Zachary Taylor

Zachary Taylor became the 12th president of the United States. He was born in Orange County, Virginia.

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12th US President

Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States, was born on this day in Orange County, Virginia, in 1784. His father moved to what is now Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor fought against the Indians in the War of 1812 and then in the Mexican War in Northern Mexico. His daughter was the first wife of Jefferson Davis.

Zachary Taylor had never cast a ballot in his life when he was elected as the Whig candidate for President in 1848.  He spent July 4, 1850, eating cherries and milk at a ceremony at the Washington Monument. He got sick from the heat and died five days later. His death was probably due to peritonitis. He was the second president to die in office.

Sources:
On This Day | Microsoft(R) Encarta(R)