Ray V. Pierce

Ray Vaughn Pierce (August 6, 1840 – February 4, 1914) was a U.S. Representative from New York.

Ray Vaughn Pierce
Ray V. Pierce, Congressman from New York
Member of the New York State Senate
from the 31st district
In office
1878–1879
Preceded byE. Carleton Sprague
Succeeded byBenjamin H. Williams
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 32nd district
In office
1879–1880
Preceded byDaniel N. Lockwood
Succeeded byJonathan Scoville
Personal details
Born(1840-02-04)February 4, 1840
Stark, New York, U.S.
DiedFebruary 4, 1914(1914-02-04) (aged 73)
St. Vincent Island, Florida, U.S.
Resting placeForest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Political partyRepublican

Early life

Born in Stark, New York, Pierce was the son of Duane and Mary (Morse) Pierce. He attended public and private schools, and taught school before deciding to become a doctor. In 1862, he graduated from Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He practiced medicine in Titusville, Pennsylvania from 1862 to 1866, and moved to Buffalo, New York in 1867.

Career

Pierce engaged in the manufacture and sale of patent medicines and established the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute. His manufacturing business started with "Doctor Pierce's Favorite Prescription", which he followed with other medicines, including Smart Weed and Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets. His venture proved a success, with nearly one million bottles of Dr. Pierce's Smart Weed and other preparations shipped annually.

He was a member of the New York State Senate (31st D.) in 1878 and 1879. Pierce was elected as a Republican to the 46th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1879 to September 18, 1880, when he resigned.

Publication

After leaving Congress, Pierce resumed his business interests, and was publisher of a book, the People's Common-sense Medical Adviser.

Death

He died on February 4, 1914 at his home on St. Vincent Island, Florida, where he had founded a game preserve. He was interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.

Family

Pierce was married to Mary Jane Smith. They were the parents of five children, three of whom reached adulthood; V. Mott, Hugh C., and Waldo.

References

  • United States Congress. "Ray V. Pierce (id: P000336)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
New York State Senate
Preceded by
E. Carleton Sprague
New York State Senate
31st District

1878–1879
Succeeded by
Benjamin H. Williams
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Daniel N. Lockwood
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 32nd congressional district

1879–1880
Succeeded by
Jonathan Scoville
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