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Note: origin of Norval name: see Norval Tom Blankenship.
Norval graduated from Bethel College (Baptist), Russellville, KY in Logan Co. Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green has the matriculation records for Bethel College from 1854-1918 under manuscripts and folklife archives.
1900 census, St Louis Ward 28, St Louis (Independent City), Missouri, 4537 Lindell Blvd: Pierce, Norvell L. boarder Jan 1873 27 S KY VA VA bookkeeper; head of house is Fox, Annie Jun 1836 - lots of boarders.
1910 census, Chicago Ward 6, Cook, Illinois, 4049 Ellis Av: Pierce, Norval L. lodger 38 single KY TN KY manager roofing co.; living with Lyeth, John P., wife and other lodgers.
Newspaper clippings in scrapbook: Oct. 24, 1912
1: Bond-Pierce
Friends in this city of that sly old bachelor, Norval Pierce, who resided here many years , were surprised to receive announcements as follows: "Mr. Robert L. Bond announces the marriage of his daughter, Margaret Ramey, to Mr. Norval Lee Pierce on Thursday, October the twenty fourth, nineteen hundred and twelve.
The groom is a son of judge J. P. Pierce of this city [Marion, Crittenden Co., KY] and is a brother to C. J. Pierce and Mesdames G. M. Crider and W. B. Yandell, all of whom he visits each year. He is a prime favorite in Marion and assuredly has the best wishes of all friends of his old home for his happiness and success.
2: Bond-Pierce
The marriage of Miss Margaret Bond and Novill Pierce, which was quietly celebrated at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hayes, on Greenup St., Thursday evening at 8 o'clock, was one of the prettiest of the fall weddings. The rooms were decorated with chrysanthemums and ferns for the occasion. Rev. Oscar Huey, of Georgetown, performed the ceremony in the presence of relatives and a few intimate friends. The bride was handsome in a tailored gown of blue with hat en suite and carrying white chrysanthemums. After the ceremony congratulations were extended and supper surved. Later in the evening Mr. and Mrs. Pierce left for Chicago, their future home. The guests were Mr. and Mrs. Lyons, Simpsonville; Mrs. Robinson and Frank Bond, New Orleans; Mrs. Brown, Miss Bond, Ghent; Wm. Barrett, Birmingham; Judge W. R. Payne, Warsaw; Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Ramey, Mr. and Mrs. C. Layne, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. McFarland, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Porter, Messrs. Robert bond, Elliot Hanks, Emmett Orr and Mis Robin Gex.
Rev. Oscar Huey, of Georgetown, who has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hayes, of Greenup-st., having come up for the Bond-Pierce wedding, has returned home.
Newspaper clipping, Oct. 24, 1912:
Mr. N.L. Pierce Brings His Bride to Marseilles
Bridal Couple to be Tendered Reception by Baptist People Thursday Evening.
Mr. N.L. Pierce, accompanied by his bride, arrived here Saturday evening, after a two days' honeymoon trip spent in Chicago. Mr. Pierce, who is the resident manager of the General Roofing plant, was married on Thursday of last week in Covington, Kentucky, to Miss Margaret Ramey Bond, a Kentucky girl. The marriage took place at the home of the bride's sister in Covington, at 8 o'clock Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce took their departure immediately after the ceremony, going into Chicago and spending Friday and Saturday. Saturday evening they came into Ottawa and were met here by Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Russell, of this city, with an automobile and driven to Marseilles, where they will reside. They are to board at the Russell home on the west hill for the present. [213 Seventh St., Marseilles, La Salle County, Illinois; this address is on a corner and could therefore be the 2.5 story house we have a photo of.]
Mr. Pierce's many friends here will be glad to welcome his bride to Marseilles, and will join with the Register-Chronicle in extending to them their best wishes for a happy future.
On Thursday evening of this week a reception is to be tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Pierce by the people of the baptist church, in which Mr. Pierce is a prominent worker and member. The affair will be held at the church.
The office employees of the General Roofing company here have also extended to Mr. Pierce and his bride a greeting in the shape of a handsome wedding present, consisting of a chest of fine silver. Mr. Pierce is held in great esteem by his office force here.
General Roofing Co. was founded in 1904, and is still in business, known as Certainteed Roofing. A strategy employed early in the company's history was to purchase a paper plant, convert it to a roofing felt plant, then build the roofing assembly plant nearby. This was done in Marseilles, Illinois and York, Pennsylvania. It is not known of which plant Norval was manager.
