William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison
9th President of the United States
Term of office March 4, 1841 - April 4, 1841
Political party	Whig
Vice President	John Tyler
Preceded by	Martin Van Buren
Succeeded by	John Tyler
Born	February 9, 1773 Charles City County, Virginia
Died	April 4, 1841 Washington, D.C.
Spouse	Anna Symmes Harrison
Religion	Episcopalian

William Henry Harrison was the 9th president of the United States. He served as the president for one month in 1841 before dying of pneumonia. At 68, he was the oldest person elected president before Ronald Reagan, and he also served the shortest term of any president. Harrison was the first president to die in office.

Early Life

Harrison was born February 9, 1773 in Charles City, Virginia. His father served on the First Continental Congress in addition to signing the Declaration of Independence.

Education

William Henry Harrison attended Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Pennsylvania. After his father died, he had no money to pay for schooling, and was compelled to join the army. He fought much of his life with natives in Northwest Territory and was instrumental in opening the West especially Ohio to the American Dream of white settlers.

Northwest Territory

For his bravery in the Northwest Territory, he became secretary and at times surrogate governor of the Northwest Territory. An important figure in the Northwest Territory, Harrison purchased great plots of land from the natives and considerably expanded the territory of the United States. Along with Thomas Jefferson, he is known as one of the early American expansionists.

Battles

Harrison fought in many battles against the Indian confederacy, including Tecumseh's War leading him to have the nickname William "Tecumseh" Harrison. He also fought another battle near the Tippecanoe River, known for its dangerous rapids earned another nickname "Tippecanoe."

Presidential Campaigns

Harrison's first campaign was against Martin Van Buren in 1836. He tried again in 1840 and won easily, likely due to his military victories. Notable was his campaign slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." Harrison ran as a Whig, and was the first Whig candidate to win.

Pneumonia

Harrison delivered the longest inaugural address the day he was elected at over two hours long. He did so without a jacket, which may have contributed to his death.

Presidency Itself

Harrison's only notable act during his presidency was to a special meeting of Congress because Henry Clay said not to. The session was to discuss finance of the country. Because of his short presidency, he was unable to pass many bills and tariffs supported by the whigs.

Death

Harrison died on April 4, 1841 of complications from pneumonia.