Every President Ranked from Poorest to Richest

Fillmore was a self-made man who rose from poverty in upstate New York. He worked his way through school, became a lawyer, and found success in real estate and investments. His steady work ethic and thrift helped him build a small but solid fortune before entering politics.

After serving as president, Fillmore lived quietly in Buffalo, where he continued to invest in property and civic projects. His fortune grew modestly over time, and when he died in 1874, he was considered well-off for his era—proof that persistence could pay off in the long run.