The answer and a brief biography are here:
http://www.doctorzebra.com/Prez/g14.htm
which president had a son names Bennie that died young, didn't swear on the bible at inauguration, is ranked among the least effective presidents ever and ran over a woman with his horse?
3 answers
This probably the president you want.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Pierce#Presidency_1853-1857
Note that he "affirmed" but did not "swear" his oath on a Bible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Pierce#Presidency_1853-1857
Note that he "affirmed" but did not "swear" his oath on a Bible.
I was not aware of the refusal to take the Oath of Office on a Bible.