Benjamin Pierce (governor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Benjamin Pierce
Portrait of Pierce by Henry Cheever Pratt, c. 1835
11th Governor of New Hampshire
In office June 4, 1829 – June 3, 1830
Preceded by	John Bell
Succeeded by	Matthew Harvey
In office June 7, 1827 – June 5, 1828
Preceded by	David L. Morril
Succeeded by	John Bell
Sheriff of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire
In office 1818–1827
Preceded by	Israel W. Kelly
Succeeded by	Jacob Whittemore
In office 1809–1813
Preceded by	Moses Kelley
Succeeded by	Israel W. Kelly
Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from Deering, Society Land, Henniker, and Hillsborough
In office 1786–1788
Preceded by	Robert Wallace
Succeeded by	William Wallace
Personal details
Born	(1757-12-25)December 25, 1757 Chelmsford, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America
Died	April 1, 1839(1839-04-01) (aged 81) Hillsborough, New Hampshire, U.S.
Resting place	Pine Hill Cemetery, Hillsborough, New Hampshire
Political party	Democratic-Republican Party
Spouses	Elizabeth Andrews (m. 1787–1788, her death) Anna Kendrick (m. 1790–1838, her death)
Children	9, including Benjamin Kendrick Pierce and Franklin Pierce

Benjamin Pierce (December 25, 1757 – April 1, 1839) was an American politician. He served as the governor of New Hampshire two times. He was governor from 1827 to 1828 and again from 1829 to 1830. Pierce fought bravely in the American Revolutionary War. Later, he became a politician with the Democratic-Republican Party. He was also the father of Franklin Pierce, who became the 14th president of the United States.

Early Life and Military Service

Benjamin Pierce was born in Chelmsford. This was in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. His parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth Merrill Pierce.

Fighting in the Revolutionary War

Pierce was a respected soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He joined the 16th Continental Regiment. This group was later called the 8th Massachusetts Regiment. He was at the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. He was promoted to Ensign for his bravery. This happened during the Saratoga campaign.

Life After the War

After the war, Benjamin Pierce moved to Hillsborough, New Hampshire. There, he built the Pierce family home. He was given the job of forming the local militia. This was for Hillsborough County. In 1805, he became a brigadier general. He was put in charge of the New Hampshire state militia.

Political Career

Benjamin Pierce had a long career in politics. He held several important positions.

Serving in New Hampshire

Before becoming governor, he was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He served there from 1786 to 1788. He also served as Sheriff of Hillsborough County two times. His first term as sheriff was from 1809 to 1812. His second term was from 1818 to 1827.

He was part of the state's Constitutional Convention in 1791. This meeting helped shape New Hampshire's laws. He was also a member of the Governor's Council. He served on this council from 1803 to 1809 and again in 1814.

Becoming Governor

Pierce served his first term as governor from 1827 to 1828. He then served a second term from 1829 to 1830.

Family Life

Benjamin Pierce's father died when he was six years old. He worked on his uncle's farm for many years. Then, he joined the army in 1775.

Marriages and Children

On May 24, 1787, he married Elizabeth Andrews. They had a daughter named Elizabeth Andrews Pierce. She was born on August 9, 1788. Sadly, her mother died a few days later. This was due to problems from childbirth. Their daughter, Elizabeth (1788–1855), later married General John McNeil Jr.

Benjamin Pierce married Anna Kendrick on February 1, 1790. They were married in Amherst, New Hampshire. Anna was born on October 30, 1769. Together, they had eight children:

• Benjamin Kendrick Pierce (born August 29, 1790) became a lieutenant colonel in the army.
• Nancy M. Pierce (born November 2, 1792)
• John Sullivan Pierce (born November 5, 1796) was a first lieutenant in the Army. He died in Detroit.
• Harriet B. Pierce (born 1800)
• Charles Grandison Pierce (born 1803)
• Franklin Pierce (born November 23, 1804) became the 14th president of the United States.
• Charlotte Pierce died when she was a baby.
• Henry Dearborn Pierce (born September 19, 1812)

Anna Kendrick Pierce passed away on December 7, 1838. Benjamin Pierce died four months later. He is buried in Pine Hill Cemetery in Hillsborough.

Family Legacy

Benjamin Pierce was an early member of the Society of the Cincinnati. This group was for officers who fought in the Revolutionary War. His oldest son, Benjamin Kendrick Pierce, took his place in the society. When Benjamin K. Pierce died, Franklin Pierce became the next member. After Franklin Pierce died, Henry Dearborn Pierce, the youngest son, took over. Later, Henry's son, Kirk Dearborn Pierce, continued the family's connection to the society.