John Tyler

(1790-1862) Congressman, Governor of Virginia, Vice-President and President of the United States

John Tyler served his nation in a variety of public positions prior to being chosen as William Henry Harrison's vice-presidential running mate in 1841. Barely one month after the election, Tyler became the first Vice-President to succeed to the presidency upon the death of a Chief Executive. As President, Tyler made more enemies than friends. When Harrison died, many Whig leaders suggested that Tyler be called only "Acting President," but Tyler took over the presidency in fact as well as in name. Most historians today point to Tyler as the man who firmly established the right of the Vice-President to succeed completely to the presidency.

Chronology of His Life and Career
March 29, 1790	Born in Charles City County, Virginia.
1807	Graduated from William and Mary College.
1809	Admitted to the Virginia Bar.
1811	Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
1812	Became a captain of volunteers, but resigned after a month because his company had seen no action.
March 29, 1813	Married Letitia Christian.
1816	Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
1821	Defeated in bid for the U.S. Senate.
	Chancellor of William and Mary College.
1825	Elected Governor of Virginia.
1827	Elected to the U.S. Senate.
1840	Elected Vice-President of the United States.
April 6, 1841	Succeeded to the presidency.
1842	Mrs. Letitia Tyler died.
June 26, 1844	Married Julia Gardiner.
1861	Elected to Confederate House of Representatives.
January 18, 1862	Died near Charles City, Virginia.