A daughter of Rev. Lemuel Powers—Born in 1798—A descendant of Henry
Leland, of Sherbourne—Loses her father in infancy—Her mother her
teacher and guide—Removal to Cayuga county, New York—A frontier
settlement—Stern lessons of poverty—A studious and ambitious
girl—Teaches school during the summer months—A well-educated
woman—The omnipotence of energy—Miss Power’s blessing of physical
health—Personal appearance—Flowing curls of flaxen hair—Her face
a mirror of her soul—Much strength of character—Marriage of her
mother—The daughter a teacher—Her home with a relative—Meets Mr.
Fillmore—A teacher of the village school in winter—The father’s
unwise selection of work—The son ambitious and studious—Studying
law while a clothier’s apprentice—A friendly hand extended—The
youth assisted—The foundation of usefulness laid—Removes to Erie
county—Miss Powers his inspiration and hope—Their
engagement—Separated for three years—Too poor to make a journey
of 150 miles—Married in 1826—Life in the wilderness—Poor and
content—Their first home—The wife teaches school, keeps house,
and helps her husband—Relieves him of care—His progress
rapid—Practises law—Elected to the Legislature—Mrs. Fillmore a
true help-meet—Intellectually her husband’s equal—A sunny
nature—Two children in her home—Letters to an old friend—Removal
to Buffalo—Mr. Fillmore prospering—Domestic happiness—Social
pleasures—Mr. Fillmore’s tribute to his wife—Greeted his entire
married life with smiles—Her supreme devotion to her husband—Mr.
Fillmore in Congress—Elected Vice-President—Death of President
Taylor—Mr. Fillmore’s accession to the Presidency—Mrs. Fillmore
in the White House—Her daughter assumes the first position—Mrs.
Fillmore in feeble health—Fond of the society of friends—Her love
of music—Mrs. Fillmore a great reader—No library in the White
House—President Fillmore asks an appropriation—Mrs. Fillmore
arranges the library—A happy gathering-place—The weekly
receptions at the White House—Dinner parties—A large circle of
cultured people in Washington—Their welcome to the White
House—Flowers, music, and literary entertainments—Mrs. Fillmore’s
pride in her position—Deeply regrets her ill-health—Her son and
daughter assist her in all ways—Visit of the President’s
father—“Cradle him in a sap-trough, sir” Attentions paid the
venerable man—A gradual failure of health—Mrs. Fillmore’s last
illness—Death—Buried in Buffalo—The affection of her family—Mr.
Fillmore’s devotion to her memory—Lines on her death 457