Josiah A. Pierson Biography


	This biography appears on page 1835 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	JOSIAH A. PIERSON, deceased, was born on the 8th of April, 1838, 
in Woodsfield, Ohio, and in the public schools of his native state he 
acquired his education. After arriving at years of maturity he sought a 
companion and helpmeet for life's journey, being married to Miss Nancy 
A. Alexander, of Princeton, Indiana. Their wedding took place in 
Illinois and unto the union four children were born. Mrs. Pierson, the 
first wife of the subject, was called to her final rest and Mr. Pierson 
was again married, his second union being with Miss F. L. Houlton, and 
to them was born one child.

	In his early manhood Mr. Pierson engaged in teaching school in 
Illinois and afterward turned his attention to merchandising and 
farming. In 1881 he arrived in South Dakota and purchased land in this 
state. He became a very extensive stock raiser and was one of the 
prominent and successful representatives of agricultural interests in 
this part of the state. After purchasing his land he discovered that it 
contained clay beds and afterward sold a large tract to a cement 
company.

	Mr. Pierson gave close attention to his business and his efforts 
at farming and stock raising brought to him a splendid financial 
return. In his political views he was a Republican and was a member of 
the Christian church.