Thomas S. Pearce was born about 1829 in Georgia. He was the son of Wiley and Sylvia Pearce. The family came from South Carolina to Georgia around 1825. They first appeared in the 1850 Census in Murray County.

That listing included Wiley Pearce, age 46; Sylvia Pearce, age 39; Mahaley Pearce, age 25; Sarah E. Pearch, age 22; Thomas S. Pearce, age 21; Lavisa Pearce, age 18; Reuben M. Pearce, age 15; Adaline F. Pearce, age 12; Margaret E. Pearce, age 9; Enock P. Pearce, age 6; and David T. Pearce, age 2.

The 1860 Census showed the family living in Varnell, Whitfield County. That Census spelled the family name Pierce. Thomas had married and was living near his parents in Varnell. His household consisted of Thos. Pierce, age 30; Josaphine Pierce, age 20; and Thos. Pierce, age 2. The Census indicated that all three had been born in Georgia.

Records in the Murray County Courthouse indicate that Thomas Pearce enlisted as a Private in Company D, 22nd Ga. Brigade, Wrights. His military service record states that Thomas Pearce enlisted on September 3, 1861. He was killed at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1863, and was buried in the National Cemetery there.

Murray County Families