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. For more than 75 years after leaving office, historians regarded him as a "mediocre" man and politician at best, but his reputation has since greatly improved. Today, Tyler is generally regarded as someone who displayed great courage and imagination and a devotion to the principles of Thomas Jefferson.

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.
	1842	Purchased Sherwood Forest.
	June 26, 1844	Married Julia Gardiner.
	1861	Elected to the Confederate House of Representatives.
	January 18, 1862	Died in Richmond, Virginia.

See Also

William Henry Harrison
Thomas Jefferson
Virginia

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This page was last updated on January 18, 2019.