Last living grandson of 10th U.S. President John Tyler, dies at 96
Share and Follow

CHARLES CITY, Va. (AP) Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last living grandson of U.S. President John Tyler born 83 years after his grandfather left the White House in 1845, died. He was 96.

The cause of Tyler’s death on Sunday was not immediately released. John Tyler was 63 years old when Harrison Tyler’s father, Lyon Gardiner Tyler Sr., was born. And Harrison Ruffin Tyler was born in 1928 when his father was 75 years old and the presidential grandfather had been dead for more than 60 years.

The grandson was known for preserving his grandfather’s plantation and nearby Civil War fort. In a statement, Annique Dunning, the executive director of Sherwood Forest, a national landmark of President Tyler’s residence, said the president’s grandson, whose brother died in 2020, was a “beloved father and grandfather, he will be missed immeasurably by those who survive him.”

This undated photo provided by Annique Dunning, executive director of Sherwood Forest Plantation, shows Harrison Ruffin Tyler, grandson of U.S. President John Tyler, who died on May 25, 2025, at 96 years old. (Sherwood Forest Plantation via AP)

“He will be remembered for his considerable charm, generosity and unfailing good humor by all who knew him,” Dunning said.

Throughout his life, Tyler preserved Sherwood Forest, his grandfather’s plantation that enslaved dozens of people, including 43 people in 1860, just before the Civil War began. The grandson also helped restore and maintain Fort Pocahontas, a Union fort during the Civil War.

Tyler’s grandfather was a Democrat nicknamed the “Accidental President” after unexpectedly assuming the presidency when President William Henry Harrison died in office. President Tyler was the first vice president to gain control of the White House in the wake of a death.

The University of Virginia’s Miller Center described the president as “the last gasp of the Old Virginia aristocracy in the White House.” He had married twice and had 15 children, including Lyon Gardiner Tyler Sr.

The time between the president’s birth and his grandson’s death spans 235 years.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
State Department tells staffers that layoff notices are coming soon

State Department informs employees that they will soon receive layoff notifications.

WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department formally advised staffers Thursday that it would…
Trump lashes out at 'evil' CBS journalist asking about flood warnings

Trump criticizes CBS reporter for inquiring about flood alerts

President Donald Trump criticized a local TV news reporter in Texas, calling…
ICE officers doxed by Antifa in Portland, DHS says

Antifa reveals personal information of ICE officers in Portland, according to DHS

() Two Oregon-based organizations that the Department of Homeland Security says are reportedly…
Texas flooding survivor: 'People need to see' devastation firsthand

Survivor from Texas Flood Urges People to Witness Devastation with Their Own Eyes

() As search and recovery efforts continue across central Texas, residents are…
Carol Reith arrested for animal cruelty, 52 dogs rescued from 200 block of Sky Hill Road, Wauconda police say

Carol Reith was detained for mistreating animals, with Wauconda authorities rescuing 52 dogs from the 200 block of Sky Hill Road

WAUCONDA, Ill. (WLS) — A woman was arrested for animal cruelty after…
State Department cuts over 1,300 staffers as part of sweeping overhaul

The State Department reduces workforce by more than 1,300 employees in major reorganization

The State Department started eliminating over 1,300 positions on Friday. This move…
'High Potential' star Javicia Leslie teases a villain twist you won't see coming: "You'll never guess who it was." 

Javicia Leslie teases unexpected villain twist in “High Potential” star’s storyline

LOS ANGELES — Production is underway for Season 2 of ABC’s “High…
T-Mobile scraps DEI while awaiting deal approvals from FCC

T-Mobile puts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on hold until FCC deal is finalized

() T-Mobile will eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion programs as it…