William Henry Harrison (March 4, 1841 - April 4, 1841)

William Henry HarrisonWilliam Henry Harrison (February 9, 1773 – April 4, 1841) was an American military leader, politician, and the ninth President of the United States. He served as the first Governor of the Indiana Territory and later as a U.S. Representative and Senator from Ohio. Harrison first gained national fame for leading U.S forces against American Indians at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 and earning the nickname "Tippecanoe" (or "Old Tippecanoe"). As a general in the subsequent War of 1812, his most notable contribution was a victory at the Battle of the Thames, which brought the war in his region to a successful conclusion.

When Harrison took office in 1841 at the age of 68, he was the oldest man to become President - a record that stood for 140 years, until Ronald Reagan became President in 1981 at the age of 69. Harrison died thirty-one days into his term — the briefest presidency in the history of the office. He was also the first U.S. President to die while in office. His death threw the country into a constitutional crisis.¹

Quotes

"I contend that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free."
"There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power."

"The only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed."

"I believe and I say it is true Democratic feeling, that all the measures of the Government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer."

Noteworthy Sites

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." ~ Benjamin Franklin

read more

If you would like to read more about history and the presidents, visit our history bookstore.

... a thousand words

Bring history and education to life with posters and art prints in the following categories:

"To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting." ~ Edmund Burke