The campaign in Mexico, with its varied experiences, had, without doubt, a marked and favorable effect upon the subject of this sketch. The novelty of climate and productions, the grandeur of the scenery, and the immense natural resources of that region were not lost upon him. But of still greater value was the experience gained from association with men of large attainments, positive ideas, strong will, and comprehensive views. The majority of the army officers in that campaign were of this character; and the young soldier, at the close of the war, returned home in March, 1848, with higher aims and a better and truer estimate of the duties and responsibilities of life.
Col. Pierce again engaged in business at his trade, in Manchester, which, in the meantime, had been incorporated a city. In 1849 he became a member of the city government; and in the same year was appointed a member of Gov. Dinsmoor's staff. Upon the inauguration of Gen. Franklin Pierce as president, in March, 1853, he was appointed postmaster at Manchester. This position, in the largest and most prosperous city of the state, was one of unusual labor and responsibility. Col. Pierce filled the office for eight years, and to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of all parties.
On the breaking out of the rebellion, in 1861, Col. Pierce was selected by Gov. Goodwin as commander of the Second New Hampshire regiment, of the three months' troops. Having satisfactorily discharged his duties, he retired after the term of enlistment was changed to three years. The next year, September, 1862, unexpected difficulties having arisen, Gov. Berry telegraphed to Col. Pierce to take command of the Twelfth New Hampshire regiment, then completing its organization at Concord. How well he accomplished the duty assigned him was expressed in a statement, signed by the officers of the regiment, at the time of his withdrawal, in the following words:—
"Your generous and patriotic course in assuming temporary command of the regiment during a period of great excitement and confusion, thereby saving it from dissolution and the state from disgrace, merits our admiration and sincere thanks."
In 1866, Col. Pierce removed to Nashua, for the purpose of engaging in the manufacture of card-board and glazed paper. Since then he has been an active member and one of the directors of the Nashua Card and Glazed-Paper Company,—one of the most successful business enterprises in the state, and which, in the variety and excellence of its products, is not surpassed by any corporation of its kind in the country. Col. Pierce is also a director of the Contoocook Valley Paper Company in Henniker, a director of the Second National Bank and president of the Mechanics Savings Bank at Nashua.
In 1874, Col. Pierce was elected a member of the New Hampshire state senate, the only candidate of his party ever elected from that district; and in 1875 and 1876 he was sheriff of Hillsborough county. While unwavering in his attachment to, and support of, the Democratic party, he is not rabid in his policy or partisan in his associations. When President Hayes visited Nashua, in 1877, he was selected by the city government as chairman of the committee of arrangements; and no citizen took a more efficient part in securing a proper observance of the obsequies of President Garfield. He and his family are attendants of the Universalist church.
In his social and domestic relations, Col. Pierce has been fortunate. Of his two children, the eldest, Mrs. Julia M., wife of William N. Johnson, resides at West Henniker, where her husband is a paper manufacturer; his son, Mr. Frank Pierce, is associated with him in business.
A few years since, having purchased the homestead of the late Gen. J. G. Foster, he built a spacious and elegant residence. Situated on an acclivity on the north side of the Nashua river, surrounded by ample grounds and stately trees, it is a home of rare attractions. Col. Pierce is still in the prime of active life, and his past record, as well as his present position, is a guarantee that he will ably and faithfully meet the responsibilities of the future.