtis I. Piece.

Fall River, Mass. September 24, 1892.

Mr. Curtis I. Piece.
P. O. Box 34
Westport Mass.

Dear Sir,

Your letter to Sheriff Wright and to Miss Lizzie A. Borden have been handed to me by the latter. For your sympathy, as for that of everybody else
in her suffering, she is.grateful but she is at a loss to understand why you should presume upon her unfortunate position to open correspondence with her, or write to Sheriff Wright asking for an interview.

She does not to see you, nor to receive letters from you. She has not, tis true, a father to appeal to, or family to compel you to cease your attempts to force yourself upon her notice; but there are others who can and will supply his place. She has told me of your previous conduct, and I am surprised that any man should attempt to renew it under present circumstances.

Yours truly,
Andrew J. Jennings

[camgarsky4]

Roughly ten years before the murders two major events in the life of the Tripp/Pool families.

1) Nancy Pool's father and Augusta's grandfather died.
2) Cyrus and Augusta were married.

Christina Francis's home was just down the road, maybe 1/2 mile or less, from the Cyrus & Augusta Tripp house in Westport.
Curtis I. Pierce boarded at Christina's home from prior to these two events until Francis's death in the late 1890's.

There can be no doubt that Lizzie attended Augusta's wedding and very possibly, also the funeral of Carrie & Augusta's esteemed grandfather.
It is very plausible that Curtis attended one or both of these occasions also.

Wala.....Curtis and Lizzie meet for the first time at one of these events. Whatever was between them was enough that he continued to communicate with her for another 6 years.

[Inspector]

I wonder where Mr Champlain got his information. Hopefully he was a honest reporter and had a good source.
Whatever Lizzie told Jennings it appears to have accomplished what she wanted.

[Lorcan]

Camgarsky, I think you are correct on both counts...and you make me wonder...Cyrus and Augusta's wedding photo, if it exists, I wonder if that is one of the known, but not made public yet, photos of Lizzie that the FRHS knows about.

[Inspector]

Wouldn’t that be something if Lizzie and Curtis were in the photo together.