January 6 - The President's Loss: How Tragedy Found Franklin Pierce
Supporting Love Through Life's Deepest Valleys
This is the day President-elect Franklin Pierce and his family suffered a devastating train accident in Massachusetts in 1853.
In today's lesson, we will witness how a tragic train accident tested the bonds of marriage between a president-elect and his wife. What happens when personal devastation collides with public duty? How do couples navigate grief while maintaining their commitment to each other?
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
This Date in History
Franklin Pierce gripped his wife Jane's hand as their train car violently derailed and tumbled down a snowy embankment near Andover, Massachusetts. In that horrifying moment, Pierce watched helplessly as their only surviving son, eleven-year-old Benjamin, was nearly decapitated when the railcar crashed and rolled. The president-elect survived with minor injuries, but the loss of Benjamin - their third and last child to die - would haunt the Pierces for the rest of their lives and cast a dark shadow over Pierce's upcoming presidency.
Pierce had risen to this moment through a remarkable political career. The son of a Revolutionary War hero who later became governor of New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce served in both houses of the state legislature before being elected to Congress at age 29, becoming the youngest U.S. Representative at the time. He later became a U.S. Senator at 33. A charismatic figure known for his striking appearance and gift for oratory, Pierce earned respect from both Democrats and Whigs despite his strong partisan beliefs. His military service as a brigadier general during the Mexican-American War further enhanced his reputation.
Jane Appleton Pierce, daughter of a Congregationalist minister, was Pierce's opposite in many ways - shy, deeply religious, and opposed to both alcohol and politics. Their marriage was often strained by Pierce's political ambitions and drinking, but they remained devoted to each other through the devastating losses of their children. Franklin Jr. died just days after birth in 1836, and Frank Robert succumbed to epidemic typhus in 1843 at age four. These tragedies had led Pierce to temporarily step back from politics, making his eventual nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate in 1852 all the more surprising.
The catastrophic accident occurred as the family traveled from Andover to Concord, New Hampshire, just two months before Franklin was to take office as the nation's 14th president. The train had been traveling at high speed when an axle broke, causing their passenger car to break loose and roll down a 20-foot embankment. Of the passengers aboard, only Benny Pierce was killed, turning what should have been a triumphant journey into an unspeakable tragedy.
The impact on both Franklin and Jane Pierce was profound and lasting. Jane, who had always been reluctant about her husband's political ambitions, interpreted Benjamin's death as divine punishment for Franklin's pursuit of the presidency. She avoided her social duties as First Lady during Pierce's term, writing lengthy letters of apology to her dead son and sinking into deep depression. Franklin Pierce himself struggled to lead a nation during one of its most turbulent periods while battling grief and increasing dependence on alcohol.
Pierce's presidency, which held such promise given his political experience and previous popularity, would be marked by his inability to effectively address mounting sectional tensions. His support of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and other pro-southern policies during a crucial period in American history led many to consider him one of the least successful presidents, though the personal tragedy he endured offers a human context to his administrative failures.
Historical Context
The United States of the early 1850s was a nation teetering on the brink of disunion. The Compromise of 1850, which had temporarily resolved territorial disputes between free and slave states, was already showing signs of strain. The Democratic Party had chosen Pierce as their presidential nominee precisely because of his moderate stance and ability to appeal to both Northern and Southern Democrats, making him a compromise candidate after 49 ballots at the convention.
The Boston and Maine Railroad, on which the Pierce family's accident occurred, represented America's rapid industrialization and expansion. Railroad companies were laying thousands of miles of track, revolutionizing travel and commerce but also raising concerns about safety. Train accidents were common in this era of rapid railroad expansion, as companies often prioritized speed of construction and profit over passenger safety, with minimal government oversight or safety regulations. This combination of technological ambition and insufficient safety measures would continue to plague American railroads for decades to come.
Did You Know?
