slavery man, and, as chairman of the committee on federal relations, he introduced a resolution instructing the Michigan delegation in congress to oppose the introduction of slavery into the territories. A few years since he took up his abode in Ypsilanti, where he resided until the summer of 1880, when, having a serious illness, his daughter, Mrs. Emerson, of Medway, Mass., was summoned to Ypsilanti. As soon as he was able to travel she persuaded him to return with her to Massachusetts, where he spent the evening of his days in the companionship of his only surviving child. Mr. Peirce resided with his daughter until March, 1882, when he was seized with a sudden illness, which terminated fatally in one week after his seizure. He died March 30, 1882. At his urgent request his remains were brought to Marshall for interment. During his illness his mind was strong, active, and unclouded. That he might feel the approach of death, and enjoy the company of dear friends to the last, he refused opiates of any description. When death claimed him, he calmly went to the reward which he had earned by a long life of service as a benefactor of the human race. He was an ardent lover of Michigan, her institutions and her people. It was in Michigan that his greatest and best labors were performed. Here he had very many warm admirers and personal friends; and his dying request was that he might be buried in the soil of his "be- loved Michigan," and near the graves of those who had shared with him the burdens of pioneer life. Around the little mound of earth that marks his last resting-place are the graves of honored men and women who were his co-laborers in the grand work of building up a civilization upon a foundation of morality and intellecual worth, the certain fruitage of his broad and philanthropic ideas of universal education; and as long as the present system of public education lasts, every school-house in the state, and especially the University of Michigan, will be a monument to John D. Peirce and the noble baud of workers of which he was the central figure. Memorial services were held in Marshall at the High School, at which all the schools in the city participated. Every honor was paid to the memory of "Father Peirce" that affection, gratitude, and respect could devise. Beautiful floral tributes were brought by the pupils of the different schools; the most distinguished men of Marshall and the surrounding towns were present, and many of them made speeches, and seemed to vie with each other in bearing testimony to the worth of their deceased benefactor and friend. Many letters were read, sent by persons who could not be present, but who wished to offer their tribute of respect to his character and work in the cause of education. Both speakers and writers expressed a hope that these memorial services would assist in perpetuating the history of this great and good man, that future generations might be benefited by his example. One gentleman, a physician, who had practised in his family, and knew him in private as well as in public life, said of him, — "No man could know Mr. Peirce for any length of time without becoming a better man himself." He was greatly beloved throughout the state.
