Grandson of 10th U.S. President John Tyler, Whose Term Ended in 1845, Dies at 96

Published: Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 12:20 am

Last Link to the 18th Century: John Tyler's Grandson, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, Dies at 96

Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last living link to a U.S. presidential administration from the 18th century, has passed away at the age of 96. Tyler, the grandson of President John Tyler, died on May 25th in a Virginia nursing home after battling dementia. His passing marks the end of an era, connecting the present to a time when the nation was still in its formative years.

Born in 1928, Harrison was a direct descendant of Pocahontas through his mother. He was born 138 years after his grandfather, President John Tyler, who served as the 10th U.S. President, and died in 1862. John Tyler's presidency, which began in 1841 after the death of William Henry Harrison, was marked by his championing of states' rights, a stance deeply intertwined with the issue of slavery at the time.

Beyond his lineage, Harrison Tyler led a full life. He was a graduate of William & Mary and Virginia Tech, and co-founded the industrial water treatment company ChemTreat. He was also a dedicated preservationist, purchasing and restoring his grandfather's former home, Sherwood Forest Plantation, and opening it to the public. He also played a key role in preserving Fort Pocahontas, a Civil War site built by Black Union soldiers. In 2001, he donated generously to William & Mary's history department, which was later renamed in his honor.

In interviews, Harrison reflected on his grandfather's legacy, acknowledging the complexities of his historical role and the challenges of ranking him among other presidents. He noted the disconnect of being connected to a figure from the 1700s.

BNN's Perspective:

The passing of Harrison Ruffin Tyler is a poignant reminder of the long reach of history. While his grandfather's presidency is a complex and controversial topic, Tyler's life demonstrates a commitment to preserving history and understanding its nuances. His efforts to preserve historical sites and support education are commendable, and his passing marks the end of a unique connection to a pivotal period in American history.

Keywords: Harrison Ruffin Tyler, John Tyler, President John Tyler, 10th U.S. President, death, obituary, Sherwood Forest Plantation, Fort Pocahontas, William & Mary, Virginia Tech, ChemTreat, history, preservation, dementia, Pocahontas, states' rights, slavery, Civil War, Virginia, nursing home, last living link, 18th century, presidential administration

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