Elbert L. Pierce
(Glendales's Trolley / Bus Driver)
Story furnished by Clarence Crocker
Elbert L Pierce, one of the kindest persons one could ever know, was born in Cherokee County of South Carolina on June 19, 1893. He was the son of John Ira and Avis Upton Pierce. Elbert married Eunice Wood, born August 1, 1894, the daughter of L. James and Mirando Caroline Woods.
Moving to the Glendale community in the early 1900s, they lived on a farm about one mile above the mill. They became the parents of five children, and lived next door to this writer when I was a lad, becoming almost like family. After a good number of years of life on the farm, they moved into their home in the Ben Avon Area of Spartanburg County. They were all members of the Glendale Baptist Church. They were a loving, compassionate Christian family. I never heard an ill word spoken against either of the parents or the children.
Elbert was the Glendale Trolley conductor for some 10 years making the last trip in 1935 when the trolley was replaced by bus. Elbert began immediately as a bus driver, driving until he was promoted to the position of Supervisor. Elbert retired in June of 1960.
Eunice Woods Pierce died August 1, 1949 at the age of 55. Elbert L. Pierce died in March of 1962 at the age of 68. Both were buried in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Spartanburg, S. C. They were survived by their five children.
Carrie Elizabeth Pierce was born November 24, 1924 and married Roy Addis of Rutherfordton, N.C. They resided in their home in Rutherfordton and became the parents of four boys; Donald Pierce, John Ira, Thomas Lester and James Harley. Roy Addis died September 22, 1998. Carrie Elizabeth Pierce Addis died February 27, 2000. They were both buried in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Spartanburg, S.C.
Ella Ruth Pierce was born February 26, 1926 and married William H. Bradley of Glendale. They lived in their home in the Ben Avon Area of Spartanburg County and became the parents of one daughter, Patricia Bradley. William (Billy) Bradley died on August 9, 1985 at 61 years of age. Ella Ruth Pierce Bradley died on January 5, 2009 at 82 years of age. Both were buried in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Spartanburg, S. C.
Mary Kathleen Pierce was born September 29, 1929 and married Lewis Bennett of Swannanoa, N.C. They resided in their home in Swannanoa and became the parents of four children; Barbara Mitchell, Jack Bennett, Lynn Fox, Vickie McKnight. Lewis Bennett died in March of 1986 and was buried in Black Mountain, N. C.
James Elbert Pierce was born January 10, 1928 and married Mary Ratchford of Philadelphia, Pa. Their home was in Arden, N. C. and they became the parents of five children; Theresa Powell, Deborah Sclater, Libby, Kathy and James Lester Pierce. James Elbert Pierce died April 5, 2008 and was buried in the Veteran's Cemetery, Black Mountain, N. C.
Betty Jane Pierce was born March 11, 1934 and married Charles Holcombe of Spartanburg, S. C. Their home is located in the Camp Croft area of Spartanburg County. They became the parents of one son, Robert E. (Bobby) Holcombe. Charles is confined to a nursing home due to his serious illness.
My appreciation to Betty for pulling dates and a picture together for this story. To read more about the Glendale Trolley click; Trolley Story and More About the Trolley.
This web site has been started as a public service to share the story of Glendale. See more information about Mary and her Glendale connection at Mary McKinney Teaster.