Jane Pierce
Because of the tragic death of Benjamin, she did not attend her husband’s inauguration. She did not enter the White House until later in March 1853.
Mrs. Pierce spent much of her time writing heart-breaking notes to her dead son,Benjamin, putting into them all the love that her repressive nature could not express in life. It would be nearly two years following his death (January 1855) before she would receive guests at her husband’s side.
She attended Congressional debates, which is surprising considering her dislike of politics.
Always kind to the White House staff, she usually had them attend church on Sundays. Both she and her husband were very strict about the Sabbath.
The Pierces oversaw many decorative changes to the White House, including a furnace, a tile-covered bathroom with hot and cold running water, a new rug in the East room (where it looked like flowers were being thrown at your feet), new ornate mirrors (still being used) and a handsome china service which the President purchased at the New York World’s Fair.
Mrs. Pierce’s health became more fragile and the President would have a dozen or so of his wife’s nieces and nephews come to visit and care for her.
After the election of James Buchanan in 1856, the Pierces departed the White House early (and stayed with secretary of state William L. Marcy), so the staff could prepare the house for the incoming president and his niece, Harriet Lane. Jane Pierce did not attend the swearing in of her husband’s successor.
