PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 247

young Fillmore money to open up a law
office and begin the study of law. During
the winter months he taught school, so as
to return the money at an earlier date, than
he feared he could had he to depend alone
on his ability asa lawyer. In 1826, he mar-
ried a lady of moral worth, Miss Abigail
Powers. Later he moved to Buffalo and
became a member of one of the leading
firms of that city. In 1832, he was elected
He entered

the arena at a threatening hour of our na-

United States Congressman.

tional history. Was twice a member of
Congress and became a man of wide repute
and popularity all over the country. Was
Vice-President under Zachary Taylor, and
on the 9th of July, 1850, when President
Taylor, after one year and four months’ ad-
ministration died, the honors fell into the
hands of Willard Fillmore. He appointed
an able cabinet, of which the illustrious
Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. It
was at this time that the great question of
He did

all in his power to conciliate the South,

slavery was troubling all minds.

but the slavery party felt that the measures
were inadequate.

 

 

On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill-
more, having served one term, retired from
office. After his retirement, he tooka trip
through the South, and in making a speech
at Vicksburg, said: ‘Canada is knock-
ing for admission into the Union, Mexico
would be glad to come in; without saying

whether it would be right or wrong we

 

1800-1874. Part of One Term, 1850-1853.
stand by with open arms to receive them;
for it is the destiny of this Government to
eventually embrace the whole North Amer-
ican Continent.” Toward the last he lived
a retired life and died in Buffalo, New
York, March 8, 1874, at the age of seventy-
five years.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

T IS now our pleasure to record a Pres-
ident from the little State of New
Hampshire. Franklin Pierce was

born November 23, 1804, at Hills-

borough. His father had hewn out a
home in the wilderness; he was a man of
great integrity, uncultivated in mind. but

honest to a penny. Would never support