10 HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY he went to Boston and started in life for himself as a news- boy. By dint of much saving, he managed to secure funds suffi- cient to pursue a course in surveying in the Academy o'f New Hampshire. It was in 1855 that he came to Red Wing and entered the land business as a member of the firm of Smith, Towne & Co. He followed that business until October, 1868, when, in company with T. K. Simmons and A. W. Pratt, he started the bank of Pierce, Simmons & Co. When the bank was incorporated Mr. Pierce became president of the institution, and retained that position until the time of his death. Pie also served several terms in the Minnesota legislature, being elected on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Pierce was twice married. During his lifetime he was an enthusiastic supporter of all enterprises tending toward civic growth and improvement. The name is perpetuated in Red Wing by a nephew. A. P. Pierce, for many years mayor of the city. J. C. Pierce died June 13, 1904.
