Biography

Daniel Fletcher Webster was the third child and oldest son of esteemed statesman Daniel Webster. Educated at Dartmouth College, Webster was appointed Chief Clerk of the State Department in 1841 and served until 1843. As chief Clerk, Webster delivered the news to then Vice President John Tyler of President William Henry Harrison's death. Webster later served as Secretary of Caleb Gushing's Legation in China, before working in the Custom House at Boston during the administrations of Presidents Pierce and Buchanan. During the Civil War, Webster served as Colonel of the 12th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was killed at the Second Battle of Bull Run in 1862.