Franklin Pierce was nicknamed "Young Hickory of the Granite Hills" during his presidential campaign, linking him to Andrew Jackson ("Old Hickory") while referencing his New Hampshire roots.
Pierce delivered his entire inaugural address from memory, a remarkable feat that made him unique among U.S. presidents.
Jane Pierce, deeply affected by Benjamin's death, wrote heartbreaking letters to her deceased son as an outlet for her grief and religious contemplation.
Pierce chose to "affirm" rather than "swear" his oath of office and placed his hand on a law book instead of a Bible, one of the few presidents to take this approach.
During his presidency, Pierce faced the "Black Warrior Affair" with Spain over Cuba in 1854, a diplomatic crisis involving the seizure of an American merchant vessel that nearly led to war.
Pierce's wife Jane was so devastated by Benjamin's death that she did not attend his inauguration and didn't perform traditional First Lady duties for the first two years of his presidency.
Before entering politics, Pierce served as a colonel in the New Hampshire militia and later achieved the rank of brigadier general during the Mexican-American War, where he served under General Winfield Scott.
Today’s Reflection
The violent derailing of a train near Andover, Massachusetts forever altered the course of the Pierce family. In a single moment, Franklin and Jane Pierce's dream of bringing their only surviving son to the White House turned into a nightmare of unspeakable loss. Their experience reminds us of the profound challenges couples face when tragedy strikes and how faith, patience, and mutual support can sustain a marriage through even the darkest valleys.
Grief affects everyone differently. In a marriage, a moment of shared profound grief can be especially trying. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) gives us advice on how to handle similar matters when it teaches, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This scripture speaks directly to the heart of how couples must approach one another in times of profound grief. Loss often reveals differences in how each person processes pain. One spouse might turn inward, seeking solitude and reflection, while the other craves connection and outward expression. One might wrestle with questions about God's purpose, while the other clings more tightly to faith. These differences can create tension, yet they also offer opportunities for deeper understanding and grace.
The Pierces' story challenges us to examine how we support our spouse through crisis. Franklin respected Jane's need to abstain from social duties, even though it complicated his presidency. Jane, despite her opposition to politics, remained by Franklin's side as he attempted to lead a divided nation while grieving. Their mutual understanding reflects the truth of 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV), which calls us to "be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble."
In many cases, the loss of a loved one can strain even the strongest marriages, as grief's unpredictable nature challenges a couple's bond. Marriage vows often include the phrase "for better or worse." Yet few couples truly understand the depth of that promise until tragedy strikes. The strength of a marriage is not measured in moments of joy but in times of sorrow, when each partner must choose daily to support the other through grief's unpredictable journey.
As Psalm 34:18 (NIV) reminds us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This assurance of God's presence becomes an anchor in moments of despair, guiding us toward patience and prayer as we navigate the delicate terrain of shared loss. In marriage, this means choosing to stand together, even when grief threatens to pull you in opposite directions.
Prayer can play a vital role in sustaining a marriage during sorrow. Praying together allows couples to bring their pain before God as one, acknowledging their dependence on His strength when their own feels depleted. Praying separately gives each spouse the freedom to express their unique struggles to the Lord, inviting His healing into the places their partner cannot reach. Prayer doesn't erase the pain, but it invites God's presence into the heart of it, offering hope and the assurance that His love will carry you through.
Patience, too, is essential. Grief does not follow a straight path, and it often feels cyclical, returning in waves long after you think it has subsided. In these moments, patience means resisting the urge to "fix" your spouse's pain or expecting them to grieve in the same way you do. Instead, it calls you to trust in God's timing, to remain present and supportive, and to extend grace even when it feels undeserved or unappreciated.
The Pierces' story is a reminder that tragedy can test the strength of a marriage, but it can also deepen the love and commitment between spouses who walk through grief together. When couples approach loss with prayerful humility and a willingness to meet each other in their pain, they often discover a resilience they didn't know they had—a resilience rooted not in their own strength, but in God's unfailing love.