Followup newspaper clipping:
Baptist People Receive For Mr. and Mrs. Pierce.
A Most Delightful Reception Given at Church Last Evening in Honor of Newly Married Couple.
The reception given last evening by the Baptist church people at their church in honor of Mr. and Mrs. N.L. Pierce, who are just newly married, was one of the most enjoyable and delightful social affairs to take place at the church for some time. Despite the fact that the weather was most inclement, there was a large number present, about sixty in all.
A musical program had been prepared and was given. There were three selections, with encores, by the Spicer orchestra, a piano solo by Miss Mary Sehring; a piano duet played by Misses Calla Allen and Villabelle Sehring; two vocal solos, one by Mrs. W.C. Russell and the other by Rev. Samuel Hoekstra.
A most unique and pretty part of the program was a little march participated in by the children of the Sunday school, of which Mr. Pierce is the superintendent. To the strains of a march played by Miss Calla Allen, the Sunday school scholars in a body marched up from the lower room each one carrying a carnation. As the procession filed past the guests of honor, the carnations were presented to Mr. and Mrs. Pierce. Agnes Miller, a little ten year old girl, represented the Sunday school and made a most appropriate little speech, saying words of greeting and good wishes to the newly married couple. Mr. Pierce responded to this speech, assuring all that their efforts put forth in weloming himself and his bride were appreciated by both.
Rev. Mr. Hoekstra also gave a short talk. Among other things he said, "There is one thing in which I rejoice and that is that there is at least one thing in which some follow me in my preaching and pracitse, viz. "that it is not good for man to be alone."
A handsome leather rocker was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Pierce by Mr. Hoekstra, representing the members and friends of the Baptist church. Mr. Pierce again responded most appropriately, with a few words of appreciation.
At the close of this program, a lunch of ice cream and cake was served to the assemblage in the sunday school room, which had been most attractively decorated for the occasion with the prevailing Hallowe'en decorations. There were jack-o-lanterns lighted and the windows were filled in with asparagus, surrounding big yellow pumpkin lanterns. The Sunday school children formed the center of the group gathered in the supper room, being seated in a circle on the small chairs used in the Sunday school.
Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were given a most hearty welcome at this reception given in their honor and they were greeted with good wishes on every hand. It is felt that their affiliation with the church will mean much for the church in every way.
Details of school and work are given in a xerox of a newspaper obit which was collected by his widow (paper and date unknown but probably Natchitoches, 1951). He died of a carcinoma naso pharynx (death certificate)
16 Jan 1913, Wilkenson Co., MS Deeds VV, pp 165-6: In consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars cash paid us on January 16, 1913, and the further sum of Twenty Four Hundred and Ninety Dollars cash paid us this day, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and the four prommissory notes of N.L. Pierce, number one being for the sum of Twenty Five Hundred Dollars, due and payable on or before November 1st, 1913; number two being for the sum of Fifteen Hundred Sixty Nine and 58/100 Dollars, due and payable on or before November 1st, 1914; number three being for the sum of Fifteen Hundred Sixty Nine and 58/100 Dollars, due and payable on or before November 1st, 1915; number four being for the sum of Fifteen Hundred Sixty Nine and 59/100 Dollars, due and payable on or before November 1st, 1916 [total $9708.78], the said last three notes bearing interest at the rate of Six per cent per annum from January 1st, 1914, until paid, and all said notes providing for attorney's fees in case collect by suit, or foreclosure, a vendor's lien being expressly reserved upon the hereinafter described land to secure the prompt and punctual payment of the said notes, and for the further consideration that C.W. Henderson, granto herein, shall retain possession of the said land hereinafter described until January 1st, 1914, and is to keep, retain and own all crops grown thereon for the year 1913, We convey and warrant unto the said N.L. Pierce the land situated in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, described as being all that portion of Section Three (3) and of Section Fourteen (14) Township One (1) Range Two (2) West, lying east of the Sligo public road, of Elmsley Plantation in said county and state, containing 647.25 acres, more or less, as per survey recently made by R.J. McNeil, county surveyor. Witness our hands this the 26th day of February A.D. 1913. C.W. Henderson, Walter A. Henderson, Florida Henderson, Kate Henderson Wolf, Maud Henderson, Claude Henderson.
