Edward and Frances Pearce

Edward Pearce was the owner of the land where the Battle of Paoli took place. This battle, also called the “Paoli Massacre,” took place on September 20-21, 1777. General Anthony Wayne, along with 2,200 men, believed that their position was unknown in this secluded spot of woods. However, the British had intercepted messages and attacked with bayonets and sabers. The battle left 53 dead of the Continental Army, about 150 wounded and 71 captured.

Pearce was also the mason and carpenter who built St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley in 1744.

This grave rubbing, along with others of the Ancient Yard, was made in 1926 at the direction of George Harrison, a prominent parishioner, to document burials. This effort has proved invaluable because most of the gravestones have become unreadable now.

Edward Pearce
Churchyard
Ancient Yard
Lot 012
Grave 3

Frances Pearce
Churchyard
Ancient Yard
Lot 012
Grave 4

The grave rubbing is now located at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Drawing by di Ferdinando