Daniel Webster (1782 - 1852) was an American statesman, lawyer, and orator from New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Born on January 18th, 1782, he served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate and was known for his powerful speeches defending the Union and the Constitution. Webster also served as U.S. secretary of state and played a major role in shaping American law and national policy in the early 19th century.