State of Mississippi, Wilkinson County. Personally appeared before me, Lyt Lewis, chancert clerk in and for the said county and state, the within named C.W. Henderson, Walter A. Henderson, Florida Henderson, Kate Henderson Wolf, Maud Henderson and Claud Henderson, who acknowledged that they signed and delivered the foregoing instrument on the day and year therein mentioned. Given under my hand and the seal of the said court this the 1st day of March 1913. Lyt Lewis, Clerk. Filed for record March 13, 1913 at 9 o'clock A.M. and recorded March 28th 1913. By W.L. Hays, D.C. Lyt Lewis, Clerk. [In margin: day filed See Book WW Page 342. Oct. 16, 1916. Lyt Lewis clerk]
12 Oct 1916, Wilkinson Co., MS Deeds WW, p.342: Whereas N.L. Pierce, the grantee named in that certain deed of conveyance executed by us on the 26th day of February, 1913, and duly recorded in the conveyance records of Wilkinson County, Mississippi, in Deed Book No. "VV" page 165. wherein the lands situated in said Wilkinson County, Mississippi, described as "all that portion of Section Three (3) and of Section Fourteen (14) Township One (1) Range Two West, lying East of the Sligo public road, of Elmsley Plantation, in said county and state, containing 647.25 acres, more or less, as per survey recently made by R.J. McNeil County Surveyor" were conveyed, has fully paid, satisdied [sic] and discharged the notes for the purchase money of the said lands, which said notes are described as being one for $2500 due on November 1st 1913; one for $1569.58 due November 1st 1914; one for $1569.58 due November 1st 1915 and one for the sum of $1569.59 due on November 1st 1916, the said last three notes bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, now therefore in consideration of the premises and of the said payment of the said notes so made the receipt of which is duly acknowledged, we do direct and request the Chancery Clerk of Wilkinson County, Mississippi, to enter on the margin of the record of the said deed a notation that the vendor's lien therein reserved is fully satisfied, discharged and cancelled. And we do further, by these presents, quitclaim and release unto the said N.L. Pierce any and all right, title, interest, claim or demand, we or any of us, have in and to the said land so conveyed and above described. Witness our hands this the 12th day of October 1916. C.W. Henderson, W.A. Henderson, Maud Henderson, Claude Henderson, Florida Henderson, Kate Henderson Wolf.
State of Mississippi, Wilkinson County. Personally appeared before me, H.A. Wood, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county and state, the within named C.W. Henderson, Walter A. Henderson, Maud Henderson and Claude Henderson, who severally acknowledged that they signed and delivered the foregoing instrument on the day and year therein mentioned. Witness my hand this the 12th day of October, 1916. H.A. Wood, Justice of the Peace.
State of Louisiana, Parish of New Orleans, City of New Orleans. Personally appeared before me, the undersigned J.M. Quintero, a notary public in and for the city, parish and state aforesaid, the within named Florida Henderson and Kate Henderson Wolf, who acknowledged that they signed and delivered the foregoing instrument on the day and year therein mentioned. Witness my and and seal of office this 13th day of October A.D. 1916. J.M. Quitero, Notary Public (SEAL) No time limit to Commision.
Filed for record October 16, 1916 at 6 o'clock P.M. and recorded October 20, 1916. By W.L. Hays, D.C. Lyt Lewis, Clerk.
8 May 1919, Lee Co., MS Deeds 143, p. 247: W.A. Dozier and Annie Dozier, in consideration of $10,000, convey to N.L Pierce: "The East 1/2 of the N.W. 1/4 of Section 35, Township 9 Range 5 East, in Lee County, MS". W.A. Dozier, Annie Dozier. Recorded 9 Aug 1919.
