Ray V. Pierce

Ray Vaughn Pierce
Frontispiece of 1888'sThe People's Common Sense Medical Advisor
Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromNew York's32nddistrict
In office 1879–1880
Preceded by	Daniel N. Lockwood
Succeeded by	Jonathan Scoville
Member of theNew York State Senate from the 31st district
In office 1878–1879
Preceded by	E. Carleton Sprague
Succeeded by	Benjamin H. Williams
Personal details
Born	(1840-02-04)February 4, 1840 Stark, New York,U.S.
Died	February 4, 1914(1914-02-04)(aged 73) St. Vincent Island, Florida,U.S.
Resting place	Forest Lawn Cemetery,Buffalo, New York,U.S.
Political party	Republican

Ray Vaughn Pierce(August 6, 1840 – February 4, 1914) was aU.S. RepresentativefromNew York.

Early life

Born inStark, 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 fromEclectic Medical CollegeinCincinnati, Ohio.He practiced medicine inTitusville, Pennsylvania,from 1862 to 1866, and moved toBuffalo, New York,in 1867.

Career

Pierce engaged in the manufacture and sale ofpatent medicinesand 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.

Dr Pierce's Favorite Prescription sign

He was a member of theNew York State Senate(31st D.) in1878and1879.Pierce was elected as aRepublicanto the46th 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, thePeople's Common-sense Medical Adviser.

Death

Pierce died on February 4, 1914, at his home onSt. Vincent Island, Florida,where he had founded a game preserve.He was interred atForest 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: Valentine Mott, known as V. Mott; Hugh C.; and Ralph Waldo, known as Waldo.

References

1. Eugene L. Nixon, A Doctor and an Island.Journal of the Florida Medical Association59(8): 45-53, August 1972

• United States Congress."Ray V. Pierce (id: P000336)".Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

External links

• Works by Ray V. PierceatProject Gutenberg
• Works by or about Ray V. PierceatInternet Archive
• Ray V. PierceatFind a Grave
• New York Heritage Ray Vaughn Pierce Medical Artifacts Collection
• Florida Memory Dr. Ray V. Pierce home: Saint Vincent Island