Millard Fillmore

Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, holds a unique place in American history. Ascending to the presidency upon the death of Zachary Taylor, Fillmore’s tenure was marked by efforts to maintain the delicate balance between free and slave states, epitomized by his support for the Compromise of 1850. This biography explores Fillmore’s life, from his humble beginnings to his presidency, and his lasting impact on the nation. 

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Millard Fillmore was born on January 7, 1800, in a log cabin in the Finger Lakes region of New York. He was the second of eight children born to Nathaniel Fillmore and Phoebe Millard. The Fillmore family was of modest means, and Millard’s early life was characterized by poverty and hard work. Nathaniel Fillmore struggled to support his large family through farming, and Millard’s childhood was spent working on the family farm and apprenticing as a cloth maker (Rayback, 1959). 

Education and Early Career

Despite the challenges of his early life, Fillmore was determined to obtain an education. He attended a local school sporadically and demonstrated a keen intellect and a thirst for knowledge. At the age of 19, he enrolled in the New Hope Academy, where he studied for six months. His formal education was limited, but Fillmore was largely self-taught, reading voraciously to expand his knowledge. 

In 1819, Fillmore began an apprenticeship with Judge Walter Wood in Montville, New York, where he studied law. He later moved to Buffalo, New York, to continue his legal studies under the guidance of Asa Rice and Joseph Clary. Fillmore was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1823 and established a successful law practice in East Aurora, New York (Finkelman, 2011). 

Early Political Career

Entry into Politics

Fillmore’s interest in politics was sparked by his belief in the importance of public service and civic duty. He joined the Anti-Masonic Party, which was founded in opposition to the perceived influence of Freemasonry in American politics. Fillmore’s political career began in earnest when he was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1828. During his time in the Assembly, Fillmore focused on issues such as infrastructure improvement and public education (Finkelman, 2011). 

U.S. House of Representatives

In 1832, Fillmore was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a member of the Anti-Masonic Party. He served in Congress from 1833 to 1835 and then again from 1837 to 1843, having switched to the Whig Party in the early 1830s. Fillmore’s tenure in the House was marked by his efforts to promote economic development and his support for protective tariffs. He also advocated for the establishment of a national bank and other measures to stabilize the nation’s economy (Rayback, 1959). 

New York Comptroller and Vice Presidential Nomination

After leaving Congress, Fillmore continued to be active in New York state politics. He was elected as New York State Comptroller in 1847, where he oversaw the state’s finances and worked to modernize its banking system. Fillmore’s reputation as a competent and effective public servant caught the attention of national Whig leaders. 

In 1848, the Whig Party nominated Zachary Taylor for president and Millard Fillmore for vice president. The Taylor-Fillmore ticket was successful, and Fillmore assumed the vice presidency in March 1849. As vice president, Fillmore’s role was largely ceremonial, but he remained an influential figure within the Whig Party (Finkelman, 2011). 

Presidency

Ascension to the Presidency

Millard Fillmore became president on July 9, 1850, following the sudden death of President Zachary Taylor. Taylor’s death came at a critical juncture in American politics, as the nation was deeply divided over the issue of slavery and its expansion into newly acquired territories (Rayback, 1959). 

Domestic Policy

Compromise of 1850

One of Fillmore’s most significant contributions as president was his support for the Compromise of 1850. The compromise, crafted by Senator Henry Clay and supported by Senator Stephen A. Douglas, aimed to address the contentious issue of slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico following the Mexican-American War. The Compromise of 1850 consisted of several key provisions: 

California Admission: California was admitted to the Union as a free state.

Territorial Status: The territories of New Mexico and Utah were organized without restrictions on slavery, allowing the residents to decide the issue through popular sovereignty.

Texas Boundary: Texas relinquished its claims to parts of New Mexico in exchange for federal assumption of its debt.

Slave Trade in Washington, D.C.: The slave trade (but not slavery itself) was abolished in the nation’s capital.

Fugitive Slave Act: A new, stricter Fugitive Slave Act was enacted, requiring citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves and denying alleged fugitive slaves the right to a jury trial (Holt, 1999).

Fillmore believed that the compromise was essential for preserving the Union and preventing a potential civil war. He used his influence to ensure the passage of the compromise measures and signed them into law in September 1850. While the compromise temporarily eased sectional tensions, it also exacerbated the divisions between the North and the South, particularly due to the controversial Fugitive Slave Act (Finkelman, 2011). 

