PIERCE, Nathaniel Parda (Pard)

Weekly Journal - Miner, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, June 14, 1911 Veteran Answers Summons Of Death Yesterday the sad news was received from the soldiers home at Sawtelle, Cal., that N. P. Pearce (Pierce), one of the best known pioneers of Arizona, had passed over the great divide. No particulars were given of his affliction, but it believed that old age hastened the end. "Pard" Pearce (Pierce), as he was endearingly known to every resident of this section, was a man of exceptional personality. He came from the Pacific Coast with a California regiment of Infantry, in 1863, and was stationed at Fort Whipple when it was located in Chino valley. Serving the county valiantly and after his enlistment expired his capability was recognized by Governor Goodwin, and he was appointed the first constable in Arizona. That office required a man of nerve to fill, but with all that responsibility Mr. Pearce (Pierce) performed splendid service and faced many dangerous situations. He was also appointed deputy sheriff by the first sheriff of this county, when Arizona was formally organized. His agreeable fellowship, and his will of iron, made him one of the most popular men of his day in Arizona. In all raids made against the Apache, he was always in the van, and performed excellent service. He was one of the most agreeable of men in or out of office, and never failed to assist the needy or deserving. After his official life ended, he went among the mines and labored with his own hands for a generation to build up the county. Only last year he was granted a furlough and went to Eureka district and performed the annual assessment work on his group of mines, without any assistance whatever. In adversity or prosperity, his demeanor never changed, and he faced the future complacently and in a spirit that won him much admiration. Mr. Pearce (Pierce) was about 88 years old, and when last seen in this city about a year ago, was as litte as a boy, and of the same fellowship that made him one of the best known and best loved of any pioneer. His death will be learned with expressions of deep and sincere sorrow by all in the Hassayamper colony and from one end of the country to the other. --------------- Note: Born ca 1830, N.Y., died June, 1911. COD: Chronic bronchitis, chronic diarrhea, rheumatism. Nearest relative, sister, Mrs. M. E. Wagner, Los Angeles, Calif. He was a miner, and a painter per census records. Burial is at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, Calif. Information was found in the 1850, 1864, 1870, 1880, 1900 and 1910 census records as well as records from the Sawtelle Veteran's Hospital in Calif.