11/19/1834 AD married

Franklin, almost 30, married Jane, aged 28, at the bride's maternal grandparents' home. Her family was opposed to the union due to his political ambitions.

The Reverend Silas Aiken, Jane's brother-in-law, conducted the small ceremony. The couple honeymooned six days at the boardinghouse of Sophia Southurt near Washington, D.C.

Appleton's brother-in-law, Alpheus S. Packard, was one of Franklin Pierce's instructors at Bowdoin. It is assumed that Appleton met Pierce through this Bowdoin association.

Franklin and Jane Pierce had three sons, all of whom died in childhood: * Franklin Jr. (February 2–5, 1836) died in infancy * Frank Robert (August 27, 1839 – November 14, 1843) died at the age of four from epidemic typhus * Benjamin (April 13, 1841 – January 6, 1853) died at the age of 11 in a train accident

Her last surviving son, Benjamin Pierce, died just two months before his father was sworn into office as President.

Jane Pierce abhorred politics and especially disliked Washington, D.C. Jane's distaste for politics created a tension that would continue throughout Franklin Pierce's political ascent.

Franklin was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives by the time Jane married him. He became a U.S. Senator in 1837, and Jane was forced to become the political wife she never wanted to be.

Jane encouraged her husband to resign his Senate seat and return to New Hampshire, which he did in 1842. She blamed politics for all the troubles in her life, including the death of her child and Franklin's excessive alcohol consumption.

Amherst, NH

Lattitude: 42.8613° N
Longitude: 71.6252° W
Region: North America

Modern Day United States

Events in 1834 MORE