Franklin Pierce Bicentennial Thread!

[Schmitz in 1972]

On November 23, it will be the 200th anniversary of the birth of 14th president Franklin Pierce.

Pierce was born on Nov. 23 (as mentioned above) 1804 in Hillsboro NH, and served as president from March 4, 1853 to March 4, 1857. He died in Concord, NH on October 8, 1869.

In the years since 1869 Pierce has been largely forgotten. Some consider him the most obscure president sinc Fillmore is somewhat famous just for being obscure. In rankings of the presidents Pierce has a solid position: Always in the bottom five, but never dead last (thanks to Buchanan).

Pierce is disliked by historians for a very simple reason, he brought on the Civil War by refusing to do anything about slavery and we all know that just doesn't fly well in today's politically correct world.

If any of the several New Hampshirites on the board knows about  festivities taking place in New Hampshire on the 23rd I would be happy to hear about them.

On the 23rd, let us forget whatever shortcomings this man had and instead remember a statesman who became president and can claim what few others in the office can claim, which is to have obeyed and followed the United States Constitution in his term.

[Schmitz in 1972]

Hooray! The day has finally arrived! Hats off to Franklin (and PBrunsel as well).

The son of Benjamin and Anna Kendrick Pierce, he was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire (the birthsite is now underwater) exactly 200 years ago today!

He married Jane Means Appleton on November 19, 1834 and had three children with her:
Franklin 1836
Frank Robert 1839-1843
Benjamin 1841-1853
Tragically, as you can tell by the dates, none of their children lived long, the last dying in a trane crash on the way to the inauguration.

He may not be well though of by history buffs, but today we should salute him for his unselfish service to his country in a time of great personal tragedy.