Full name: James Knox Polk

Born: November 2, 1795

Died: June 15, 1849

Burial site: State Capitol Grounds, Nashville, Tennessee

Parents: Samuel and Jane Knox Polk

Spouse: Sarah Childress (1803-1891; m. 1824)

Children: None

Religion: Presbyterian; Methodist

Education: University of North Carolina (B.A., 1818)

Occupation: Lawyer

Government positions: Tennessee state representative and governor; U.S. representative from Tennessee; Speaker of the House

Political party: Democratic

Dates as president: March 4, 1845-March 4, 1849

Age upon taking office: 49