George W. Peirce facts for kids

George Washington Peirce (born in 1846, died in 1938) was an important person in the mining world. He was the secretary and treasurer for two companies: the Golden Fleece Mining and Milling Company (New York) and the Golden Fleece Mining and Milling Company (Iowa). These companies were involved in finding and processing valuable metals like gold.

Early Life and Military Service

George Washington Peirce was born in Harrison, Maine. When he was only sixteen years old, in 1862, he joined a group of riflemen. This was during the American Civil War. He was a very good shot and knew the land well. This made him a useful scout for his company.

In 1864, George went with General Alfred Sully on a trip to fight against the Sioux people. He was at Forts Rice and Thompson. He also took part in a small fight with the Sioux near the Cannon Ball River. He finished his military service on June 11, 1864.

Mining Ventures

After his father passed away, George's mother and his three brothers lived in California for a while. Later, they moved to Kamiah, Idaho. There, they owned a large area of land. On this land, they found and developed mines for gold, silver, copper, and coal.

In September 1892, George W. Peirce bought the Golden Fleece Mine (Colorado). He paid $50,000 for it. He worked hard to develop this mine. It became one of the richest gold mines in Colorado.

Reported Train Accident

There were news reports in December 1899 about a train crash. Some reports said a George W. Peirce had died. However, other newspapers, like The Omaha Daily Bee, later said that a George W. Peirce was only injured, not killed.

Family Life

George W. Peirce was the third son of Thomas Tarbell Peirce and Lydia Jane Pratt. He had three brothers: Henry Leeds, Parker Illsley, and Thomas Tarbell. George was born on February 5, 1846, in Harrison, Maine.

George and his brother Parker never got married. Later in his life, George went to live in Seattle with his adopted sister, Mrs. C. W. Ellenson. George passed away on November 3, 1938, at the Ellenson home in Seattle. The Peirce family grave is located at the Kamiah's Historic IOOF Cemetery.