Plumas-Santa Barbara County CA Archives Biographies.....Pierce, Elisha H. 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 3, 2006, 9:54 pm

Author: Fariss & Smith (1882)

ELISHA H. PIERCE.—Pierce is a native of New York. In the summer of 1852 he kept
a liquor stand on Rich bar, but in the fall left the river and went to the
American valley. He served as deputy sheriff under George W. Sharpe, and when
James D. Byers was elected sheriff held the same position under him. Having
served out the term, he, with J. H. Houck, opened a saloon in Quincy, which had
a very large custom. In 1861 Pierce was elected sheriff, defeating John W.
McWilliams. In 1865 he again appeared before the republican convention, but
failed to get the nomination, S. J. Clark being selected as the nominee. During
the campaign he worked in the interest of Yeates, and in 1867, when Clark was
again pitted against Yeates, Pierce took an active part in securing his defeat.
He then left the county, removing to Santa Barbara. Pierce had golden
opportunities during his shrievalty for making a fortune. His percentage alone
for collecting the foreign miners' tax was $18,814, after paying all the
expenses of collection. On one occasion he visited Sierra valley, to serve tax
summons, and his fees amounted to $1,400. He did not make many friends while in
office. His conduct at the time Ross and Williams were taken by a mob and hung
has received severe censure, because of his alleged negligence to offer
protection to the unfortunate men. He was accused of aiding and abetting the
outrage; though further than an apparent fear of interfering with the infuriated
mob, there can probably be no definite charge laid at his door.

Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

Illustrated History of Plumas, Lassen & Sierra Counties

San Francisco: Fariss & Smith
(1882)


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