Vertical File Biographies

This is an individual biography from the vertical file of biographical information, primarily newspaper clippings, created by the Kansas State Histocial Society Library and Archives division. This is a concise version--there may be more information in this or other sources.

Captain A.C. Pierce

Alfred C. Pierce was born in Otsego County, New York, in 1835 and came to the Kansas Territory in 1856 as a member of a party representing the New England Emigrant Aid Society. They brought with them a cannon, rifles, revolvers and ammunition to be used by members of the Free State party in their fight against border ruffians intent on making it a slave state. It is not clear if Pierce actually participated in the border war, but it is safe to say he was a strong supporter of Kansas being a free state.

Mr. Pierce settled first in Saline County where he engaged in surveying and the relocating of settlers to the area. In 1860 he moved to Junction City and was elected county assessor that spring. He subsequently took the census of Geary, Clay and part of Riley counties. He was elected to the state legislature in 1861 and 1862. During the Civil War, Pierce enlisted as a Second Lieutenant in Company G, Eleventh Kansas Infantry. He participated in Price’s raid near Independence, Missouri, and in the battle line near Kansas City. He was honorably discharged as a captain at the close of the war.

Pierce returned to Junction City after the war and continued to be active in the growth of the community. He farmed, raising grain and cattle and also was elected or appointed to several city and county positions. He was elected to the state legislature again in 1868 and in 1880.
Captain A.C. Pierce, as he was respectfully addressed in later life, died October 26, 1926 after serving his adopted state for seventy years.

Sources:
“Captain Pierce Accepts,” Junction City Union, 14 August 1912.

“He Brought Cannon To Topeka,” Topeka Capital, 24 December 1916.

“Capt. A.C. Pierce, 91, Pioneer Kansan, Dead,” Topeka Capital, 29 October 1926.

The vertical file is on forty-three microfilm reels arranged alphabetically by name. These reels are available through interlibrary loan, or you may contact the reference staff . Please note that many of the clippings had yellowed and it may be impossible to produce a readable photocopy.

Completion of this biography was made possible by volunteer Frank Sotrines.