Daniel Webster

In 1808, he got married to Grace Fletcher and they had four children. His son Fletcher Webster worked as a Union Amy infantry colonel during the Civil War.

He was seriously injured after falling from his horse at his home in Marshfield. At that time he was suffering from cirrhosis of liver which resulted in cerebral haemorrhage and he passed away.

Born to Ebenezer and Abigail Webster, Daniel Webster grew up with his nine siblings in Salisbury, New Hampshire, USA. His father was a farmer and tavern keeper who also served during the American Revolution.

In 1794, he studied at Phillips Exeter Academy, a preparatory school in Exeter, New Hampshire. Later, he attended Dartmouth College where he drew attention for his oratory power.

After finishing graduation from Dartmouth in 1801, he studied law and worked as an apprentice to Thomas W. Thompson in Salisbury. Within a brief period, he resigned from the law office and worked as the headmaster of the Fryebug Academy, Maine for one year.

In 1804, he accepted a position under prominent attorney Christopher Gore, a renowned attorney in Boston. It was during this time, when he became aware about various legal and political subjects and made acquaintance with a number of New England politicians.

In 1805, he was accepted into the bar. After his return to New Hampshire, he planned to set up a practice in Boscawen. It was during this period when he developed an interest towards politics.

In 1806, he handed over his practice to his brother Ezekiel and in the next year, he shifted to Portsmouth to start law practice. In 1812, his public speech at the Washington Benevolent Society regarding his opposition of the War of 1812 was a turning point of his career.

The speech earned him wide recognition and as a result of this, he was selected to the Rockingham Convention. He acted as a member of the drafting committee of this assembly and composed the “Rockingham Memorial”.

Due to his notable contribution to New England Federalism, shipping interest and constant opposition to war, he was chosen to the House of Representatives in 1812. He served here till 1817.

During the Panic of 1837, this influential politician went through a personal debt from which he never recovered. His situation worsened due to his extravagant lifestyle, alcoholism and interest towards gambling.