30 Jun 1919, Wilkenson Co., MS Deeds XX, p.348: In consideration of the sum of Fourteen Hundred Dollars cash paid me, and the promissory note of John B. Ferguson, the grantee, for the sum of Sixteen Thousand Dollars, due and payable on January 1st, 1920, without interest, but bearing interest at legal rate from maturity until paid, and in which not is included my indebtedness to Pan-American Life Insurance Company, which said indebtedness I agree and promise to pay and satisfy on or before the maturity of the above described note, I convey and warrant unto the said John B. Ferguson the land situated in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, described as follows: - All of that portion of Section Three (3) and of Section Fourteen (14) Township One (1) Range Two (2) West, lying East of the Sligo public road [now Hy 61], of Elmsley plantation, in said county and state, containing 647.25 acres, more or less, as per survey of R.J. McNeil, County Surveyor, and being the same land mentioned and described in that deed in trust executed by me to Pan-American Life Insurance Co., of record in said county in Mortgage Book "3" page 57. Taxes for the year 1919 are to be paid by me, and all rents and revenues are to be kept and retained by me for the said year 1919. I agree and promise to deliver possession of the said land and all improvements on said January 1, 1920, in as good condition as the same now is, reasonable wear and tear and all acts of God excepted. Witness my hand this June 30, 1919. N.L. Pierce Margaret B. Pierce
State of Mississippi, Wilkenson County. Personally appeared before me Lyt. Lewis, Chancery Clerk in and for the said county and state, the within named N.L. Pierce and Mrs. Margaret B. Pierce, his wife, who acknowledged that they signed and delivered the foregoing instrument on the day and year therein mentioned. Witness my official signature this June 30, 1919. Lyt Lewis, Chancery Clerk.
Attached to the foregoing was $17.50 Documentary Stamps, duly cancelled. Filed for record June 30, 1919 at 5 o'clock P.M. and recorded July 2nd, 1919. By W.L. Hays, D.C. Lyt Lewis, Clerk.
1920 census: Tupello precinct, Lee Co: p. 4 of 31 Ancestry.com: Pierce (indexed as Bierce), Nowal L., 40 KY; Margaret 44 KY, Norval L. 5; James R. 2; Collins, Emily (boarder), Black 26 Single MS KY MS. [her husband (photo) was names Ira, but don't know his last name]
27 Sept 1921, Lee Co., MS Deeds 154, p. 445: N.L. Pierce, in consideration of "the indebtedness due by me to the grantee herein E.R. Wilson" convey to E.R. Wilson "The N 1/2 of Sec 26 T9R5E, except about two and one half acres heretofore deeded to J.M. Watson, which deed of conveyance is recoreded in Book 33, page 617 of the recorded deeds of Lee Co., Miss., and Now owned by Joel Bean (Also except that part of said above described land conveyed by E.R. Wilson to L.B. Loden, which deed of conveyance is dated May 29th, 1914, and recorded in book 117 at page 190)(also 4 1/2 acres more or less in Sec 25, T9R5E, and more particularly described as beginning at the SE corner of the NE 1/4 of said sec 26 and running N 20 rods for a commencing point, thence N. 72 rods to a ditch, thence South sixty degrees East 6 rods with said ditch; thence South 32 degrees East 24 rods; thence south 55 degrees East 26 rods; thence south 30 degrees West 52 rods to the point of beginning. All in Lee County, Mississippi, The grantor is to pay the taxes on said land for 1921. $12.50 Lee Stamp here paid", N.L. Pierce. Recorded 26 Oct 1921.
13 Nov 1923, Lee Co., MS Deeds 159, p. 152: N.L. Pierce & wife, in consideration of "Nine Thousand dollars, $1500.00 cash & a deed to House and lot in Tupelo, Miss." convey to W.F. Jackson "80 acres the East half of the N.W. 1/4 of section 35 Township 9 Range 5 E in Lee County, Mississippi, known as the W.A. Dozier place on Chesterfield Pike", Margaret B. Pierce, N.L Pierce, recorded 24 Nov 1923.
14 Nov 1923, Lee Co., MS Deeds 159, p. 153: W.F. Jackson & Wife, in consideration of "a deed to other property, known as Dozier place on Chesterfield Pike", convey to N.L. Pierce the land described as follows: "Commencing at the South East Corner of Block 42, thence North along the west line of Broadway Street 125 feet for a beginning point. Thence due west 175 feet, thence North 85 feet, thence East to Broadway Street 175 feet, Thence South along West line of Broadway Street 85 feet to beginning point. A wagon pass way on the north side of Lot is allowed grantee and T.E. Gardner and their heirs - all of said land situated in the City of Tupelo, Lee Co., Miss". W.F. Jackson, Kate Jackson. Recorded 24 Nov 1923.
