Abel Head "Shanghai" Pierce

Abel Head "Shanghai" Pierce. Jonathan Edwards Pierce. , Born in Little Compton, Rhode Island, to Jonathan (1801-1866) and Hannah Phillips (Head) Pierce (1803-1879), brothers Abel Head "Shanghai" (1834-1900) and Jonathan Edwards Pierce (1839-1915) came to Texas penniless and built a cattle and land empire. Abel was given the nickname of Shanghai because, with his long legs, he was told he resembled a Shanghai rooster, an early name for the Cochin breed. Abel arrived in Texas in 1853 and found work as a cowboy. Part of his job included cattle procurement. Jonathan arrived in 1860 and worked with his brother. In 1865, Abel married Frances Lacy (1839-1870). In 1875, he married Harriette James (1841-1915). Jonathan married three times: in 1866, Nannie Lacy (1845-1896), in 1897 Grace Lawrence (1864-1900), and in 1911, Laura Duffield (1888-1972)., After the civil war, Abel worked in cattle procurement for large firms and purchased herds of cattle and land for himself. Abel and Jonathan were business partners operating El Rancho Grande for 26 years, in addition to several other ranches. At their split, each focused on their own ranches. Abel is credited with bringing a large number of Brahman cattle to Texas. Railroads came to town, and both brothers were approached about rail going through their land. Along the railroads, Abel developed the town of Pierce, and Jonathan developed the town of Blessing. At his death, Abel had procured 400,000 acres, formed the Pierce-Sullivan Pasture Company and owned 30,000 head of cattle. Jonathan focused on developing Blessing into a prosperous community until his death.