Vickipedia

FILLMORE, MILLARD, an American statesman, ex-president of the United States, was born on 7th January 1800, at Summer Hill, in the state of New York. Born of English parents, in rather straitened circumstances, all the education he received was the very imperfect instruction furnished by the village school.

At the age of fifteen he was sent to the county of Livingston, there to learn the drapery trade, and soon afterwards was bound apprentice to a wool-carder in his native village.

During the four years he labored at this occupation, he used every means at his disposal to cultivate his mind, devoting his evenings to reading and study. In his nineteenth year he made the acquaintance of a lawyer named Wood, who discovering in the young man talents worthy of a loftier sphere, took an interest in him, and offered him a situation in his office, at the same time supplying him with funds for the prosecution of his studies foe the legal profession. The attention bestowed upon him by his benefactor was not thrown away. He entered with ardor upon the course marked out for him, and in order that he might not be too great a burden upon his friend, devoted a part of his time to conducting a school. He removed to Buffalo in 1821 in order to complete his studies, and in 1823 was admitted a member of the bar. A brilliant career was thus opened up for him, and he delayed not to pursue it. He gradually acquired both means and reputation. In 1829, he began his political career, being in that year chosen as a representative of the county of Erie in the Legislature of New York, where he entered the ranks of the Whig party, at that time in opposition. Here his probity and modesty soon gained him universal esteem. He was mainly instrumental in procuring the abolition of imprisonment for debt in the state of New York. In 1832, F. was elected a member of Congress, and such were the statesman-like qualities displayed by him, that lie was several times re-elected; but in 1844 he resumed his profession of advocate. In 1847, however, he again returned to public life, being elected by a large majority to the post of comptroller of New York; and in the following year he was made vice-president of the United States. The unexpected death of General Taylor in July 1850, leaving the office of president vacant, F. was raised to that high office, which he held till 1853. His presidency was marked by the passing of some very salutary measures, notwithstanding that his party were in the minority. He promoted as far as he could the progress of exploration and discovery, at home and abroad. In 1855, F. visited Europe, and on his return in 1856, he was again nominated for the presidency, but was not returned. F. took no active part in the civil war; though nominally he sided with the Union. After the expiry of his term of office, be retired to Buffalo, where he died in 1874.