Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last living grandson of President John Tyler, passed away earlier this week at the age of 96. His family shared the news on Wednesday. Born in 1928, Harrison was closely connected to his grandfather, who served as the 10th President of the United States from 1841 until 1845.
Harrison’s family history is quite remarkable. His father, Lyon Gardiner Tyler, had children with his second wife when he was in his 70s. Similarly, President John Tyler fathered 15 children, including Lyon, when he was in his 50s and 60s. This unique family structure is why Harrison was able to bridge so many generations.
Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, Harrison faced challenges early in life. He lost his father when he was just 7 years old. Beyond his ties to President Tyler, he was also related to Pocahontas and President William Henry Harrison, who died just a month after taking office in 1841.
Harrison Tyler had a deep appreciation for history. To honor his family’s legacy, he bought the Sherwood Forest plantation in Virginia in 1975 and Fort Pocahontas, a Civil War site, in 1996. He invested significant resources into restoring Sherwood Forest, spending $250,000 to bring the historic home back to its original state. Today, it is open for public tours, allowing visitors to connect with the past.
Harrison had a successful career in business. He graduated from the College of William & Mary in 1949 with a degree in chemistry and co-founded ChemTreat, an industrial water treatment company, in 1968. The company was sold in 2007 for $435 million, providing him the means to support his historical preservation efforts.
In his later years, Harrison faced health issues, including mini strokes in 2012, which led to his stay in a nursing home in Virginia. His wife, Frances, passed away in 2019, and his last sibling died in 2020. Together, Harrison and Frances had three children and eight grandchildren.
Annique Dunning, the executive director of Sherwood Forest, remembered him fondly, noting his charm, generosity, and good humor. Harrison Ruffin Tyler’s life was a bridge between the past and the present, keeping the history of his famous grandfather alive for future generations.