Captain Horace Truman Hanks Pierce, son of Ezekiel Porter Pierce and Susanna Porter, was born at Chesterfield, New Hampshire, February 22, 1822. He was brought up on the homestead farm, and -enjoyed such scholastic advantages as the common school and academy in Chesterfield afforded. He also pursued a partial course at Norwich University, Vt., which, in addition to the usual collegiate and scientific courses of study, imparted instruction in military tactics. Being naturally of a military turn of mind, he gave considerable attention to this branch study while in the university, and in after years turned his martial acquirements to good advantage After leaving the university he was for a time mechanic and manufacturer. Later he became a brick-layer, and follow that vocation, residing with his family in Keene, till the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he was among the first to offer his services in defense of the Union, under the first call for three months volunteers. He raised a company and served with credit as its lieutenant in the 2d N. H. Vols. Infantry At the expiration of his three months service he at once raised a company o three years men in Keene, and was commissioned its captain, the organzation becoming Co. F, of the 5th N. H. Vols. He served through the Peninsular campaign in the spring and summer of 1862; was in command his company in the memorable battle of Antietam and in the pursuit of enemy on their retreat to Fredericksburg, soon after which he was honorably discharged for physical disability. He was an intrepid and resolute officer discharging his duties with dignity and honor, and was beloved by his m On his return from the war he resumed his occupation of brick-layer Keene, and followed it with characteristic energy till his health and strength failed. On the 12th of June, 1850, Captain Pierce was married in the tavern of his father to Miss Sophia E. Dickinson, daughter of Erastus Dickinson, Hinsdale, N. H. She bore him three children, viz. Julia L., born Mar 17, 1851; William E., born in 1853; and Frank D., born November 1 1855. He died at Keene January 7, 1877.
