Franklin Pierce - Biography.

Franklin Pierce - Biography. 14th president of the United States Birth November 23, 1804 Death October 8, 1869 Home State New Hampshire Party Democrat Term In Office 1853-1857 Vice President William R. King Significant Acts Approved the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, acquiring parts of Arizona and New Mexico from Mexico. Signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which allowed voters in newly created U.S. territories to decide whether to permit slavery. Tried unsuccessfully to purchase Cuba from Spain in 1854. Career 1833-1837 Represented New Hampshire in the U.S. House of Representatives. 1837-1842 Represented New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate. 1847-1848 Fought in the Mexican War, attaining the rank of brigadier general. 1853-1857 President of the United States. Did You Know Pierce successfully overcame a drinking problem that brought about his resignation from the Senate in 1842. Pierce was the only elected president who was refused the nomination for a second term in office by his political party. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.