12h 30min, apr 4, 1841 y - Death
of William Henry Harrison
Description:
On 26 March 1841 William Henry Harrison became ill with a cold after being caught in a torrential downpour without cover. His symptoms grew progressively worse over the ensuing two days, at which time a team of doctors was called in to treat him. After making a diagnosis of right lower lobe pneumonia, they proceeded to place heated suction cups on his bare torso and to administer a series of bloodlettings, to supposedly draw out the disease. On the evening of 4 April 1841 nine days after becoming ill, and exactly one month after taking the oath of office, Harrison died at age 68.
The Constitution was unclear as to whether Vice President John Tyler should assume the office of President or merely execute the duties of the vacant office. Tyler insisted that politicians recognize him as President and returned, unopened, all mail addressed otherwise. Despite opposition from some Whig members of Congress, including John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay, both houses passed a resolution confirming Tyler's position. This precedent was later codified in the Twenty-fifth Amendment.
Added to timeline:
Date:
12h 30min, apr 4, 1841 y
Now
~ 184 years ago
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