By: David Faulk Born January 18, 1782, in Salisbury, New Hampshire, Daniel Webster was a central figure in the nation's history. He successfully combined his political and legal career and played a role as lawyer, congressman, orator, secretary of state, leader of two parties, and a presidential candidate. His father, recognizing that his son was more suited for scholastics than for farm life, ensured that Daniel received an education. Webster studied at the Phillips Exeter Academy before enrolling at Dartmouth in 1797. Webster eventually graduated from Dartmouth College in 1801. Webster opened a legal practice in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in