Millard Powers Fillmore

Millard Powers Fillmore (April 25, 1828 – November 15, 1889) was an American lawyer and the eldest child of President Millard Fillmore and Abigail Powers. He was born in Aurora, New York, and was known familiarly as "Powers." His parents’ marriage produced two children, with Millard Powers Fillmore being the eldest and only son.

Early Life:

He was born to Millard Fillmore (1800–1874) and Abigail Powers (1798–1853). At the time of his birth in 1828, his father was serving in the New York State Assembly as a member of the Anti-Masonic Party. His maternal grandparents were Reverend Lemuel Powers Jr., a Baptist minister, and Abigail Newland-Powers. His paternal grandparents were Phoebe Millard Fillmore and Nathaniel Fillmore Jr., a farmer. His maternal great-grandparents included Lt. Lemuel Powers Sr. and Thankful Powers, and Joseph Newland and Abigail Newland Powers Strong. His paternal great-grandparents included Lt. Nathaniel Fillmore Sr. and Hebzibah Fillmore, as well as Dr. Abiathar Millard Fillmore and Tabitha Millard Fillmore.

His sister was Mary Abigail Fillmore.

Career:

He studied law in his father's office and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1849. During Millard Fillmore’s presidency, he served as his father's private secretary. After completing his education, he practiced law in Buffalo, New York, as a partner with E. Carleton Sprague. Later, he was appointed as a federal court clerk.

Personal Life:

Following his mother’s death in 1853 at the age of 55, his father married Caroline Carmichael McIntosh. Millard Powers Fillmore reportedly did not accept this marriage. After his father’s death in 1874 at age 74, he engaged in a legal dispute with his stepmother concerning the terms of his father’s will, ultimately winning the case.

He never married and did not have children, making him the last surviving descendant of President Millard Fillmore.

Death and Burial:

He died of apoplexy in Buffalo on November 15, 1889, at the age of 61. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. His will stipulated that all family correspondence, including letters exchanged with his father, be burned. The reasons for this directive have been the subject of speculation.

References:

External links:

- Millard Powers Fillmore at Find a Grave