William Henry Harrison
Ninth
President,
1841
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“Sir, I wish you
to understand the
true principles of the government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more.”
—Last words, 1841
Tricky Tactics:
William Henry Harrison was one of the first U.S. politicians to use false advertising. Although he came from a well-to-do Virginia plantation and went to medical school, he campaigned as a simple man who lived in a log cabin. That, and his reputation as a military leader, earned him electoral victory. In the end, Harrison has the distinction of giving the longest inaugural speech and of serving the shortest term of office, dying of pneumonia just 31 days after his inauguration.
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Portrait by
Albert Gallatin Hoit
,
1840
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NPG.67.5
,
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
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Fast Facts
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Party: |
Whig
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Date of Birth: |
Tuesday, February 09, 1773
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Date of Death: |
Sunday, April 04, 1841
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Vice President: |
John Tyler
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First Lady: |
Anna Symmes Harrison
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