William’s obituary as reprinted in the Brown Family 1911 Reunion Notes33 reads “William Commodore Perry Pierce was born March 15, 1833 at Sharpsburg, Kentucky, and departed this life June 4, 1911 at Paragon, Ky, at the age of 78 years 2 months and 16 days. He was the youngest of the family of Mordica and Anna Pierce, and while the youngest of a family of twelve he is the last to depart. On May 12, 1853 at the age of 20 years he was united in marriage to Emily Ellen Brown of Morgan Co., Ky. To this union were born seven children, Sarah Elizabeth who died in infancy, Mrs. L. J. Fisk of Greencastle, Ind., Dr. H. S. and J. W. Pierce of Salt Lick, Ky, J. D. and R. L. Pierce of Greencastle, Ind., and Mrs. L. F. Hurt of Indianapolis, Ind. There are also 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. At the age of 27 years he enlisted in the navy, serving until he received an injury in 1864 at which time he was discharged. With his family he came to Putnam Co., Ind., in 1865, which place he has since made his home. In 1895 his wife departed this life, preceding him 16 years, during which time he made his home with his children, both here in Kentucky. During his early life he united with the Christian Church and with the help of his faithful wife was successful in rearing a Christian family. In his declining years he was drawn to boyhood scenes and while there he departed his life after two short days of illness.”

His death certificate records William Perry Pierce, age 78 years 2 months 14 days, born 18 March 1833 in Ky, died 4 June 1911 in Paragon, Rowan Co., Ky, widowed, father Mordica Pierce, mother’s maiden name Annie Ferrand, both born in Ky, cause of death paralysis, informant J. W. Pierce, Salt Lick, Ky, burial in Greencastle, Indiana.

1860 census of Rowan Co., Kentucky lists as family #44:
W. P. Pierce, 27, farmer; Emily, 26; Martha Ann, 3; Henry S., 2; Daniel, 3 weeks. All born in Kentucky.

1870 census of Greencastle township, Putnam Co., Indiana, enumerated 20 June, lists on p. 103 as family #707/748:
Pierce, William P., 37, farm hand; Emily, 36; Martha A., 14; Sandford, 12; James, 10; William, 6; Robert, 4; Jane, 2. Robert and Jane born in Indiana, all others in Kentucky.

The immediate neighbors are a Richard S. Farron age 37 with wife Sarah E. age 36, and a Romulus B. Farron age 41 with wife Margaret J. age 24, all born in Kentucky. They are probably related to the Ferrand family that intermarried with the Brown, Jones, Foster and Pierce families of Morgan Co., Ky.

1880 census of Clinton township, Putnam Co., Indiana, enumerated 10 June, lists on p. 11 as family #101/106:
Pierce, Wm. P., 47; Emily, wife, 46; Sanford, son, 22; James, son, 20; William, son, 17; Robert, son 14; Jennie, dau, 12. Robert and Jennie born in Indiana, all others in Kentucky.