The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-09
DEATH OF FRANKLIN PIERCE.

HIS ANCESTRY.
Franklin Pierce was born November %, 1904
In Hillsborough N. II. His father. Benjamin
Pierce, was one OF the earliest settlers IN the
town OF Hisborough, and by his exertions contri-
buted much TO its prosperity. During the Revolu-
tionary war he fought his way to distinction
undergoing all the hardships that the patriots OF
those days were compelled to suffer in their struggles
to redeem their native country and secure for her
the priceless boon OF liberty On the intelligence OF
the bloodshed at Concord and Lexington reaching
the neighborhood OF Hillsborough benjamin
Fierce, then only boy, forsook the plough
IN the field, and, providing himself with
MS uncle's gun and quantity Of ammunition he
left for the fight to strike blow for freedom, or II
necessary, give up his life The altar OF his coun-
try. All through that stormy period. the time that
tried mems souls, we find the father OF the future
President, for seven long and dreary years serving
with the army OF the Revolution until he was at last
disbanded in 1884 at West Point when the calm Of
peace was about to bless the efforts of the heroic
patriots who fought for the freedom OF their native
land IL is scarcely necessary to mention that the
Revolutionary soldier was possessed OF very little
means when the struggle was brought to a close,
but with the little he had-and little, indeed, it was
he took up his residence in a log hut which he built
on tract OF land in what Is now the town OF Hills
borough. Here he married, but his wife dying, leav-
ing him female child, he married again, and by his
second vile he had eight children. He worked
steadily and theoretically, and among his neighbors
became a man OF some mark. In 1889 he was
elected to the Legislature, and this position he con-
tnued to occupy for thirteen successive years, and
was afterwards Governor Of the State.
EARLY CAREER.
Perhaps to the disadvantages of defective educa-
ton experienced by Benjamin Pierce more than to
m al q Of al
butte the good fortune that fell to his lot in securing
the advantages OF o liberal education. He was first
sent to the academy at Hancock and aiterward to
that OF Francestown. In the year 1920, Franklin
being then sixteen years OF age he entered Bowdoln
College, Brunswick, Me. His progress at school
was steady and his attention to college discipline
and the routine OF college regulations won for him
the favorable attention Of the professors o. the ins
tuition. lie advanced in his studies and graduated
creditably He never when at school exhibited any
great force OF character, and what was particularly
noticeable about him was a peculiar fascination OF
manner that almost invariably succeeded in winning
him friends and cementing friendships which lasted
during a lifetime AS a boy he was loved, and that
affection was IN no way diminished as years flew by
and left the memory OF the blueeyed, fairhaired
boy as a pleasing recollection OF the past.
On leaving college, in 1924. Franklin Pierce
returned to the home OF his father, and renamed
with the old man, who then in the decline OF his
years. for about twelve months when he entered
upon the study Of law. For this profession he had
natural tendency and his father favored the ldea
OF his son, who he fondy hoped would raise himself
one day to a position OF honor ia the career which
he had chosen His preparatory studies were spent
chusetts, and at the law office OF Judge Parker at
Amherst. In 1927 he was admitted TO the bar, and
in the little Town OF HSborough he tmidly put out
his Single and opened his ONCE. Now Tor the first
time. did the young lawyer begin to encounter the
certain 10 fall In with when he first starts upon the
tide OF actual llle His progress In his profession
cess which was denied him at first, but which
eventually brought him fame fortune and renown.
HIS resolution, however, never forsook him. and self
confidence sustained him to strive and strive again,
for he felt success was not denied-it was only
delayed. 81 shall live," said he TO a friend
one day who was condolng with him and
encouraging him, to argue cases in this Court House
In manner that VIII mortliy neither myself nor
my friends" And he did. 1t Is only in times when
disappointment and defeat have Frustrated the man
that the real manly energy is developed and this ii
Well directed, VIII accomplish all That is desired, be
the task as herculean as 1t may. 1t was so with
Pierce.
ENTRANCE INTO POLITICAL LIFE.
Whatever may be the alliance between lawyers
and legislators It is not the purpose here TO inquire
but certain 1t ia that lawyers-good bad and indif
ferent-as q rule, have yearning Tor the honor or
Franklin Pierce naturally enough. from other
causes, however than any that might have arisen
from his connection with the legal profession,
sought distinction in the forum. His father was
elected Governor OF New Hampshire in 1927 and
two years later Franklin Pierce himself was honored
by the voters Of his native town electng him their
representative TO the Legislature OF the State. He
continued member for four successive years, the
latter two being Speaker Of the House, to which
place he was elevated by large majority Of votes.
In 1888 Mr. Pierce sought higher renown. He
country's legislators there he felt he could labor
advantage. His constituents seconded that DESIRE
and he was elected to Congress- While in the
House he was a patient observer of the progress
OF events and although for the time he attr acted
marked attention by the briliancy OF his oratory
the depth OF his reasoning, he STILL was noted
Of the most laborlous painstaking members in the
whole assembly. When Frank Pierce was on
committee all felt satisfied that the labors OF that
committee would be attended to. This reputation
he sustained throughout his whole Congressional
Me was so warm haeroa ana ID
Jackson and during the most stormy periods OF the
old mans administration Pierce always rendered
him whatever aid was III his power. This led to q
confidence which lasted during the lifetime OF Presi-
dent Jackson and was warmly reciprocated by Mr..
Pierce.
While member OF Congress he delivered forcl-
Bile speech against the bill authorizing the appro-
pratlons for the Military Academy OF West Point.
In after years he the lie made In taking the
view he did and acknowledged the wisdom OF the
act which upheld the school for the education Of the
American soldier. on the question OF slavery, while
q member OF the House, he took his position firmly
conscientiously and resolutely He believed the
South was pledged certain rights by the constitu-
ton, and these he maintained by his voice and by
his votes. He continued as member Of the lower
House for four years:
IN ffE UNITED STATES SENATE.
In 1887 Mr.. Pierce, then scarcely arrived at the
legal age for the position elected TO the United
States Senate He took his seat the Youngest mem
dency or Martin Van Buren,. This was the period
when the Senate was composed OF such men as
Henry Clay Daniel Webster, John G. Calhoun, SIlas
Wright Thomas H. Benton ana many other dstin-
guisned statesmen wno though inferior In intellec-
tual ability to those named, still who In
vested with dignity and talent the exalted position
they occupied This was the noontme OF the Ameri.
can Senate, and before since has there been
seen within the walls OF the Senate chamber more
able, dignited or venerable array OF statesmen than
those when the young Senator encountered on the
entrance upon his senatorial career. HIS consum-
mate skill and acknowledged good judgment admon-
ished him as to the course he had best pursue and,
obeying these promptings, he made friends for him
self and best promoted his interests by the adoption
OF quiet dignifed line OF conduct rather than the
noisy defamation which too often forms the whole
stock OF trade OF many who disgrace the legislative
halls OF the nation by their mouthngs and clap
trap display OF political mountebanKs. BY the
adoption OF this line OF conduct lie was not long In
winning the confidence OF the leaders OF the poti-
cal parties Of the day and particularly the promi-