William Henry Harrison was born in Berkeley in 1773. He studied classics and history at Hampden-Sydney College, then began the study of medicine in Richmond. That same year, 1791, Harrison switched interests again. He obtained a commission as ensign in the First Infantry of the Regular Army and headed to the northwest, where he spent most of his life.
When Harrison became governor, his primary task was to obtain title to Indian lands so settlers could press further into the wilderness. When the Indians retaliated, Harrison was responsible for defending the settlements. The threat against settlers became serious in 1809 when the eloquent speaker Tecumseh, along with his religious brother, began to strengthen the Indian confederation to prevent further encroachment.
Harrison's only crowning achievement was the battle he fought at Tippecanoe. Harrison won numerous military laurels during the War of 1812. During the Battle of Thames, Harrison killed Tecumseh and with that, the Indians scattered, never again offering any real resistance again in what would be called the northwest.
The Whig party voted Harrison to be their president in 1840. But before he had been in office for a month, he caught a cold that developed into pneumonia. On April 4th, 1841, he died - the first president to die in office, and with him died the Whig program.
Fun Facts:
- Harrison's time in office is the shortest one by far, serving only a month.
- Harrison was the last president born before the United States gained its independence.
- William's grandson, Benjamin Harrison, became the 23rd president of the United States.
William Henry Harrison:
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