Biography & Career Of Millard Fillmore

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Biography & Career Of Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore served as the 13th President of the United States from 1850 to 1853, making him the last President to be affiliated with the Whig Party while in office.

Born into modest circumstances in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Fillmore had little formal education but pursued self-study in law.

He became a successful lawyer and a notable political figure in Buffalo.

Early Life And Education

Millard Fillmore was born on January 7 January 7, 1800, in Summer Hill, New York, to Nathaniel Fillmore and Phoebe Millard. He was the second of eight children and the eldest son, with siblings Olive, Cyrus, Almon, Calvin, Julia, Darius, and two others.

Fillmore’s formal education was limited. At 14, he apprenticed as a cloth maker and later worked at a nearby mill. He then attended New Hope Academy before beginning to clerk for Judge Walter Wood in 1819, where he also began studying law.

By 1823, he was admitted to the bar. Fillmore was of English descent, and while his religious affiliation remains unknown, his background and upbringing played a significant role in shaping his career.

Career

Millard Fillmore had a varied and accomplished career leading up to his presidency. After studying law, he became a prominent attorney and political figure in Buffalo, New York. His political journey began in 1828 when he was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he started making his mark.

He later served multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1833 to 1835 and again from 1837 to 1843, establishing himself as a significant figure in national politics.

Despite his successes, Fillmore faced setbacks in his career, including failed attempts to secure the position of New York governor in 1844 and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1841.

However, he continued to rise through the political ranks, and in 1847, he was elected Comptroller of New York, further solidifying his influence in the state’s political sphere. These roles helped build his reputation and prepared him for higher office.

In 1848, Fillmore’s political career reached new heights when he was elected Vice President under President Zachary Taylor. Following Taylor’s sudden death in July 1850, Fillmore assumed the presidency.

Alongside his political achievements, Fillmore made significant contributions to education, notably helping to found the University of Buffalo, which reflected his broader vision for the development of his community and the nation.

Personal Life

Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, was married twice. His first wife, Abigail Powers Fillmore, whom he married in 1826, gave birth to two children: Millard Powers Fillmore and Mary Abigail Fillmore. Abigail passed away in 1853 during Fillmore’s presidency.

Five years after her death, Fillmore married Caroline Carmichael McIntosh Fillmore in 1858. The couple had no children together. Fillmore’s first marriage to Abigail lasted 27 years, while his second marriage to Caroline lasted 16 years without children.

Net Worth

Millard Fillmore’s estimated peak net Worth, adjusted for inflation to 2022, was approximately $5 million. Neither Fillmore nor his wife received substantial inheritances.

His main asset was a house in East Aurora, New York, and he also founded a college that eventually became the State University of New York at Buffalo.