13th U.S. President - Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore | Biography

13th president of the United States,

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 16, 2025

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Who is Millard Fillmore?

Millard Fillmore, born on January 7, 1800, in a log cabin in Locke Township, New York, served as the 13th President of the United States from 1850 to 1853. His early life was marked by poverty and a relentless pursuit of education, laying the groundwork for his future political career. After working as a cloth maker's apprentice, Fillmore became a clerk for a local judge, eventually studying law and gaining admission to the New York bar in 1823. He initially entered politics with the Anti-Masonic Party and later aligned himself with the Whig Party, which played a crucial role in shaping his political ideology.

Fillmore rose to national prominence when he became Vice President under Zachary Taylor in 1849. Following Taylor's death in July 1850, he assumed the presidency and faced significant challenges, notably surrounding the contentious issue of slavery. He played a pivotal role in the passage of the Compromise of 1850, a series of legislative measures aimed at easing tensions between free and slave states. While he was involved in advancing America's foreign policy, including opening trade with Japan in 1854, his administration was often criticized for his support of the Fugitive Slave Act. Ultimately, Fillmore's presidency was characterized by political divisions that foreshadowed the impending Civil War.

Early Life and Education

Millard Fillmore was born into a life of hardship in a log cabin on January 7, 1800, in Locke Township, New York. His family struggled with poverty, and at the tender age of 15, Fillmore was bound as an apprentice to a cloth maker to help support them. The grueling demands of his apprenticeship led him to break free, and he moved to New Hope, New York, where he developed a deep-seated passion for self-education. He voraciously read whatever he could acquire, often resorting to stealing books to satiate his thirst for knowledge.

During this period of self-discovery, Fillmore attended New Hope Academy, where he crossed paths with Abigail Powers, his future wife, who played a significant role in his educational pursuits. Recognizing his ambition and potential, Abigail encouraged him to continue his studies. The couple married in 1826, and Fillmore’s dedication to education, coupled with Abigail’s support, significantly shaped his character and future endeavors. This foundation of self-study and the value placed on education would ultimately propel him into the political arena and set the stage for his later achievements as a public servant.

Entry into Politics

Millard Fillmore began his political career in the early 19th century as a member of the Anti-Masonic Party, which reflected the growing public disdain for secret societies in the United States. His political ambitions took off as he aligned himself with the Whig Party, largely due to his association with influential political figures like Thurlow Weed and Henry Clay. Fillmore's entry into politics was marked by his election to the New York State Assembly in 1828, where he served three consecutive terms and established himself as a rising star within the party. During this period, he championed key issues such as protective tariffs and the abolition of the enslaved people trade between states.

After his initial successes, Fillmore turned his attention to broader political responsibilities. In 1832, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he continued to advocate for economic improvements. His ambition didn’t stop there; in 1843, Fillmore sought to bolster his political influence by resigning from the House to pursue the governorship of New York, although this endeavor was unsuccessful. Nonetheless, he remained engaged in public service, contributing to educational initiatives as one of the founders of the University at Buffalo and serving as its first chancellor. This blend of legislative service and dedication to higher education set the stage for his later ascent to the vice presidency and ultimately the presidency itself.

Presidency and Key Policies

Millard Fillmore served as the 13th President of the United States from 1850 to 1853, stepping into office after the untimely death of President Zachary Taylor. His presidency was deeply entwined with the complications of antebellum American politics, particularly surrounding the contentious issue of slavery. Fillmore played a critical role in shepherding the Compromise of 1850 through Congress. This series of legislative measures aimed to ease the tensions between free and slave states and included provisions such as the Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated the return of escaped enslaved individuals to their owners. While the Compromise passed under Fillmore’s signature, it ultimately only delayed the growing rift within the nation.

In foreign affairs, Fillmore made significant strides by pursuing a more aggressive stance on trade, notably opening Japan to Western commerce through Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition in 1853. This historic engagement led to the Treaty of Kanagawa, marking an important shift in Japan's foreign relations and facilitating increased trade with the United States. Fillmore also sought to maintain American interests in the Pacific, particularly in Hawaii, aiming to keep European powers at bay. His mixed legacy of trying to balance opposition to the expansion of slavery while still appeasing Southern interests alienated many and significantly hindered his popularity, contributing to his inability to secure a renomination in 1852.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

Millard Fillmore's post-presidency years were marked by a significant shift in his political affiliations and engagement. After leaving the White House, Fillmore witnessed the fragmentation of the Whig Party and chose not to align himself with the emerging Republican Party. Instead, he ran for the presidency under the American Party banner, which was closely linked to the Know-Nothing movement that sought to curtail immigration and influence from foreign nationals. Despite his attempts to remain relevant in a rapidly changing political landscape, Fillmore's campaigns garnered little support, and he found himself increasingly isolated from the mainstream political discourse of his time.

