Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, Pierce attended [[Bowdoin College]]. After graduation he studied law, then entered politics. At 24 he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature; two years later he became its Speaker. During the 1830's he went to Washington, first as a Representative, then as a Senator. | Born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, in 1804, Pierce attended [[Bowdoin College]]. After graduation he studied law, then entered politics. At 24 he was elected to the New Hampshire legislature; two years later he became its Speaker. During the 1830's he went to Washington, first as a Representative, then as a Senator. |