Benjamin Pierce (1757-1839)

He was one of the original members of the Society of the Cincinnati and was Vice-President of the Massachusetts State Society. He fought during the Revolution and was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was promoted to Ensign in the 1st Massachusetts Regiment for bravery during the Saratoga campaign. After the war, he moved to Hillsborough, New Hampshire, where he built the Pierce family home and raised the Hillsborough County militia. In 1805, he was promoted to Brigadier-General and took command of the New Hampshire State Militia. Prior to becoming Governor (1829-1830), he served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and was twice Sheriff of Hillsborough County. He was a delegate to the state Constitutional Convention in September 1791 and a member of the Governor's Council.