William Henry Harrison

Date of Birth: February 9, 1773

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 4, 1841

Biography

William Henry Harrison was the 9th President of the United States, serving the shortest tenure in U.S. presidential history. Born into a prominent Virginia family, Harrison pursued a military career, gaining national fame for his leadership in the Battle of Tippecanoe and the War of 1812. His political career included roles as territorial governor of Indiana and U.S. Senator from Ohio. Harrison’s presidential campaign in 1840 was marked by the “Log Cabin and Hard Cider” slogan, emphasizing his humble origins and military service. Unfortunately, Harrison’s presidency was cut short when he died of pneumonia just 31 days after taking office, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president had died in office.

5 Interesting Facts about William Henry Harrison

1. William Henry Harrison was the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency at the age of 68, until Ronald Reagan in 1981.

2. He gave the longest inaugural address in U.S. history, speaking for nearly two hours without a coat or hat in cold, wet weather, which likely contributed to his illness and subsequent death.

3. Harrison was the last U.S. President born as a British subject before American independence.

4. He was a direct descendant of Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

5. Harrison’s grandson, Benjamin Harrison, later became the 23rd President of the United States.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Henry Harrison

1. “I contend that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free.”

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

3. “All the measures of the Government are directed to the purpose of making the rich richer and the poor poorer.”

4. “The people are the best guardians of their own rights and it is the duty of their executive to inform them of their efforts.”

5. “I believe that every power, which is not granted to the national government by the Constitution, remains with the people and the States.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Henry Harrison did not amass significant wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is estimated to have been around $100,000 in today’s dollars, primarily from his military and political careers.

Children

William Henry Harrison had ten children with his wife, Anna Tuthill Symmes Harrison: Elizabeth Bassett Harrison, John Cleves Symmes Harrison, Lucy Singleton Harrison, William Henry Harrison Jr., John Scott Harrison, Benjamin Harrison, Mary Symmes Harrison, Carter Bassett Harrison, Anna Tuthill Harrison, and James Findlay Harrison.