13th president Millard Fillmore was born in Cayuga County, New York

On this day in 1800, 13th president Millard Fillmore was born in Cayuga County, New York. His presidency was defined by the passage of the Compromise of 1850, which temporarily staved off disputes between pro-and anti-slavery factions. Though the Compromise abolished slavery in Washington D.C. and created a free state in California, it also included the Fugitive Slave Act, which demanded that federal officers assist in capturing runaway slaves.

Did you know? Like fellow president Andrew Johnson, Fillmore came from a poor family and did not have much opportunity for education as a child. During his late teens, his schoolteacher (and later wife), Abigail, was instrumental in furthering his education.

Fillmore, a Whig, was the last president not affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican parties. At various times, he was associated with the Anti-Masonic, Whig, and Know-Nothing parties.