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Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1773 - 1841

Biographical History

William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) was an American general and politician who served as the ninth president of the United States.

William Henry Harrison was born in Virginia in 1773. Harrison studied at the University of Pennsylvania, but later left his studies to join the Army in 1791. During this time he participated in the Battle of Fallen Timbers against Native American forces. He later married Anna Tuthill Symmes in 1795 and in 1798 was appointed secretary of the Northwest Territory.

The Northwest territory was later split and Harrison become the governor of the subsequent Indian Territory. Here he participated in the famous Battle of Tippecanoe which resulted in the removal of Indian tribes from their lands. Harrison once again joined the Army in 1812 and was named a general.

After the war, Harrison was elected to the House of Representatives for the state of Ohio and in 1819 became a state senator. He ran for President in 1836 and again in 1840. He was elected President and sworn in March 4, 1841. Only four weeks later he died of pneumonia.

Citation:
history.com, via WWW, April 2, 2018 (b. 1773 in Virginia; studied in University of Pennsylvania; joined the army, participated in Battle of Fallen Timbers and Tippecanoe; married in 1795; was governor of Indian Territory; served in House of Representatives and as state senator; ran for presidency, elected in 1840; sworn in March 1841; d. 1841 of pneumonia)

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

William Henry Harrison letter

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230320852]
Identifier: MSS SC 2257
Scope and Contents

Handwritten and signed letter dated 19 Aug. 1795 which was addressed to H. J. Greeneville. Harrison requests fiften pounds of flour and one pint of salt for the "Shawano" (Shawnee) Indians.

Dates: 1795 August 19

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  • Subject: Generals -- United States -- Correspondence X