Daniel Webster

Born: January 18, 1782
Died: October 24, 1852
Place of Birth: Salisbury, New Hampshire

• Daniel Webster was a US Senator who became the Secretary of State.

• As a child, Webster tended to be sickly and avoided difficult games or work.

• He was a natural reader and pursued reading every book he came across.

• At age 13, he entered Exeter Academy and showed extreme shyness to speaking in front of a class.

• His father realized the boy was academically inclined and wanted him to further his education.

• Webster's father was not well off and knew educating his son would be a sacrifice.

• After receiving some private tutelage, Webster entered Dartmouth College and graduated in 1801.

• During his Dartmouth period, he became recognized as a genius.

• Soon he began studying law in the office of Senator-to-be Thomas Thompson of Salisbury.

• By 1805, Webster had successfully became a lawyer and built up a clientele that he decided. in 1807, to turn over to his brother.

• He became a noted orator and a leading member of the Federalist party.

• Webster spoke out against going into the War of 1812 and was against invading Canada.

• Over the next three decades, Webster won several elections to the Congress and to the Senate.

• He was appointed Secretary of State in 1850 by President Fillmore, a position he held until his death.

• Daniel Webster made a significant contribution to the laws of United States.

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