Zachary Taylor (A Life)

November 24, 1784
On their plantation, Zachary Taylor, his ma bore
Got a basic education, joined the army, then
Was promoted to captain in 1810
That year, Zachary wed Margaret, six kids joined the nest
Ann, Sarah, Mary, Richard, and two were laid to rest
He commanded troops in battles, in four wars, he'd be
In the Mexican-American War, a hero, was he

Zachary, Zachary Taylor
Our 12th president is on

Though he didn't want to run, the Whigs controlled his fate
Zachary was elected president in '48
Was against a central bank and high tariffs, too
That Southern states should not secede, also, his view
Pressed California and New Mexico to become states
Which made the South and D.C. unable to negotiate
In July of '50, Zachary fell gravely ill
It was on the 9th, the 12th president's heart lay still

Zachary, Zachary Taylor
Old Rough and Ready's gone

His Legacy was his common sense approach to it all
But, emotions reigned in our dividing country's fall