Millard Fillmore

Date of Birth: January 7, 1800

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: March 8, 1874

Biography

Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States, serving from 1850 to 1853. He was born in a log cabin in Moravia, Cayuga County, New York, into a poor farming family. Fillmore worked his way up from humble beginnings, studying law and eventually entering politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly and later to the U.S. House of Representatives. As Vice President under Zachary Taylor, Fillmore assumed the presidency after Taylor’s sudden death. His presidency is often remembered for his support of the Compromise of 1850, a series of laws intended to balance the interests of free and slave states. This compromise included the controversial Fugitive Slave Act, which Fillmore enforced, leading to significant criticism from abolitionists. After his presidency, Fillmore continued to be active in politics. He ran unsuccessfully for president again in 1856 as the candidate of the Know Nothing Party. Despite his mixed legacy, Fillmore was known for his efforts to modernize the White House and for his work in establishing the University at Buffalo, where he served as the first chancellor.

5 Interesting Facts about Millard Fillmore

1. Millard Fillmore was the last president to be a member of the Whig Party while in the White House.

2. Fillmore installed the first library, bathtub, and kitchen stove in the White House.

3. He was instrumental in opening up trade with Japan by sending Commodore Perry to negotiate the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854.

4. Despite his controversial presidency, Fillmore was considered a moderate and worked to keep the Union together during a time of intense sectional conflict.

5. Fillmore was never elected President; he assumed the role after the death of Zachary Taylor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Millard Fillmore

1. “An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory.”

2. “May God save the country, for it is evident that the people will not.”

3. “It is not strange… to mistake change for progress.”

4. “The law is the only sure protection of the weak, and the only efficient restraint upon the strong.”

5. “Let us remember that revolutions do not always establish freedom.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Millard Fillmore’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $4 million in today’s dollars, considering his investments and property at the time of his death.

Children

Millard Fillmore had two children with his first wife, Abigail Powers Fillmore: 1. Millard Powers Fillmore (1828–1889) 2. Mary Abigail Fillmore (1832–1854)