Randolph  County,  Indiana

Clarence  S. Pierce


            The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage, well calculated to arouse the pride of their family and of the community, and it is a source of regret that people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men in the ranks of whom may be found tillers of the soil, mechanics, teachers, professional and business men of various lines. Clarence S. Pierce is one of the creditable representative business men of Union City, Randolph county and as such has made his influence felt in this locality and earned a name for enterprise, integrity and honor.
            Mr. Pierce who is engaged in the grain business, was born in Wayne township, Randolph county, December 9, 1870. He is a son of Charles W. and Emma (Haddock) Pierce. The father was born in the state of New York, January 12, 1835. He received a limited education, and when a young man came to Randolph county, and engaged in farming, also followed other pursuits. About thirty years ago he went into the grain business in Union City and this has since claimed his attention, the Pierce Elevator Company which he established and built up being one of the best known of its kind in this section of the state, and for many years its operations have covered a wide territory. The company deals in grains, seeds, hay, fertilizer and coal. Although now advanced in years the elder Pierce is still successfully attending to business and is hale and hearty as a result of careful living and right thinking. He has been influential in the affairs of the community and has always been highly esteemed for his industry, public-spiritedness and honesty. His wife, who was a native of Columbus, Ohio, died in 1873. To these parents eight children were born, but only these three survive:  Mary C.,  Frank W. and  Clarence S., of this sketch.
            Clarence S. Pierce grew up in his native community, and he received a common school education, graduating from the high school at Union City in 1887, soon afterward entering DePauw University in which he spent two years, then returned to Union City, later taking a commercial course in Dayton, Ohio. Thus exceptionally well equipped for life's serious duties, he entered the business world with his father in the elevator at Union City and has remained with the same ever since, its rapidly increasing success and prestige being due in no small measure to his industry and sound counsel. The Pierce Elevator Company is a corporation, with a capital stock of eighty thousand dollars, and is well equipped in every respect to render prompt and high grade service and a very large annual business is carried on. Clarence S. Pierce is president of the company; C. C. Fisher is vice-president; C. L. Northlane is secretary and treasurer.
            Mr. Pierce was married March 27.1894 to Bertha Smith, who was born in Union City, Ohio, October 27, 1873. Mrs. Pierce received an excellent education in Oxford, Ohio, in the public schools and college. She is a lady of many estimable characteristics and is popular with the best circles wherever she is known.
            Two children have blessed the union of Mr. And Mrs. Pierce, namely: Charles Stuart, born February 6. 1895, is at this writing a student in the University of Michigan; Mary Alameda, born July 27, 1897, is attending high school.
            Politically, Mr. Pierce has followed the example of his father and supports the Democratic party in which he is active and influential. In 1898 he was elected mayor of Union City, serving until 1902 in a very faithful and creditable manner, doing much for the general upbuilding of the town. In the campaign of 1912 he made the race for representative to the state legislature and was duly elected. He has made his influence felt among his colleagues for the good of his county and won the hearty commendation of his constituents. He served for a period of four years on the Union City school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, Modern Woodmen of America, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is a trustee in the local congregation.
            Broad-minded, progressive in his ideas, a thinker and close observer, Mr. Pierce keeps fully abreast of the times and in touch with current thought and discharges the duties of citizenship in a manner becoming an enterprising American of honorable impulses. He stands high in the esteem of those with whom he mingles, makes and retains friends easily, and is a genial, courteous, straightforward and companionable gentleman whom it is a pleasure to know.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson

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