24 Dec 1924, Lee Co., MS Deeds 176, p. 206: N.L. Pierce and wife, in consideration of " Sixty-seven hundred and fifty Dollars payable by assumption of amount due Miss Annie Dozier of $5000.00 dated Nov 14, 1923 and recorded in D.d. Book 157, pg. 322 of Deed Records of Lee County, Mississippi, and the balance in cash of $1712.50", convey to R.M. Reese and wife Laverne Reese, the land described as follows: "Commencing at the SouthEast Corner of Block 42, thence North along the West line of Broadway Street 125 feet for a beginning point, Thence due West 175 feet, thence North 85 feet, thence east to Broadway Street 175 feet, thence south along West line of Broadway Street 85 feet to the beginning point. A wagon pass way on the North side of lot is allowed grantee and T.E. Gardner and their heirs, all of said land situated in the city of Tupelo, Lee County, Mississippi. N.L. Pierce pays all taxes for 1924 and receives rent until January first, 1925. Possession given January first, 1925." $7.00 Rev. stamp on this Deed. N.L. Pierce, Margaret B. Pierce. Recorded 14 Feb 1925.
1930 census, Chicago, Cook, IL, Ward 7, Block 106, 7250 East End Ave.: Pierce, Norval L. 58 salesman of real estate and insurance; value of house 15,000 and they owned it; Margaret 55; Norval Jr. 15 MS; James 12 MS and Mary Thomas servant 58 and Laurie P. Rees 55 sister to Mary Thomas.
In the 1931 chuch obituary of Norval Lee, Jr., Norval and Margaret and James are living at 6913 Harvard Ave., Chicago, and conducting a sandwich shop at 338 W. 69th Ave. (around the corner).
Natchitoches Historical Soc. Voter Registration Records: Ward 1, Precinct 3, date of registration 1 Feb 1935, N. L. Pierce, residence Natchitoches, age 63y 1m 1d; householder at residence: self; occupation: farming; born: Crittenden Co., Ken 1871; in state since Dec 1932; in ward and precinct since Dec 1932; Democrat. Another page for Mrs. N. L. Pierce is identical except: age 60y 1m 17d, born Carroll Co., Ken 1874 [this is a pre-printed form filled out in N.L.'s handwriting with his signature; he also filled out his wife's form, but she signed it herself.]
Natchitoches Times 5 Aug 1938:
At Frank-el-va, the home of Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Pierce, this week-end were Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Spalding, Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Bond of New Orleans, Miss Margaret Catherine Spaulding of Monticello, Ark., Mrs. and Mrs. J. C. Bond and daughter, Virginia, of Carrollton, Ken., and Mrs. A. Y. Hays of Lexington, Ken. The Kentucky party left on Wednesday morning for a two days' visit in New Orleans with Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Bond, thence to Birmingham, Ala., and home.
19 Jul 1943, Natchitoches Parish Conveyances 191, p. 592: No. 79804 American Cemetery Association to Norval L. Pierce Cash Sale Rec'd July 20, 1943 At 4:33 o'clock PM. This certifies that Norval L. Pierce of Natchitoches, Louisiana is the owner of a Lot described as follows: in Block No. _____ on Aisle No. _____ In Southwestern part of American Cemetery Size 9 ft X 18 Ft. Bounded N. By Elva Nash Bonds, S. by O.C. Butler, W. by 3 ft Path, E. by Driveway in the American Cemetery located in the City of Natchitoches, Louisiana. This deed is issued in consideration of the price and sum of .20cents per sq. ft $32.40 which has been paid in full. The purchaser agrees to pay the annual dues or assessment and to abide by the rules and regulations of the Association. In witness whereof, the said association has hereunto caused this certificate to be signed by its Superintendent. Signed this 19th day of July, 1943. Mayor-Commissioners Edwin L. McClung Jr. Mayor. American Cemetery Association By Eliza Payne Williams Superintendent. [Next deed is to C.C. Nash, the father of Elva Nash Bond above, but is in a different section of the cemetery.]
