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Book Review of William Henry Harrison: A Life from Beginning to End

William Henry Harrison: A Life from Beginning to End
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William Henry Harrison was the first president to die in office; he was only in office for about a month. His vice-president, John Tyler, replaced Harrison. Nevertheless, Harrison had a vigorous life before entering the White House. I was surprised to hear of his many accomplishments.

William Henry Harrison was the son of Benjamin Harrison V, a delegate of the Continental Congress, the formal representative body during the American Revolutionary War. So, Harrison had political roots. Over his career, Harrison was a territorial governor, a congressman, a state senator, a US senator, and an ambassador to Gran Colombia. By the time he ran for president, Harrison had a wide variety of experiences in politics. Although Harrison lost to Martin Van Buren the first time around, Van Buren made a mess of things. Nevertheless, Harrison easily defeated Van Buren in the rematch.

Harrison's death from pneumonia came as a total shock to the country. Because he was the first to die in office, there was no precedent for presidential funerals. This short, direct story was about Harrison, an attractive man who was only president for thirty-one days.