Quick Wiki
- Full Name John Tyler
- Birth Date March 29, 1790
- Death Date 1862-01-18
- Age At Death 71
- Place Of Death Ballard House, Richmond
- Nationality American
- Birthplace City County, Virginia
- Political Affiliation Whig (1834–1841), Democratic-Republican (1811–1828), Democratic (1828–1834), Tyler Party (1844), Independent (1841–1844, 1844–1862)
- Mother Mary Marot
- Father John Tyler Sr.
- Father's Occupation A lawyer, planter, politician and judge
- Education College of William & Mary
- Spouses Letitia Christian, Julia Gardiner
- Children Robert, John Jr., Letitia, David, John Alexander and Lyon
John Tyler | Biography
Politician, lawyerJohn Tyler, born March 29, 1790, in Virginia, became the 10th U.S. President in 1841 following the death of President William Henry Harrison. He served as a member of the Whig Party and was the first vice president to ascend to the presidency due to the predecessor's death.
Who is John Tyler?
John Tyler, born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia, was a prominent American politician and the 10th president of the United States. A member of the Whig Party, he made history by becoming the first vice president to ascend to the presidency following the death of his predecessor, President William Henry Harrison, in 1841. Tyler's political career was deeply rooted in his Southern upbringing and the significant relationships cultivated through his family's prominence, including serving as Virginia's governor like his father before him.
Tyler's early education at the College of William and Mary, followed by his legal career, laid the foundation for his political ambitions. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and continued to make strides in Virginian politics. As president, Tyler faced considerable opposition, particularly from members of his party, after he vetoed key legislation like the revival of the Bank of the United States. Known as "His Accidency" due to the nature of his rise to the presidency, he later supported Texas's annexation during his term before his death on January 18, 1862, in Richmond, Virginia.
Early Life and Education
John Tyler was born on March 29, 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia, into a well-established family that had strong political and social ties. His parents, John and Mary Armistead Tyler, raised him alongside eight siblings in an environment that prioritized education and public service. This nurturing environment provided Tyler with opportunities to excel academically, leading him to the College of William and Mary, where he studied law. He graduated in 1807 at the remarkable age of 17, setting the stage for a promising career in law and politics.
After completing his education, Tyler was admitted to the bar in 1809 and began practicing law with a prominent firm in Richmond. His family's influence along with his legal skills enabled him to penetrate the political arena early in his career. At just 21, he utilized his father's connections to secure a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. Following his father’s death, Tyler inherited a significant estate that included numerous properties and enslaved individuals, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Virginia society.
Career Start: Rise in Politics
John Tyler's political career began in the early 19th century when he was just 21 years old. After graduating with a law degree from the College of William and Mary, he leveraged his father's connections, who was then the governor of Virginia, to secure a position in the Virginia House of Delegates. His legal background and family ties positioned him well within the political landscape of Virginia. This early involvement in state politics set the foundation for his future influence, allowing him to gather pivotal experience that would serve him throughout his career.
In 1816, Tyler was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 1821. His tenure in the House helped him establish a reputation as a champion for Southern interests, particularly as he opposed the policies of President Andrew Jackson. Following his time in Congress, Tyler returned to Virginia politics, where he was elected governor from 1825 to 1827. His leadership during these formative years marked him as a significant figure in the Whig Party, leading to his eventual nomination as vice president in 1840, alongside William Henry Harrison. This strategic alignment with key political figures solidified Tyler's status as a rising star within national politics.
Presidency and Major Challenges
John Tyler's presidency began in March 1841, following the untimely death of President William Henry Harrison, making him the first vice president in U.S. history to ascend to the presidency due to the demise of his predecessor. Tyler faced significant challenges, particularly his relationship with the Whig Party, which had initially nominated him as Harrison's running mate. Just a month into his presidency, he vetoed key legislation, including a bill to revive the Bank of the United States, which led to his expulsion from the party. This estrangement marked him as the "Accidental President," complicating his efforts to govern and leaving him politically isolated.
In the years following his expulsion from the Whig Party, Tyler grappled with issues central to the nation, notably the annexation of Texas, which became a major point of contention. While seeking re-election in 1844, he endorsed the annexation to gain favor with Southern voters, yet his support also positioned him as a divisive figure amid growing sectional tensions in the country. As President, he remained steadfast in his belief in states' rights and authority, which ultimately influenced his later support for Southern secession. Despite the tumultuous political landscape, Tyler's presidency set the stage for further debate about the role of the federal government versus states' rights, foreshadowing the impending Civil War.
Political Aftermath and Legacy
John Tyler's presidency marked a significant turning point in American politics. After the death of William Henry Harrison, Tyler assumed office as the 10th president, making history as the first vice president to do so due to a predecessor's death. His presidency was characterized by a contentious relationship with the Whig Party, which had brought him into office. Following his veto of key legislation aimed at re-establishing the Bank of the United States, Tyler found himself isolated, leading to his expulsion from the party. This rift not only altered his political standing but also set a precedent for future vice presidents, highlighting the complexities of party loyalty and governance.
Despite his controversial legacy, Tyler’s endorsement of the annexation of Texas was a significant moment in his political career, demonstrating his commitment to Southern interests and expansionism. His actions laid the groundwork for future territorial disputes and the escalating tensions around the issue of slavery. After leaving the presidency, Tyler’s alignment with the Confederacy further cemented his legacy as a staunch supporter of the Southern cause. Though often labeled the "Accidental President," his influence on American politics cannot be underestimated, as he navigated a turbulent political landscape during a formative period in U.S. history.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
John Tyler had a remarkable personal life marked by two marriages and a large family. His first marriage was to Letitia Christian in 1813, and together they had eight children: Martha, John, Robert, Letitia, Elizabeth, Mary, and two others who died in infancy. Letitia was often described as a gentle and supportive wife, but she faced health challenges. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1842, shortly after Tyler became president. Despite the deep grief he experienced from her loss, Tyler continued to fulfill his presidential duties and sought solace in his political career.
In 1844, John Tyler married Julia Gardiner, a much younger woman, with whom he had seven additional children: David, John, Julia, and three others. Their marriage was marked by a strong bond, and Julia played an influential role in her husband's life both personally and politically. Tyler's large family reflected the norms of his time, as well as his Southern heritage, emphasizing the importance of family connections and lineage. After his presidency, Tyler spent time with Julia and their children, cherishing his role as a father, before passing away in 1862.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights
John Tyler, the 10th president of the United States, had a diverse financial background influenced by his family's wealth and his own political career. Born into a prominent Virginian family, Tyler inherited significant property and a number of enslaved individuals upon his father's death, augmenting his wealth considerably. As a leading figure in Virginia's politics, his salary as governor and later as a congressman contributed to his overall net worth, which during his lifetime was estimated to be substantial — as much as several hundred thousand dollars when converted to today’s values.
Tyler's presidency, though marked by political strife and expulsion from the Whig Party, provided him with a presidential salary that was among the highest earnings of his time. However, his financial decisions, including his support for the annexation of Texas, often aligned with his political ambitions rather than boosting his personal finances. In later years, Tyler's involvement in the Confederate House of Representatives reflected his commitment to southern interests, yet his financial situation remained complex, with investments in land and the political ramifications of the Civil War impacting his net worth significantly.