23 Dec 1944, Natchitoches Parish Conveyances 196, p. 45: No. 82753 N.L. Pierce to Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Co. (Incorporated) Clearance Permit Rec'd January 23rd, 1945 At 9:09 o'clock A.M. Toll Line Alexandria Shreveport Or Exchange Line tributary to ________ (exchange). The Property is bounded where the line enters and leaves this property by the property of: T&P RR on the E and F. Ricard on the W. Number of poles covered by this permit NONE. Number of Guys and Anchors NONE. The poles have the following numbers: From No. 8681 to No. 8683 + 100. Poles are located on private property and in Streets and Highways as shown on the following diagram. [but no diagram]. CLEARANCE PERMIT 20862. $2.00 Received of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, (Incorporated) Two 00/100 Dollars, in consideration of which I hereby grant unto said Company its associated and allied companies, their respective successors and assigns, the right to trim and cut trees and undergrowth so as to clear and keep cleared at least 50 feet, the wires of said Company's line on or adjacent to my property near the city of Natchitoches, County of Natchitoches, State of Louisiana and the further right to set and maintain on my property NONE anchors, and attach thereto the necessary guy wires, said sum being received in full payment therefor. With the further right to prune & keep pruned when necessary all shrubs along fence line at least (6) six feet. Witness my hand and seal this 23rd day of Dec. 1944, at Natchitoches. N.L. Pierce per Mrs. N.L Pierce Agt. Witness A. Guidry, W.D. Davis. [Margaret executed for Norval. This is probably when FrankElva got telephone service, but how could Margaret or Norval execute a clearance to a property owned by their sister-in-law, Elva? Elva herself executed a right of way for a highway in 1947. The highway was called C-2099, but I could find no such highway around Nachitoches, and the property probably was FrankElva, which now borders highway 61, just south of town.]
Natchitoches Times, Friday, 11 May 1951 (front page):
N. L. Pierce, 79, Dies Tuesday.
Norval Lee Pierce, 70 years old, died at the family residence on Tuesday, May 8, 1951, at 6:00 o'clock p.m.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 at the First Baptist Church with the pastor, the Rev. Troy V. Wheeler, officiating. Burial was in the American Cemetery under the direction of the First National Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Milford Greene, Curtis Dickens, W. T. Flenniken, Irby Knotts, Jr., Harold Sisson and B. Corley.
Mr. Pierce was born in Crittenden County, Ky. Dec. 31, 1871, and lived there until early manhood. He graduated at Bethel College, [Russellville,] Ken., and then went to St. Louis, where he associated himself with the General Roofing Manufacturing Company. Earning advancement, he was made manager of the company's plant at Marsailles, Ill., which position he held for a number of years. While there he married Miss Margaret Bond of New Orleans, a native of Kentucky.
Later, his employers merged their company with others and was known as the Certainteed Products Company. Mr. Pierce was placed as credit manager of the Chicago office, which position he held for ten years.
In 1933, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce and their son, James Pierce, came to Natchitoches to make their home. A son, Norval Lee Pierce, Jr., died in Chicago in 1931 at the age of 17. James Pierce, World War II veteran, married Miss Helene Vandell [Vaubel]. They are the parents of two children. He is an accountant for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in St. Louis, where they live. All are members of the Third Baptist Church.
Other survivors besides his wife, son and two grandchildren, are a sister, Mrs. Mirian [Miriam] Pierce Dobyns of Hazzard, Ky., four nephews and one niece. Other brothers and sisters preceded him in death.
Since living here, Mr. Pierce has farmed and was interested in the advancement of farming, having owned at one time a plantation in Mississippi.
Mr. Pierce became a Christian early in life and faithfully served as Sunday School superintendent, teacher and deacon at the First Baptist Church. He was a membed [member] of the the Masonic Lodge.
American Cemetery, 321 2nd St.; Natchitoches, LA 71457 Site of Old Fort St. Jean Baptiste: PIERCE , Margaret ( 1874 /1970 ); Same stone: Norval Pierce; PIERCE , Norval ( 1871 / 1951 ); PIERCE , Norval L., Jr. ( August 16, 1914 / April 27, 1931 )
Norval seems to have had a somewhat checkered career. At the time of his marriage, he was the resident manager of a roofing company large enough that when employees chipped in for a wedding gift, it was a chest of solid silver (eating utensils that Kari Pierce has). However, by 1918 (when James was born), they were living on the "plantation", which looks like a pretty poor looking farm in Woodville Mississippi. In 1920, they were on a farm in Tupelo, MS that had a rather grand two-story Victorian style house. By 1930, Norval had a job with the Certainteed Co. (insulation & roofing) and they owned a house in Chicago valued at $15,000, with a live-in cook/servant, and in the census, he listed his occupation as "salesman of real estate and insurance". In 1932 (winter of 33), they moved to a farm in Natchitoches. That farm may have been, or been nearby, "Frankelva", the farm owned by Margaret's brother Frank and his wife Elva. Since N.L. was 61 at the time, they may have essentially retired back to farm life, or may have been victims of the depression, with Frank and Elva allowing them to live there.
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