Part of an old map of the San Jacinto area from the Texas Revolution

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Harrisburg

The Kemp Sketch

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PIER, J. B. - A member of Captain H. N. Cleveland’s Company of Mill Creek Volunteers, July 1, 1836. See Harrisburg books.

PIER, JAMES B. - Born in Lake County, Ohio, November 23, 1813, son of Dr. Ira and Sarah A. (Bradford) Pier. Dr. Pier was born in Massachusetts, May 19, 1784. His wife was born in Ohio, January 9, 1794, daughter of Robert Bradford. Children of Dr. Pier were Eliza, James B., Wealthy H., Sarah A., Robert O., Mary J., Ira O. and Lucy M.

Mr. James B. Pier was a merchant and druggist. He arrived at Velasco, Texas, February 14, 1835. He settled on land at the mouth of Mill Creek. Later he moved to the town of Travis, Austin County. He was a member of Captain Gibson Kuykendall’s company and on December 21, 1837 was issued Donation Certificate No. 612 for 640 acres of land for having been detailed to guard the baggage at the camp opposite Harrisburg. On January 11, 1838 he received Headright Certificate No. 1 for a league and labor of land from the Austin County Board Texas 1835.

Mr. Pier was married to Lucy Merry, daughter of Ebeneezer and Charlotte (Adams) Merry, who was born in Lake County, Ohio, January 17, 1814. Mr. Pier died February 5, 1888 at Travis, Austin County.

Children of Mr. and Mrs. Pier were: Lucy E., who married W. W. Cochran; Sarah C., who married H. P. Wiley of Travis; Samuel B. Pier and three others who died young.

Samuel B. Pier, son of James B. Pier, was born at Travis, Austin County, Texas, July 22, 1844. He was married to Emma Cochran, daughter of Thomas and Bessie (Walker) Cochran. Their children were: Dr. Thomas J. Pier of Fayette County; Emma L., Anna B., Lelia M., Ira O., Norris G., and Kitchen C. Pier.

Written by Louis W. Kemp, between 1930 and 1952. Please note that typographical and factual errors have not been corrected from the original sketches. The biographies have been scanned from the original typescripts, a process that sometimes allows for mistakes in the new text. Researchers should verify the accuracy of the texts' contents through other sources before quoting in publications. Additional information on the veteran may be available in the Herzstein Library.


Battle Statistics

  • Died in Battle: No
  • Rank: Private
  • Company: Capt. Gibson Kuykendall

Personal Statistics

  • Alternate Names: James Bradford
  • Date of Birth: 1813 Nov 23
  • Birthplace: Ohio, Lake County, Circleville
  • Origin: Ohio
  • Came to Texas: 1835 Feb
  • Date of Death: 1888 Feb 5
  • Comments: Mexican War
  • Donation Certificate: 612
  • Profession: Merchant, druggist
  • Wife: Lucy Merry
  • Children: Lucy E. Pier Cochran; Sarah C. Pier Wiley; Samuel B. Pier