Background Information on President Zachary
Taylor Researched & written by Judy C. Ware
Taylor was born in Orange County, Virginia but his family relocated to Kentucky in 1785. (At this time in history, Kentucky was still part of Virginia.) Young Zachary was educated at home by a tutor, so he didn’t have the advanced education that other politicians of his time were blessed with. As President, he was best known for his distinguished service in the military. He joined the army in 1808, was promoted to Captain in 1810, & was promoted to the rank of Major during the War if 1812. After that war, Taylor continued to serve during the Indian campaigns; attaining both the ranks of Lt. Colonel and full Colonel. By the time Taylor fought in the Mexican War, he had attained the rank of General & had earned himself a reputation as a national hero. When the Mexican War was over, General Taylor wanted to return to life on his farm, but his Whig party badly needed a hero for a presidential candidate in 1848. The country had fondly nicknamed him “Old Rough and Ready” & his popularity helped win him the election. He took over the office in 1849 and served just 16 months before he died suddenly after an illness of only 5 days. *** It is interesting to note that although President Taylor never saw the
onset of the Civil War, his son became a general in the Confederate army and his son-in-law, Jefferson Davis, was elected President
of the Confederate States. References: The World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 16, Field
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This site maintained by John Reagan and last updated July 12, 2009 |
Zachary Taylor was born November 24, 1784 which means that he was 66 years of age when he
wrote this letter to Josiah.