First Lady Jane Pierce With Son Benjamin

by Science Source

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First Lady Jane Pierce With Son Benjamin

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Science Source

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Photograph - Photograph

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Jane Pierce with her son, Benjamin taken several years before his death in 1953. Jane Means Appleton Pierce (March 12, 1806 - December 2, 1863), wife of US President Franklin Pierce, was First Lady of the United States from 1853 to 1857. Franklin, 30, married Jane, 28, on November 19, 1834. The Pierces had genuine affection for one another, but quarreled often and gradually drifted apart. She opposed his decision to run for president. When her son Bennie was killed in a train accident before Pierce was sworn in as President, she believed God was displeased with her husband's political ambitions. After the deaths of her children, she was overcome with melancholia and distanced herself during her husband's presidency. She never recovered from the tragedy. She died of tuberculosis in 1863 at the age of 57. Photographer unknown.

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October 21st, 2016

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