My husband and I were walking in the Woodland Cemetery when we noticed the Pierce Family Lot with a blank stone. Next to it was a stone labeled “Mary Mason, wife of Franklin Pierce.” Our first question was, “Is that THE Franklin Pierce, President of the United States?” It wasn’t. The second question was, “Does FamilySearch think I’m related?” Of course. It thinks I’m related to pretty much everyone (5th cousin 4x removed).
Mary Mason’s obituary didn’t have much to say about her life other than “she made a wide circle of friends and was well and favorably known, and most highly respected.” By looking at the men in her life and social history, I was able to learn more about her.