Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1874-03-12
THE NEWS.
Death Of Ex-presldent Fillmore.

O00ANss W sA~VU0UUV0VS 6VVBOVt0s
Ex-rrcsidcnt Willard Fillmore who has boon
confined to his bed by severe illness for tho
past few weeks, died at his home in Buffalo OH
March Sth -
Willard Fillmore was born in Caynga county,
Now York. in 1900, and was consequently about
"A years Of age at the time Of his death. In
carly lifc ho did not enjoy evcn' tho Ordinary
school privileges, and it was only by tho most
Industrious effort that hc secured tho legal
knowledge which afterwards brought him into
political prominence and resulted in his great
popularity with tho people Of tho whoie coul.'
try. He was apprcnticed to wood-cafuer "
the vicinity Of Summer Hill, but diu not COM
plete his trade, aud went to study law in tho
office Of Judge Wood, who appreciated his mat
ural ability and gave him gratis al the oppoe-
tunity possible to qualify himself for the legal
profession. Fillmore gladly accepted tho posi-
ton, and by teaching i olAsined el1aclsnt
means to partially lcfray liIssss exp -
and lessen tho burden Of his bonefacza
tor In 1921 he removed to Eric County, and
began the practice Of the law at Buffalo after
several yeaxs OF study, being admitted ~ an.
attorney 1927, ~ counselor sof the State
Supreme Court in 1899, and the subsequent
year he formed i Favorable connection with an
experienced member of the bar. In 1929 he
commenced his political career, being elected q
member Of the lower house Of the State Legis.
lature. At the close of the session he resumed
his practice. but was soon again called upon BY
the people and filled Ill positions OF trust to
the satisfaction of his constituents. In l3H
he was chosen Comptroller Of tho State Of
New York. and the following year he received
the still higher honor OF being elected Vicc
President Of the United States on tho Wing
ticket with Gen. Taylor at the head. The sud-
den death Of the latter i'll July, 1919. made Mr..
Fillmore the Chief Magistrate of the nation.
When he WAS installed tho discussion Of the
slavery question was at its height, and tho re-
lations between tho North and South were
threatening. III his messages he supported
the fugitive slave law and recommended
protective tariff. Daniel Webster was
appointed Secretary of State, which nat
urally strengthened Fillmore's administra-
ton. In his last message to Congress the
President announced the death Of Webster. He
retired from the Office in 1885, leaving the
country at peace within and without and in the
enjoyment of high degree Of prosperity. Just
previous to his nomination for the Vice Presi-
dency, Mr.. Fillmore had associated with him in
his profession Messrs. Hall and Haven, both of
whom became eminent i'll the legal profession
during the existence Of the firm. The latter
died some years ago i'll Illinois, and the death
OF Judge Hall was announced OH Monday. Mr..
Haven was Postmaster-Gener under Fillmore.
Mr.. Fillmore visited Europe in 1856, and WAS
received at the principal courts with the dis
tinction which his character and career claimed
for him. 1t was during his absence from this
country that he was run as candidate for the
Presidency by the American party, tut he re-
ceived a very small minority of votes. On his
return he took up his residence at Buffalo, his
home for thirty years, where he enjoyed among
Ill classes that high consideration to which, by
his talents and integrity, he was SO justly en-
titled.