Pierce-Aiken family papers, 1797-1903 (bulk 1830-1870).

Open to research.

Chiefly correspondence between members of the Pierce, Aiken, Appleton, Mason, and Means families, including letters from Franklin Pierce and Jane M. Pierce; together with genealogical material and photographs. Topics include antebellum New England family life (especially in Massachusetts and New Hampshire), religion, politics, War of 1812, slavery, and events at Bowdoin College which Jane M. Pierce's father, Jesse Appleton, served as president. Jane M. Pierce's letters (1822-1860) reflect social life in Washington, D.C., during her husband's term (1835-1842) as U.S. representative from New Hampshire and his first year in the White House (1853) and her struggle with depression following the deaths of their three children. Franklin Pierce's six letters (1850-1868) are written largely to his sister-in-law, Mary M. Aiken.

Four generations of the family of Jane M. Pierce (born Jane Means Appleton), wife of U.S. president Franklin Pierce.

Collection material in English.

Finding aid available in the Library of Congress Manuscript Reading Room and at

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/eadmss.ms007086