From the earliest time the name of our ancestors has been spelled either Pearce or Pierce. This Aaron Pierce's cemetery monument has his name spelled as Pierce so that is how he will remain. His son, Dennis Pearce, and my ancestor spelled his name Pearce as do all my ancestors. So when researching know that both these spellings are used in this family.

Aaron was born in Allegheny Co., Pa. the son of James Pearce and Esther Kinney. James Sr. served as a Private in the Revolutionary War. Ancestors of James are both members of the DAR and SAR and records can be found on line for both of these organizations. James, Esther and their family left the state of Pennsylvania and migrated to Ohio, settling in Columbiana Co.

James and Esther Pearce had at least nine children [those I am able to account for].

On January 13, 1814 Aaron married Hannah Cunning, the daughter of Dennis Cunning and Margaret Elizabeth Donaldson [1741-1828 birth Scotland].
Hannah was the only daughter in this family and had three brothers: John, Barnabus and Robert.

Aaron and Hannah Cunning Pierce became the parents of 14 children: Dennis, Sarah, Margaret, Esther, Mary, James, Aaron, Hannah, Elizabeth, Lucinda. These first 10 children are quite well documented with b/d, spouses, families etc.
John 1839-1841 died as an infant and Catherine 1827 other than a birth date unknown. Samuel and William nothing is known about.

In 1853 at a quite advanced age Aaron being 64, along with Hannah and most of their adult children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren pulled up stakes, sold their land in Ohio and headed to Cedar Co., Iowa settling in Tipton Township, Iowa.

Aaron & Hannah purchased land and began farming in a new environment with many opportunities to own land and prosper.
Their families continued to live here for many many years and there are many descendants still living close to the original area where the Pierce family settled.

We are proud of our pioneer ancestors and the hardships they faced each day and admire the progress they made.

My sincere thanks to TODD WHITE for finding the photograph of Aaron and also Hannah Pierce and allowing the families to enjoy his likeness. From an old letter in my possession it states this photo was copied from a tin-type of Aaron sometime in the 1920's or 1930's. Based on how young Aaron looks in this photo I am imagining this tin-type was made early in the 1870's.

My thanks also to Cousin MARK PIERCE for his help in restoring the grave monuments of Aaron, Hannah and James Pierce all at Union Clear Creek Cemetery in the year 2009.

*As a side note* it has been reported in family history that Aaron had beautiful red hair. It is interesting to note that nearly each generation has a throw back with red hair in the family when everyone else in a family all have matching hair color. Hail to the Irish!

Compiled by Rachel Keller