Historical Figure
William Henry Harrison
1773–1841
President of the United States in 1841
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Biography
William Henry Harrison was the ninth president of the United States, serving from March 4 to April 4, 1841, the shortest presidency in U.S. history. He was also the first U.S. president to die in office, causing a brief constitutional crisis, since presidential succession was not then fully defined in the U.S. Constitution. Harrison was the last president born as a British subject in the Thirteen Colonies. He was a member of the Harrison family of Virginia, and a son of Benjamin Harrison V, who was a U.S. Founding Father. His own son John Scott Harrison was the father of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd U.S. president.
In Their Own Words (5)
Sir, I wish you to understand the true principles of the government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more.
Last words to John Tyler. Quoted in Jebediah Whitman, "A Memorial to Our Dear Departed President" (New Ark, DE: Printed by the Author, 1841). , 1841
...there is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.
Letter to Simón Bolívar (27 September 1829). Quoted in The Life of Major-General William Henry Harrison: Comprising a Brief Account of His Important Civil and Military Services (Philadelphia, PA: Grigg & Elliot, 1840) , 1829
It is necessary, therefore, to watch, not the political opponents of the administration, but the administration itself, and to see that it keeps within the bounds of the Constitution and the laws of the land. The executive of the Union has immense power to do mischief if he sees fit to exercise that power. He may prostrate the country. Indeed this country has been already prostrated. It has already fallen from pure republicanism to a monarchy in spirit if not in name.
Speech at Fort Meigs (11 June 1840). Quoted in A B Norton, The Great Revolution of 1840: Reminiscences of the Log Cabin and Hard Cider Campaign. (Mount Vernon, OH and Dallas, TX: A B Norton & Co, 1888). p.186 , 1840
The strongest of all governments is that which is most free.
Letter to Simón Bolívar (27 September 1829). Quoted in James Hall, A Memoir of the Public Services of William Henry Harrison, of Ohio (Philadelphia, PA: Key & Biddle, 1836). , 1829
It may be observed, however, that organized associations of citizens requiring compliance with their wishes too much resemble the recommendations of Athens to her allies, supported by an armed and powerful fleet.
1841
Timeline
The story of William Henry Harrison, told in moments.
Born at Berkeley Plantation, Virginia. Son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Last president born as a British subject. Studied classics and history at Hampden-Sydney College before dropping out to join the army.
Led 1,000 soldiers against Tecumseh's confederacy at the Battle of Tippecanoe in Indiana Territory. The victory was contested and messy, but it made him a national figure. He'd been governor of the territory for a decade, negotiating (and pressuring) Native American land cessions.
Won the presidency with the slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too." He was 67, the oldest president elected until Ronald Reagan. Campaigned on his log cabin image though he'd grown up on a plantation.
Delivered the longest inaugural address in American history. 8,445 words. Nearly two hours. In the rain and cold. Without a hat or overcoat.
Died of pneumonia (likely complicated by typhoid) after 31 days in office. The shortest presidency in U.S. history. His grandson Benjamin Harrison became the 23rd president 48 years later.
Artifacts (2)
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