Lydia Paine Ray Pierce, born in Bellingham, Massachusetts on July 22, 1854, moved to Franklin, Massachusetts with her parents, Joseph G. Ray and Emily Rockwood Ray, during infancy and graduated from Dean Academy in 1872. She married Arthur Winslow Pierce, the headmaster of Dean Academy, on June 25, 1903.

 

Pierce was the first female collegiate graduate from the Town of Franklin. She graduated from Vassar College with honors in 1878 and continued on to become an active member of J.T. and L.P. Ray, manufacturers of felt and woolen goods in Town. She also served as the vice president of the Alden Club.

 

Lydia Ray Pierce died on December 18, 1936.