Born in Hillsborough, now Hillsboro, New Hampshire. Graduate of Bowdoin College in 1824. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1827. Married Jane Means Appleton November 10, 1834. Their three sons died in childhood. Elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives serving 1829 to 1833.

Elected to the United States House of Representative serving 1833 to 1837. Elected to the United States Senate serving 1837 to 1842.

Pierce enlisted as a private in the Army in 1846. He was soon promoted to brigadier general for service in the Mexican War. He was injured September 1847 at the battle of Conteras.

Pierce was elected 14th President serving March 4, 1853, to March 3, 1857. He returned to Concord, New Hampshire to practice law and died in Concord.

Pierce appears on paper money:

$10 Amoskeag Bank, Manchester, NH

Pierce appears on a 76 mm Indian Peace Medal (Julian IP-32) with obverse die by Salathiel Ellis and the earlier reverse by Joseph Willson. A smaller 62 mm medal (Julian IP-33) was produced for sale to the public. The modern medal (USM 114) is a copy of the 76 mm size.

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