George W. Peirce

George Washington Peirce
Born	1846
Died	1938
Occupation	Mining executive
Years active	Late 19th century to early 20th century
Known for	Secretary and treasurer of Golden Fleece Mining and Milling Company; owner of Golden Fleece Mine (Colorado)

George Washington Peirce (1846–1938) held the positions of secretary and treasurer at both the Golden Fleece Mining and Milling Company (New York) and the Golden Fleece Mining and Milling Company (Iowa), which were influential entities within the mining sector.

History

At the age of 16, George enlisted in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War, where he developed expertise as a marksman and scout. In 1864, he took part in General Alfred Sully’s campaign against the Sioux, engaging in combat near Cannon Ball River. After his discharge in June 1864, his family ultimately established themselves in Kamiah, Idaho, where they operated extensive mining ventures involving gold, silver, copper, and coal.

In September 1892, Peirce purchased the Golden Fleece Mine (Colorado) for $50,000, subsequently turning it into one of Colorado’s most profitable gold mining sites.

Reported death

There were initial reports that a George W. Peirce had perished in a train accident on December 4, 1899; however, records from that time indicate he was injured but survived the incident.

Family

George W. Peirce was the third son of Thomas Tarbell Peirce (1817–1875) and Lydia Jane Pratt. They had four sons: Henry Leeds (born 1842, who settled in Lynde, Minnesota), Parker Illsley (born 1844), George Washington (born 1846), and Thomas Tarbell (1850–1854).

Neither George nor his brother Parker (who died in 1930) married. Later in life, George resided in Seattle with his adopted sister, Mrs. C. W. Ellenson, where he passed away on November 3, 1938. The Peirce family burial site is located at Kamiah's Historic IOOF Cemetery.