Harrison Ruffin Tyler, grandson of President John Tyler, dies at age 96
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 12:28 am
Last Grandson of President John Tyler, Harrison Ruffin Tyler, Dies at 96
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last living grandchild of former U.S. President John Tyler, has passed away at the age of 96. The Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation announced his death on May 25th, highlighting his significant contributions to business and his dedication to preserving history.
Born in 1928, Harrison Tyler was the son of Lyon Gardiner Tyler and Sue Ruffin. His grandfather, President John Tyler, served as the 10th U.S. President from 1841 to 1845. This unique lineage allowed Harrison Tyler to live a life spanning nearly two centuries of American history.
Beyond his presidential connection, Tyler made his mark in the business world. In 1968, he co-founded ChemTreat, a water treatment company, impacting the lives of many employees. He also demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving historical sites. He acquired and restored Sherwood Forest Plantation, his grandfather's historic home in Virginia, and funded the preservation of Fort Pocahontas, a Civil War fortification. His generosity extended to education, as he donated books and $5 million to William & Mary, resulting in the naming of the Harrison Ruffin Tyler Department of History.
Tyler's life was not without its challenges. He experienced a series of small strokes and developed dementia in 2012, according to the National Archives. He is survived by his three children and multiple grandchildren.
BNN's Perspective: Harrison Tyler's life is a fascinating testament to the enduring legacy of American history. His commitment to preserving his family's heritage, while also contributing to the business world, is commendable. It's a reminder of the long reach of the past and the importance of honoring those who came before us.
Keywords: Harrison Ruffin Tyler, John Tyler, President John Tyler, Sherwood Forest Plantation, ChemTreat, Fort Pocahontas, William & Mary, Virginia, history, death, obituary, U.S. President, last grandchild, Civil War, historical preservation, Virginia Tech, dementia.