Ray Vaughn Pierce (August 6, 1840 – February 4, 1914) was a U.S. Representative from New York.

Ray Vaughn Pierce
Frontispiece of 1888's The People's Common Sense Medical Advisor
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 32nd district
In office
1879–1880
Preceded byDaniel N. Lockwood
Succeeded byJonathan Scoville
Member of the New York State Senate
from the 31st district
In office
1878–1879
Preceded byE. Carleton Sprague
Succeeded byBenjamin H. Williams
Personal details
Born(1840-02-04)February 4, 1840
Stark, New York, U.S.
DiedFebruary 4, 1914(1914-02-04) (aged 73)
St. Vincent Island, Florida, U.S.
Resting placeForest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Political partyRepublican

Early life

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Born in Stark, 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 from Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He practiced medicine in Titusville, Pennsylvania, from 1862 to 1866, and moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1867.

Career

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Pierce engaged in the manufacture and sale of patent medicines and 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 the New York State Senate (31st D.) in 1878 and 1879. Pierce was elected as a Republican to the 46th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1879, to September 18, 1880, when he resigned.

Publication

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After leaving Congress, Pierce resumed his business interests, and was publisher of a book, the People's Common-sense Medical Adviser.

Death

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Pierce died on February 4, 1914, at his home on St. Vincent Island, Florida, where he had founded a game preserve.[1] He was interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.

Family

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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

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  1. ^ Eugene L. Nixon, A Doctor and an Island. Journal of the Florida Medical Association 59(8): 45-53, August 1972

1. Eugene L. Nixon, A Doctor and an Island. Journal of the Florida Medical Association 59(8): 45-53, August 1972

  • United States Congress. "Ray V. Pierce (id: P000336)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
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New York State Senate
Preceded by New York State Senate
31st District

1878–1879
Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York's 32nd congressional district

1879–1880
Succeeded by