Let this message encourage you to lean into God and each other when grief comes. Choose patience when it would be easier to pull away, prayer when words feel inadequate and understanding when emotions are raw. The path through sorrow is rarely easy, but with God at the center, it is a journey that can draw you closer to Him and to one another.
Practical Application
Take time to write a letter to your spouse expressing gratitude for specific ways they've supported you through difficult times. Then, create a simple action plan for how you can better support them during challenging moments, focusing on their unique needs and ways of processing emotions rather than what you think they should need.
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Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come to You with hearts that acknowledge the deep pain of loss, especially the unimaginable grief of losing a child. Thank You for being our refuge in sorrow and for Your faithfulness in sustaining marriages through life’s most painful valleys. In moments when our hearts feel broken and our strength fails, remind us that You are near, binding us together with Your love. Help us to lean on You when we feel tempted to withdraw from one another, and to trust in Your presence as we navigate the difficult path of shared grief.
Teach us, Lord, to be patient and gentle with our spouses, respecting the unique ways we each bear the weight of pain. Grant us the grace to speak words of comfort, the wisdom to offer silent support when needed, and the strength to remain faithful to our vows in both joy and sorrow. Let Your presence fill our hearts with hope, and let Your peace guard our marriage from division. We trust in Your power to bring healing and deeper unity through the trials we face. In the name of Jesus, who bears our burdens and binds up the brokenhearted, Amen.
Final Thoughts
The piercing grief of losing their only surviving son could have torn Franklin and Jane Pierce apart, yet their marriage endured through mutual understanding and steadfast support. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of life’s deepest sorrows, the bonds of marriage can grow stronger when rooted in patience, gentleness, and unwavering commitment. Though grief may take each partner on a different path, choosing to walk together in love and grace allows couples to emerge from life’s darkest moments with a deeper, more resilient bond.
I love U.S. Presidential history. I have literally hundreds of books on the presidents and the presidency. Franklin Pierce is usually listed as one of the worst presidents we’ve ever had. He’s always in the bottom five. He’s not a president most people would remember. There aren’t a lot of books about him. If school children ever hear his name, it’s likely only because they had to memorize the entire list of presidents. There are a lot of valid reasons for the ranking. He actually wasn’t great at the job.
But, after reading today’s historical event, do you have a different take on him? I do. Most of us don’t know what it was like when children were more likely to die than live. Franklin and Jane lost two of their three children early on. It must have been devastating. I find it hard to imagine what it took for them to move on with their lives, putting so much love and care into Benny. It’s likely their hopes and dreams of the future and their ultimate legacy rested with him. Then, when Franklin was at the high moment of his life, tragedy. He was weeks away from assuming the presidency. It must have seemed unbearable.
We’ll never know the kind of president Franklin Pierce might have been had Benny not died in that accident. Maybe he would have been just as bad. But I doubt it. It’s easy for us to look back and put historical people into categories. Franklin Pierce was a bad president. But this doesn’t take into account the human element of the circumstances he was facing in his life. Who among us could have performed at our best after losing our last remaining child while your wife remained convinced it was God’s punishment for pursuing the job? It behooves us to stop and consider other factors when studying history. Not everything we’ve heard is the full story.
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My bachelors degree was International Affairs with an emphasis on American Politics, especially the Presidency, so I have always been captivated by the men who have held this office, and how they responded to personal and national challenges. Great snapshot of history and reflection on the impact of trials and grief on marriage!
Something tells me that someone who just lost a child has gotten a blessing from your compassionate words.
On a lighter note, your mention of Pierce "affirmed" his election as POTUS, as a CPS Worker, I was always careful to follow the Bible's directions and, when testifying in court, I would always 'affirm' instead of 'swearing' to tell the truth. I could tell this rattled some opposing attorneys who had never heard a person simply affirm that he or she was telling the truth. It always gave me a feeling of competence and integrity to get a jury or judge to understand they could take it for granted that I wasn't lying under oath.