John Frederick Pierson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Frederick Pierson
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| Born | February 25, 1839 New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Died | December 20, 1932 (aged 93) New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Spouse(s) |
Susan Augusta Rhodes
(m. 1869; |
| Children | Marguerite "Daisy" Pierson John Fred Pierson Jr. James Rhodes Pierson Harold Pierson Adeline Chandler Pierson |
| Parent(s) | Henry Lewis Pierson Helen Maria Pierson |
| Relatives | Jeremiah H. Pierson (grandfather) |
John Frederick Pierson (born February 25, 1839 – died December 20, 1932) was an American soldier and a successful businessman. He was also a well-known leader in New York society during the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age was a time in the late 1800s when America grew very rich, but also had many social problems.
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Early Life and Family
John Frederick Pierson was born in New York City on February 25, 1839. His parents were Henry Lewis Pierson and Helen Maria Pierson. Interestingly, his parents were cousins.
John, who was often called Fred, came from a very old American family. He was a direct descendant of Abraham Pierson, who became the first president of Yale University in 1701. The very first Pierson to come to America was Abraham Pierson the Elder. He arrived in Boston in 1639 from Yorkshire, England. He helped start several towns, including Southampton, New York, Stamford, Connecticut, and Newark, New Jersey.
A Soldier in the Civil War
John Frederick Pierson had an important military career. In 1857, he joined the 7th Regiment of the New York National Guard as a private soldier.
When the American Civil War began, Pierson helped create the 1st New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In May 1861, he was made a captain. He was promoted several times and became the leader of his regiment on October 9, 1862, with the rank of colonel.
His regiment was part of the 3rd Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He led the 1st New York in several major battles, including the Seven Days Battles, the Second Manassas, and the Battle of Fredericksburg. After the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863, Colonel Pierson left the army. He was given an honorary rank of brigadier general for his "gallant and meritorious services," meaning he was very brave and did great work.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Pierson started a career in business. He worked in his family's business, Pierson & Co. He also became the president of several other companies, including the Ramapo Foundry and Wheel Works and the Ramapo Manufacturing Company. He was also a trustee for the East River Savings Bank.
A Leader in Society
John Frederick Pierson and his wife, Susan, were very important in New York society. In 1892, they were included in a famous list called "Four Hundred" by Ward McAllister. This list was supposed to name the most important families in New York. The number 400 was chosen because that's how many people could fit into the ballroom of Mrs. Astor, a very famous social leader.
Pierson was a member of several exclusive clubs, like the Union Club of the City of New York and the New York Yacht Club. His family also had a home in Newport, Rhode Island, called Roselawn.
Personal Life
On December 16, 1869, John Frederick Pierson married Susan Augusta Rhodes in Providence, Rhode Island. They lived in New York City and had five children:
- Marguerite "Daisy" Pierson (1870–1964)
- John Fred Pierson Jr. (1872–1951)
- James Rhodes Pierson (1873–1959)
- Harold Pierson (1875–1879), who died young
- Adeline Chandler Pierson (1876–1933)
John Frederick Pierson continued to work almost until his death. He passed away in New York City on December 20, 1932, at the age of 93. At that time, he was the oldest general from the Union Army who had fought in the Civil War.