In his later years, Fillmore became a vocal critic of the government, particularly targeting President James Buchanan for his lack of decisive action during the secession crisis. While he publicly criticized some of the policies of President Abraham Lincoln, he ultimately supported President Andrew Johnson's approach during the Reconstruction era. This nuanced stance reflected Fillmore's belief in compromise and reconciliation within a nation that was deeply divided over issues such as slavery and state rights. He returned to his home in Buffalo, New York, where he eventually passed away on March 8, 1874. His legacy remains a complex tapestry of compromises and controversies, illustrating the challenges of leadership during one of America's most tumultuous eras.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Millard Fillmore's personal life was deeply intertwined with his early educational pursuits and professional aspirations. In 1826, he married Abigail Powers, a teacher he had met at New Hope Academy, where his thirst for knowledge first bloomed. Their union was a partnership grounded in intellectual companionship, as both valued education highly. Abigail supported Fillmore through his political career, often engaging with his interests and helping him navigate the complexities of public life. This strong bond would last until the end of Fillmore's life, characterizing their marriage with mutual respect and devotion.

The couple had two children, a son named Millard Powers Fillmore and a daughter named Mary Abigail Fillmore. Their children played significant roles in the Fillmore family's legacy, particularly during Millard's presidency. Mary, especially, became a prominent figure in social circles, often accompanying her father and supporting his political endeavors. Tragically, the Fillmores faced the heartache of losing their son at a young age, which only brought the couple closer together in their shared grief. Throughout their marriage, Abigail became known not only as a supportive partner but as an active participant in the social and political life that surrounded the Fillmore family during the turbulent years of the mid-19th century.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Wealth

Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States, had a net worth that reflected the humble beginnings of his life. Born in a log cabin in 1800, he rose from extreme poverty to prominent political positions, primarily through his work as a lawyer and politician. While exact figures of his net worth during his presidency are not documented, it is estimated that his wealth fluctuated throughout his career, largely dependent on his political roles and investments in real estate. Fillmore's involvement in various state and national offices, including his time as New York comptroller, contributed to his financial status.

During his presidency (1850-1853), Fillmore earned an annual salary of $25,000, which was a respectable sum at the time. His earlier engagements in law and politics provided him with a stable income and opportunities for wealth accumulation. Despite the turmoil of his later political affiliations and the decline of the Whig Party, Fillmore's commitment to public service and various ventures ensured he maintained a degree of financial security until his death in 1874. Ultimately, his legacy is defined not just by his wealth, but by his contributions to American politics and diplomacy.

FAQs

Who was Millard Fillmore?

Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States, born on January 7, 1800, in Locke Township, New York. He began his political career as a member of the Anti-Masonic Party and later joined the Whig Party, where he served as Vice President under Zachary Taylor until assuming the presidency after Taylor’s death in 1850.

What was Millard Fillmore's early life like?

Fillmore was born into extreme poverty in a log cabin and began working at a young age to help support his family. He developed a thirst for education despite his circumstances and eventually attended New Hope Academy, where he met his future wife, Abigail Powers, whom he married in 1826.

What were Fillmore's major political achievements?

As president, Millard Fillmore is known for the Compromise of 1850, which was aimed at addressing tensions between free and slave states. He is also recognized for dispatching Commodore Perry to open Japan to trade and for his actions concerning the Hawaiian Islands.

Why was Fillmore's presidency controversial?

Fillmore's support for the Fugitive Slave Act and his ties to the Compromise of 1850 made him unpopular among many, leading to his rejection for re-nomination by the Whig Party in 1852. His presidency is often viewed as a period of increasing sectional conflict.

What did Fillmore do after leaving office?

After his presidency, Fillmore was critical of President James Buchanan's response to Southern secession and opposed some of President Lincoln's policies. He ran for president in 1856 as a member of the American Party but did not regain a significant political position thereafter.

When and where did Millard Fillmore die?

Millard Fillmore died on March 8, 1874, in Buffalo, New York. He had suffered the aftereffects of a stroke prior to his passing, which marked the end of the life of a man who played a pivotal role during a tumultuous period in American history.

What legacy did Fillmore leave behind?

Millard Fillmore's legacy is complex. While he contributed to policies aimed at preserving the Union, he is often criticized for his failure to align with the more progressive movements of his time, leading to a legacy that reflects the contentious political landscape of the mid-19th century.