Zachary Taylor(1784-1850) professional soldier and 12th President of the United States
Zachary Taylor served his country for 40 years as a soldier and for 16 months as President. His courage and ability during the Mexican War made him a national hero. Taylor showed the same courage while he was President, but died before he could prove his full abilities as a statesman. He was succeeded by Vice-President Millard Fillmore.
Taylor made his greatest contribution to his country as a soldier. This quiet, friendly man was no military genius. But he was a good leader. He never lost a battle. His troops nicknamed his "Old Rough and Ready."
| Chronology of His Life and Career | |
| November 24, 1784 | Born near Barboursville, Virginia. |
| 1808 | Appointed First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. |
| June 21, 1810 | Married Margaret Mackall Smith. |
| 1812 | Defended Fort Harrison against Tecumseh. |
| 1832 | Received the surrender of Black Hawk. |
| December 25, 1837 | Defeated the Seminole Indians at Lake Okeechobee. |
| 1847 | Defeated Santa Anna in Battle of Buena Vista. |
| 1848 | Elected President of the United States. |
| July 9, 1850 | Died in the White House. |
Notes and Trivia
Being a professional soldier most of his life, Zachary Taylor never lived in one place long enough to register to vote. He was 62 years old when he cast his first ballot, and didn't even vote in his own election.
Brainerd Dyer. "Zachary Taylor." The World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago:World Book-Childcraft International, Inc., 1979.
Presidents of the United States. Internet Public
Library. www.ipl.org/div/potus/ztaylor.html
The White House. www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/zt12.html
Mexican War
Millard Fillmore
Virginia