Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States, serving from 1850 to 1853. Born into poverty on January 7, 1800, in New York, Fillmore worked hard to educate himself and eventually became a lawyer. His political career began in the New York State Assembly and later in the U.S. House of Representatives.As president, Fillmore is perhaps best known for his support of the Compromise of 1850, which included the controversial Fugitive Slave Act. His enforcement of this act was unpopular in the North and contributed to the decline of the Whig Party. Despite his personal opposition to slavery, his presidency is often criticized for its role in the lead-up to the Civil War. After his presidency, Fillmore was largely sidelined from politics and passed away on March 8, 1874.
