Nathaniel Fillmore

Nathaniel Fillmore Jr. was born on April 19, 1771, in Bennington, Vermont, to Nathaniel Fillmore Sr. and Hepzibah Wood. He received his early education in Bennington and worked on his father's farm during his youth. In 1796, at the age of 25, he married Phoebe Millard, who was 15 years old at the time; she was the daughter of a prominent physician. The couple had nine children: Olive, Millard, Cyrus, Almon, Calvin, Julia, Darius, Charles, and Phoebe.

Initially, Nathaniel farmed in Bennington, Vermont. Later, he and his brother Calvin were approached by land agents offering parcels in western New York. They decided to relocate to Cayuga County, New York, to pursue land development opportunities, moving their families there. Upon arrival, they encountered difficulties stemming from defective land titles due to faulty surveying and corruption within local government, which resulted in the loss of their land holdings.

Following these setbacks, Nathaniel became a tenant farmer and occasionally taught school to support his family. During this period, the Fillmore family faced financial hardships and sometimes relied on charity from their landlords. Over time, Nathaniel's circumstances improved; he became a prominent community figure in Niles, New York, serving as a justice of the peace for eleven years.

While residing in Niles, he heeded his wife's advice to secure a clerkship for their son Millard at the law office of Judge Walter Wood, who was also their landlord. Although Millard did not complete the clerkship, this position initiated his legal education and political career, ultimately leading to his election as President of the United States in 1850.

Nathaniel eventually purchased a farm in East Aurora, New York. He developed this farm into a prosperous enterprise and continued working on it into old age. He remained active on the farm until late in life.

In 1851, Nathaniel visited his son, President Millard Fillmore, at the White House. The visit was notable for Nathaniel's good health and appearance, which surprised onlookers. During the visit, he made a remark about raising his son when asked for advice on reaching the presidency, stating, "Cradle him in a sap trough."

Nathaniel Fillmore Jr. died on March 28, 1863, in East Aurora, New York. He was buried at East Aurora Cemetery, also known as Pioneer Cemetery.

His family life included a remarriage in 1834 to Eunice Love after the death of Phoebe in 1831. His children included notable figures such as his son Millard Fillmore, who served as the 13th President of the United States.