Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil Wars

Biography of Capt. Horace Truman Hanks Peirce

 Extracted from The Norwich University History Volume II c.1912. 

NU is the nations oldest private military founded in 1819.  Several Keene soldiers were either NU attendees or graduates. 

"Horace T. H. Peirce, son of Ezekiel Porter and Susannah (Porter) Peirce was born in Chesterfield, NH, February 22, 1822, and died in Keene NH January 7, 1877. He prepared for college at the Chesterfield Academy: entered the University in 1843, and remained three years, nearly completing the Civil Engineering course.  He located in Keene, in 1847 and worked for some years as a mechanic, and later engaged in the manufacture of bricks."
     
"On the breaking out of the Civil War, he offered his services to the state of New Hampshire, and was commissioned as a recruiting officer.  He enrolled Co. G, First New Hampshire Volunteers; was commissioned its first lieutenant, April 20, 1861; served with his regiment in the Department of Washington May 27-July 10, 1861 and in the Seventh Brigade, Third Division, Department of Pennsylvania, July 10-August, 1861.  He recruited Co. F. Fifth New Hampshire Infantry; was commissioned its captain October 12, 1861; served with distinction in the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, and at the battle of Antietam, September 11, 1862; owing to disability was forced to resign his commission, January 29, 1863.  He was a brave and resolute officer, cared for and beloved by his men.  He fearlessly discharged his duty and dignity and honor, and if he had been able to continue in the service would have held high command.  He continued the manufacture of brick at Keene, until 1870 when he was obliged by failing health to retire from active work."

"He was married, June 12, 1850 to Sophia E. Dickinson of Hinsdale, NH. Three children were born to them; Julia L., born March 17, 1851, married Frank A. Hardy, died April 30, 1875; William E. resides in Chicago; Frank D., born in 1853."