M. 5 Feb 1707 in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Wife: Esther Fletcher
D. 9 Sep 1749 in Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Self-government was a part of every colonial New England town. This was a unique system created by the Puritans who first settled in Massachusetts during the 1630s. Rather than being ruled from an authority across the Atlantic, or even micro-managed by leaders in Boston, each town made its own decisions on local issues. This dynamic was central to the story of Stephen Peirce, who did more than his share of civic duty.
Stephen was born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts on April 10, 1679 to Stephen Peirce and Tabitha Parker, one of five children. The name Peirce was also sometimes spelled Pierce, but Stephen signed his name with the “e” first. On February 5, 1707, Stephen married Esther Fletcher, whose family were original Chelmsford settlers. Stephen and Esther raised a family of ten children, all of whom survived to adulthood.
In colonial New England, importance was placed on performing service for the community, and Stephen held many offices in Chelmsford. He was selectman (town councilman) during 1716-1720, 1724 and 1728; he was also moderator of the annual town meeting from 1719 to 1721, and deacon from 1741 to 1749. And he was chosen as Chelmsford’s representative to the General Court in Boston during the years 1713-1717, 1720-1721, 1723, and 1725.
Stephen's signature.
It was said that some opposed Stephen’s selection for the General Court in 1723, but that he “weathered the attack.” This points to the fact that even though civic service was expected, there were also personality issues that played into what each man was chosen to do. Stephen likely aspired to a leadership role, and perhaps lobbied for some of his positions. This was the sort of politics that would one day be a main feature of local government in the United States.
Stephen’s last selection as representative in 1725 was even more problematic than the one in 1723. When he was a boy, his father was one of 50 men who acquired land from an Indian reservation. This was known as the Wamesit Purchase; the land was never formally part of any town, although for years, the residents considered themselves part of Chelmsford. When Stephen was chosen as representative in 1725, the General Court denied him a seat because his home wasn’t technically in Chelmsford. It suggests that Stephen had political opposition who wanted him out. The people in Stephen's community reacted to the action by saying they would stop paying their taxes. The controversy ended the following year when the General Court approved annexing the Wamesit land to Chelmsford.
Stephen’s house and property continued on in his family for several generations. He deeded land to at least three of his sons as they came of age, and they built houses near his. The houses are long gone, but the location was near the intersection of Forrest and Chelmsford Streets in the present day town of Lowell.
Stephen died on September 9, 1749. His wife Esther survived him by many years, passing away on September 20, 1767. Both were buried in Forefathers Burial Ground in Chelmsford. Stephen’s legacy of public leadership was carried on in his descendants. He was the grandfather of Benjamin Pierce, who was governor of New Hampshire between 1827 and 1830, and the great-grandfather of President Franklin Pierce.
Stephen died on September 9, 1749. His wife Esther survived him by many years, passing away on September 20, 1767. Both were buried in Forefathers Burial Ground in Chelmsford. Stephen’s legacy of public leadership was carried on in his descendants. He was the grandfather of Benjamin Pierce, who was governor of New Hampshire between 1827 and 1830, and the great-grandfather of President Franklin Pierce.
Stephen's grandson Governor Benjamin Pierce and great-grandson President Franklin Pierce.
Children:
1. Robert Peirce – B. 19 Jan 1708, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 1 Apr 1789, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; M. Mary Landlee (1709-1761), 13 Jun 1731, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
2. Oliver Peirce — B. 15 May 1709, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 25 Nov 1784, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; M. (1) Ann Hunt, 21 Mar 1733, Billerica, Massachusetts; (2) Hannah Adams, 14 Jul 1741, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
3. Esther Peirce — B. 24 Apr 1711, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D, 2 Sep 1803, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; M. Nathan Richardson, 15 Dec 1733, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
4. William Peirce – B. 7 May 1713, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 16 May 1754, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; M. Sarah Richardson (1719-1763), 7 Oct 1739, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
5. Stephen Peirce – B. 10 Apr 1715, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 8 Dec 1798, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; M. Betsy Bowers (1722-?), 26 Feb 1745, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
6. Tabitha Peirce — B. 28 Feb 1716, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 27 Mar 1793, Massachusetts; M. William French (1713-1793), 22 Apr 1736, Billerica, Massachusetts
7. Remembrance Peirce — B. 11 Feb 1719, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; M. William Powers (1717-?),14 Nov 1739, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
8. Sarah Peirce — B. 10 Jan 1720, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 19 Jan 1745, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
9. Mary Peirce — B. 14 Jan 1722, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 5 Nov 1807, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; M. Joseph Pierce (1721-1796), 20 Mar 1744, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
10. Benjamin Peirce — B. 26 Nov 1726, Chelmsford, Massachusetts; D. 16 Jun 1764; M. Elizabeth Merrill (1728-~1809), 2 Aug 1746, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Sources:
Pierce Genealogy, Frederic Beech Pierce, 1882
History of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Wilson Waters, 1917
Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915, familySearch.org
Legislators of the Massachusetts General Court, 1691-1780, John A. Schutz
Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America, David Hackett Fischer, 1989
Find-A-Grave.com
