Painting of POTUS 9, President William Henry Harrison; the drive-by President, who lasted one month in office

Click to enlarge President William Henry Harrison


President Harrison was probably the first empty suit elected to the Presidency. In the end, the damage was slight.

He rode to victory on the coattails of leading a much embroidered battle with Indians called Tippecanoe. "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," was his slogan, and it is probably the best known campaign slogan in American history. The Whigs selected Harrison as a candidate because they believed in a strong congress and a weak president; Harrison filled the bill perfectly. The Whigs turned out 82% of the eligible voters with such blandishments as live music, balloon rides, and free whiskey.

President Harrison's campaign slogan proved to be somewhat prophetic, his Presidency becoming something of an asterisk n the history books. He apparently caught, and soon, died of pneumonia 31 days after assuming office. He was succeeded by President John Tyler. Despite his highly-truncated tenure he is better known than many other Presidents. He is probably the most prominent amongst the most obscure Presidents. . .
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