Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor: The 12th President of the United States
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Zachary Taylor's full name was Zachary Taylor. He is also commonly known as Old Rough and Ready.
Birth and Death Dates
Zachary Taylor was born on November 24, 1784, in Orange County, Virginia. He died on July 9, 1850, after falling ill with a stomach ailment while attending a Fourth of July celebration in Washington D.C.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Taylor was an American politician and soldier. During his lifetime, he served as a military officer and later became the 12th President of the United States.
Early Life
Zachary Taylor was born to Richard and Sarah Strother Taylor. His family moved to Kentucky when he was young, where he received little formal education but developed skills in farming and trading. As a young man, Taylor worked as a store clerk, farmer, and soldier. He married Margaret "Peggy" Mackall Smith in 1810.
Military Career
Taylor's military career spanned over three decades. He served in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War (1832), and the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). During the Mexican-American War, Taylor led troops to several victories, including the Battle of Monterrey and the Battle of Buena Vista.
Major Accomplishments
Taylor's most notable accomplishments include:
His military service during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War
His rise to presidency after being elected in 1848 as a member of the Whig Party
His efforts to annex the Oregon Territory from Britain, which ultimately led to its division between the U.S. and CanadaNotable Works or Actions
As president, Taylor took several notable actions:
He vetoed the bill that would have established a national bank
He opposed the extension of slavery in new territories acquired through the Mexican-American War
He attempted to reduce the federal debt and balance the budget
Impact and Legacy
Taylor's impact on American history is significant. His military victories during the Mexican-American War helped expand U.S. territory, while his presidency marked a turning point in the country's growth. Although he served for only 16 months, Taylor laid the groundwork for future presidents.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Taylor is remembered and quoted for several reasons:
His leadership during times of war and conflict
His commitment to reducing federal debt and balancing the budget
* His stand against the extension of slavery in new territories
Quotes by Zachary Taylor
As a soldier and politician, Taylor was known for his straightforward and honest approach. Some of his notable quotes include:
"The only way I can get rid of it is to die."
- Said when he fell ill with a stomach ailment
"I am not a man of great abilities, but I have a good memory."
Taylor's life serves as an inspiration to many Americans today. His commitment to public service and leadership continues to influence American politics and society.
Quotes About Zachary Taylor
Taylor was remembered fondly by his contemporaries:
"He was the most honest politician I ever knew."
- Said by a fellow Whig Party member
Quotes by Zachary Taylor
I know enough of the family life of officers. I scarcely know my own children or they me.
In all disputes between conflicting governments, it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral.
The confidence and respect shown by my countrymen in calling me to be the Chief Magistrate of a Republic holding a high rank among the nations of the earth have inspired me with feelings of the most profound gratitude.
Soldiers, I intend to stay here, not only as long as a man remains, but as long as a piece of a man is left.
My duty to the army and to the republic whose battles we were waging forbade me assuming a position of seeming hostility to any portion of the brave men under my command.
I did not expect to encounter what has beset me since my elevation to the presidency. God knows, I have endeavored to fulfill what I considered to be an honest duty, but I have been mistaken; my motives have been misconstrued and my feelings grossly betrayed.
If elected, I would not be the mere president of a party - I would endeavor to act independent of party domination and should feel bound to administer the government untrammeled by party schemes.
I will not say I would not serve if the good people were imprudent enough to elect me.
Economy I consider a virtue & should be practiced by all; there is certainly no way in which money can be laid out than in the education of children.
In no case can I permit myself to be a candidate of any party or yield myself to any party schemes.