President Zachary Taylor

Easton Press Zachary Taylor books

Zachary Taylor - 2 volume set - Holman Hamilton

Vol. 1 - Soldier of the Republic
Vol. 2 - Soldier in the White House
Zachary Taylor: Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest - Jack K. Bauer - 1997

 

 

President Zachary Taylor biography

Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, occupies a unique place in American history as a military hero turned statesman. Born on November 24, 1784, in Orange County, Virginia, Taylor's life was shaped by his service in the United States Army, where he rose through the ranks to become a celebrated general.  Taylor's military career spanned several decades and included notable victories in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Second Seminole War. However, it was his leadership during the Mexican-American War that catapulted him to national prominence. Taylor's decisive victories at the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Buena Vista earned him the nickname "Old Rough and Ready" and made him a hero in the eyes of the American people.

In 1848, Taylor was elected as the 12th President of the United States, running as a Whig candidate. His presidency was marked by a commitment to preserving the Union amidst growing tensions over the issue of slavery. Despite his limited political experience, Taylor brought a pragmatic and independent-minded approach to the presidency, earning praise for his honesty and integrity. During his brief time in office, Taylor faced several pressing issues, including the debate over the admission of California as a free state and the growing sectional divide between North and South. Taylor's opposition to the expansion of slavery into the territories and his support for California's admission as a free state drew criticism from Southern states and threatened to inflame tensions further.

Tragically, Taylor's presidency was cut short when he fell ill and died of acute gastroenteritis on July 9, 1850, just sixteen months into his term. His sudden death shocked the nation and raised questions about the future direction of American politics. Zachary Taylor's presidency may have been brief, but his legacy as a military hero and statesman endures. His leadership during times of war and his commitment to preserving the Union have left an indelible mark on American history, cementing his place as one of the nation's most revered leaders.

Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest

Zachary Taylor by Jack K. Bauer offers readers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the life and legacy of the 12th President of the United States. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Bauer provides a vivid portrait of Zachary Taylor, shedding light on his early years, military career, and presidential tenure.

Born on November 24, 1784, in Orange County, Virginia, Zachary Taylor grew up in a family with a strong military tradition. Bauer delves into Taylor's upbringing in Kentucky, his experiences as a young officer in the United States Army, and his rise to prominence as a celebrated general known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield. Taylor's military career spanned several decades and included notable victories in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, and the Second Seminole War. However, it was his leadership during the Mexican-American War that earned him national acclaim and propelled him into the political spotlight. Bauer explores Taylor's role in the Mexican-American War, highlighting his decisive victories at the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Buena Vista. These successes earned Taylor the nickname "Old Rough and Ready" and made him a hero in the eyes of the American people.

In 1848, Taylor was elected as the 12th President of the United States, running as a Whig candidate. Bauer delves into Taylor's presidency, examining his efforts to address the pressing issues of his time, including the debate over the expansion of slavery into the territories and the admission of California as a free state. Zachary Taylor: Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest also offers readers a nuanced understanding of Taylor's personal life, including his relationships with his family and his experiences as a plantation owner in Louisiana. Bauer provides a comprehensive analysis of Taylor's character, his strengths, and his shortcomings, shedding light on the complexities of leadership in the antebellum South.

With its rich historical detail and compelling narrative, Zachary Taylor: Soldier, Planter, Statesman of the Old Southwest is essential reading for anyone interested in the life and legacy of one of America's most intriguing presidents. Bauer's biography offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind and heart of a soldier-turned-statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history.

 

 

Soldier of the Republic

Until the publication of this first volume in 1941, Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), the 12th President of the United States, was strangely overlooked by modern-day biographers. Fortunately, journalist and newspaper editor Holman Hamilton has ably rectified this situation, and filled a large gap in the biographical record of American presidential history with this stirring account of the life and times of “Old Rough and Ready.”

Soldier in the White House

This tome is the second volume of Holman Hamilton’s landmark biography of Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), the 12th President of the United States. It examines Taylor’s brief but important political career and traces Taylor’s life from his return to the U.S. in December of 1847 from the bloody Mexican battlefields, to his death on July 9, 1850, a mere sixteen months after assuming the office of the presidency.

Zachary Taylor quotes

"I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish—nothing to serve but my country."

"Take care of the troops, my dear sir, and the troops will take care of the enemy."

"I am now in view of the most magnificent scenery. All around me are hills and valleys and towering mountains, and the green grass and foliage."

"Let us invoke a continuance of the same protecting care which has led us from small beginnings to the eminence we this day occupy."

"I have never advocated war except as a means of peace."

"It would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe."

"I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me."