William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison had the shortest term in office of any American president: 32 days. Harrison was the son of Benjamin Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. William made a name for himself in the early Indian Wars and was rewarded with the governorship of the Indiana Territories, where he served from 1800-1812. He is most famous for his victory over the Shawnee chief Tecumseh at the battle at Tippecanoe Creek (November 7, 1811). The incident earned Harrison the nickname "Old Tippecanoe." After serving in the House and the Senate, Harrison retired and settled with his wife Anna at their farm in North Bend, Ohio. The Whigs drafted him for the presidency and he won the election of 1840. Harrison, 68 years old and not in the best health, gave a 100-minute inaugural speech in the snow without hat or overcoat, caught pneumonia, and died a month later. He was succeeded by his vice president, John Tyler.
Extra credit: Harrison's nickname led to a memorable campaign slogan, "Tippecanoe and Tyler too!"... Harrison's grandson Benjamin Harrison became the 23rd president of the United States in 1889, 48 years after Harrison took office.
Harrison joins Abraham Lincoln in our loop about the unlucky "0" Year Presidents. He also appears with his grandson Benjamin in our loop on Presidents Closely Related.
And! President Harrison joins Pope John Paul I in our loop on One-Reign Wonders.