John Frederick Pierson was born on February 25, 1839, in New York City, New York, to Henry Lewis Pierson and Helen Maria Pierson. His father was a merchant who owned $50,000 of real estate and $200,000 of personal property by 1860. His mother died around 1845. He grew up and attended school in Ramapo, New York
In May 1861, he received a commission as a captain in Company H of the 1st New York Infantry. He was promoted to major in July 1861, to lieutenant colonel in September 1861, and finally to colonel in October 1862. He took part in the Seven Days Battles, the Second Battle of Manassas, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Chancellorsville. He mustered out on May 25, 1863.
He settled in New York City after the war, and he married Susan A. Rhodes on December 9, 1869. They had at least five children: Marguerite, born around 1870; John, born around 1872; James, born around 1873; Harold, born around 1875; and Adeline, born around 1876. He served as president of the Ramapo Foundry and Wheel Works and the Ramapo Manufacturing Company. He became a prominent member of New York society, and he was a member of the Union Club of the City of New York. He died in New York City on December 20, 1932.
Image: John F. Pierson (courtesy Wikicommons)