TYLER, JOHN, an American states man, 10th President of the United States; born in Charles City co., Va., March 29, 1790. His father was an officer in the army during the Revolution, and a judge of the Federal Court of Admiralty. Tyler was graduated at William and Mary College, in 1807, when but 17, and was admitted to the bar in 1809. At the age of 21 he was elected to the Virginia legislature; and in 1816, at the age of 26, was elected to Congress. In 1825 he was elected governor of Virginia, and in 1827 Senator of the United States. He sustained the States' Rights policy in Congress, voted against the so-called Force Bill empowering President Jack son to enforce the revenue laws in South Carolina, and for the resolutions censur ing Jackson for removing the govern ment funds to State banks. When in 1836, the Virginia legislature instructed to vote for the expunging of this censure, he resigned his seat in the Senate. In 1839 he was elected to the Virginia legislature, and in 1840 was elected Vice President on the Whig ticket with William H. Harrison. On April 4, just
one month after entering on the duties of his office, President Harrison died, and Tyler became President by succes sion. He at once came into conflict with Congress by vetoing financial bills that he believed to be in violation of the Con stitution. His cabinet, except Daniel Webster, resigned, and their places were filled by States' Rights Whigs. The most important acts of his administra tion were a treaty with China and the annexation of Texas (1845). At the ex piration of his term he retired to private life, till 1861, when he was made presi dent of a peace convention. Failing in his efforts to effect a compromise, he joined the Confederacy, and served in the Confederate Congress till his death in Richmond, Va., Jan. 18, 1862.