Home › Contents › Zachary Taylor,

Zachary Taylor,

TWELFTH President of the United States, was born in Orange county, Virginia, in November, 1784. His father, Colonel Richard Taylor, soon after the birth of Zachary, removed to Kentucky, and settled near Louisville. After receiving a limited education, Zachary, displaying a strong predilection for the exercises and accomplishments which become a soldier, obtained a lieutenancy in the Seventh Regiment of the United States Infantry. At this period (1808), every thing portended a war with Great Britain But before it broke out in 1812, Zachary had risen to the rank of captain. His first exploit, the defence of Fort Harrison against the Indians, indicated his firmness and ability. For this gallant defence he was promoted to the rank of major. During the remainder of the war, he had no opportunity of distinguishing himself. In 1832, Taylor was promoted to the rank of colonel. On the commencement of the Florida war, he was ordered to service in that quarter. In this "war of movements," Colonel Taylor was more successful than his predecessors. He brought the Indians to a general action in December, 1837, at Okeechobee. The Indians were defeated with considerable loss, and forced to maintain peace for a while. Taylor was now raised to the rank of brevet brigadiergeneral. When the government of the United States determined to send an army into Texas, in 1845, General Taylor was chosen to command it. His brilliant campaign during the Mexican war will be found upon the page of history. It is sufficient here to say, that it raised his reputation as a skilful general and daring soldier to such a height as to secure for him the admiration of his countrymen, and prepare the way for offering him the brightest testimony of their esteem--the presidential chair.

In 1848, General Taylor received the nomination of the Whig National Convention, for the presidency; was elected by a handsome majority, and was inaugurated on the 4th of March, 1849. "A Whig, but not an ultra Whig;" he chose moderate Whigs to form his cabinet, and made moderation the prominent feature of his administration. After performing the duties of his high office for about fifteen months, to the general satisfaction of the people, President Taylor died at Washington, on the 9th of July, 1850. His last words eloquently expressed the character of his life: "I have endeavored to do my duty."