Pierce was born in New Hampshire , and served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate until he resigned from the Senate in 1842 . His private law practice in New Hampshire was a success , and he was appointed U.S. Attorney for his state in 1845 . He took part in the Mexican – American War as a brigadier general in the Army . He was seen by Democrats as a compromise candidate uniting northern and southern interests and was nominated as the party 's candidate for president on the 49th ballot at the 1852 Democratic National Convention . He and running mate William R. King easily defeated the Whig Party ticket of Winfield Scott and William A. Graham in the 1852 presidential election
1852 Democratic National Convention
1852 Democratic National Convention
Franklin Pierce