Zachary Taylor
U.S. President
A hero of the war with Mexico in 1846, Zachary Taylor was the first U.S. President who was "regular army". Nicknamed "Old Rough and Ready" while in the army, Taylor was not so tough as president. He was nominated by the Whigs and elected because of his military reputation and southern roots, not because of his politics, whatever they may have been. He died after a five-day illness, having served just sixteen months in office. He was replaced by Millard Fillmore.Extra credit: Because he spent much of his adult life soldiering, Taylor did not vote until he was 62 years old.
Taylor's death places him in our loop Exhumation Celebration and also in Possibly Poisoned.
For a complete list of U.S. presidents, go here.
Four Good Links
Taylor's Entry from POTUS
The Internet Public Library's usual bang-up job
Zachary Taylor, Twelfth President
Brief official bio from The White House
Zachary Taylor
Public Broadcasting's brief outline is good for students
Story of Taylor's Exhumation
Briefly sums up the report on arsenic levels in Taylor's corpse
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
9 July 1850
(gastrointestinal illness, age 65)
Best Known As
U.S. President from 1849-1850
