John Tyler (1790-1862)
John Tyler was born as the seventh of eight children of a rich cotton industrial family. With 17 he already started his studies of law and graduated only two years later as a licensed lawyer.
After a couple practical experiences as a lawyer he then started to expand his political horizon. In 1825 he was appointed governor and was a member of the senate from 1827 until 1836. Tyler was convinced that the States’ Rights Theory would be the best for America and wanted the individual states to be independent and self- governed.
In 1841 John Tyler was supposed to be William Henry Harrison’s vice president. After his sudden death, however, Tyler became President of the United States of America. This made him the first American president that owed his position to the death of the actual elected president.
Tyler’s presidency did not move much, however. Due to conflicts of the new Whig Party his inner political attempts were blocked and it was difficult to reach goal he attempted. In fall of 1841 he was excluded from the Party when used his veto for the foundation of a National Bank. His secretary of state, Daniel Webster, concluded an agreement on the county limits with Great Britain in 1842 which settled the borders of Maine and Canada. Tyler also prepared the incorporation of Texas to the Union which was completed in 1845.
In the election of 1844 Tyler did not appear as a candidate anymore. After his presidency Tyler remained politically active and was voted to take part in the congress of the confederation but died before acting out that position.
"Popularity, I have always thought, may aptly be compared to a coquette - the more you woo her, the more apt is she to elude your embrace." (John Tyler)