Domestic Initiatives

In addition to his work on the Compromise of 1850, Fillmore’s domestic policy included efforts to promote economic development and improve infrastructure. He supported the construction of a transcontinental railroad, believing that it would facilitate commerce and strengthen national unity. Fillmore also advocated for the establishment of a network of state-run agricultural colleges, which would later become the basis for the land-grant university system (Rayback, 1959). 

Foreign Policy

Japan and the Opening of Trade

Fillmore’s presidency is notable for its efforts to open trade with Japan, a country that had been largely isolated from the rest of the world for over two centuries. In 1852, Fillmore dispatched Commodore Matthew Perry on a mission to Japan with the goal of establishing diplomatic and commercial relations. Perry’s successful expedition in 1853 led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened Japanese ports to American ships and marked the beginning of Japan’s integration into the global economy (Graff, 2002). 

European Affairs

Fillmore also worked to maintain peaceful relations with European powers. He upheld the principles of the Monroe Doctrine, which opposed European colonization in the Americas, and sought to prevent European interference in the affairs of Latin American countries. Fillmore’s administration negotiated a treaty with Great Britain to resolve disputes over fishing rights in the North Atlantic and worked to strengthen diplomatic ties with France and other European nations (Rayback, 1959). 

Later Life and Legacy

Post-Presidency Activities

After leaving office in 1853, Fillmore returned to private life in Buffalo, New York. He remained active in public affairs and continued to be involved in various civic and charitable organizations. Fillmore was a founder and the first chancellor of the University of Buffalo, which later became part of the State University of New York system. He was also involved in the establishment of the Buffalo Historical Society and served as its first president (Finkelman, 2011). 

1856 Presidential Campaign

In 1856, Fillmore re-entered the political arena as the presidential candidate of the American Party, also known as the Know-Nothing Party. The Know-Nothing Party was a nativist political movement that opposed immigration and sought to restrict the rights of immigrants and Catholics. Fillmore’s candidacy was controversial, as it aligned him with a party that was widely criticized for its xenophobic and exclusionary policies. Despite his personal opposition to many of the party’s positions, Fillmore accepted the nomination in an effort to provide a moderate alternative to the Republican and Democratic candidates. He received a small percentage of the vote and did not win any states (Graff, 2002). 

Personal Life and Character

Fillmore was known for his modesty, integrity, and dedication to public service. He was deeply committed to his family and community and was widely respected for his honesty and straightforwardness. Fillmore’s first wife, Abigail Powers Fillmore, played a significant role in his life and career. She was well-educated and shared Fillmore’s passion for learning and public service. Abigail served as the first official White House librarian, creating a library that became a central feature of the executive mansion (Rayback, 1959). 

Following Abigail’s death in 1853, Fillmore married Caroline Carmichael McIntosh in 1858. Caroline was a wealthy widow, and her financial resources allowed Fillmore to continue his philanthropic activities and maintain an active social life in Buffalo (Finkelman, 2011). 

Historical Evaluation

Millard Fillmore’s presidency is often viewed with ambivalence by historians. On one hand, his support for the Compromise of 1850 is seen as a pragmatic effort to maintain national unity and prevent civil war. On the other hand, his enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act and his association with the Know-Nothing Party have tarnished his legacy, leading to criticisms of his handling of the slavery issue and his stance on immigration (Graff, 2002). 

Despite these controversies, Fillmore’s contributions to American political and social life are significant. His efforts to modernize the nation’s infrastructure, promote education, and open trade with Japan had a lasting impact on the country’s development. Fillmore’s legacy as a public servant dedicated to the principles of the Constitution and the preservation of the Union remains an important part of American history (Rayback, 1959). 

Death and Burial

Millard Fillmore died on March 8, 1874, at the age of 74. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York. Fillmore’s death marked the end of a long and varied career in public service, and his contributions to the nation continue to be remembered and debated by historians and scholars (Finkelman, 2011). 

Final Summary

Millard Fillmore’s life and presidency were marked by significant achievements and enduring challenges. From his early years on the frontier to his efforts to navigate the complex political landscape of mid-19th century America, Fillmore exemplified the qualities of dedication, integrity, and pragmatism. His presidency, though often overshadowed by the looming crisis of the Civil War, played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s course during a critical period in its history. Fillmore’s legacy, while mixed, is a testament to his commitment to public service and his efforts to preserve the Union in the face of growing sectional tensions.

 

References

Finkelman, P. (2011). Millard Fillmore. Times Books.

Graff, H. F. (2002). The Presidents: A Reference History. Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Holt, M. F. (1999). The Rise and Fall of the American Whig Party: Jacksonian Politics and the Onset of the Civil War. Oxford University Press.

Rayback, J. G. (1959). Millard Fillmore: Biography of a President. American Political Biography Press.