Fillmore, Millard. American statesman. Born in Summerhill, NY, in 1800. Fillmore was apprenticed to a wool carder, but became a clerk in a judge's office, and was admitted to the bar. He entered Congress in 1832. Was appointed chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in 1840, and was author of the tariff of 1842. Fillmore was elected vice-president of the United States in 1848, and succeeded to the presidency on the death of Taylor in 1850. By signing the act for the surrender of fugitive slaves, he brought about the defeat of the Whig Party in 1852. Died 1874.

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