William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, is best known for his brief 31-day presidency in 1841, yet his importance in American history extends far beyond his time in office. As a key figure in early national politics, military service in the Northwest Territory, and father of a prominent political family, Harrison’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of U.S. history. This article provides a clear, verified account of his genealogy, focusing on ancestry, marriage, children, notable descendants, and documented lineage. The information below draws on authoritative historical records to answer common questions about Harrison’s family background and enduring influence.
Ancestry and Early Family Background
William Henry Harrison was born on February 9, 1773, at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia, into one of the colony’s most established families. His father, Benjamin Harrison V (1726–1791), was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a three-time governor of Virginia, and a member of the influential Harrison family of Virginia. His mother, Elizabeth Bassett (1730–1795), came from a prominent landowning family in Charles City County. On his paternal side, Harrison descended from English colonists who arrived in Virginia in the early 1600s, with the Harrison name becoming firmly rooted in American colonial society through land grants and public service. The family’s early alignment with the landed gentry and planter class shaped William Henry Harrison’s upbringing, education, and subsequent opportunities in military and political life.
Elizabeth Bassett
- Birth: 1730
- Death: 1795
- Significance: Mother of William Henry Harrison; connected to established Charles City County families.
Benjamin Harrison V
- Birth: 1726
- Death: 1791
- Significance: Father of William Henry Harrison; signer of the Declaration of Independence and three-time governor of Virginia.
Marriage and Children
In 1795, William Henry Harrison married Anna Tuthill Symmes, the daughter of John Cleves Symmes, a New Jersey–born merchant and land speculator, and Anna Tuthill Symmes, a woman of Dutch and English descent. The marriage strengthened Harrison’s connections to influential New York and New Jersey families and provided access to frontier lands in the Northwest Territory. Together, they had ten children, several of whom played notable roles in 19th-century American society. Their large family reflected the importance of kinship networks in early national politics and helped establish a enduring political dynasty.
| Child | Birth Year | Notable Role or Descendant |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Harrison | 1796 | Died in childhood; no descendants. |
| John Scott Harrison | 1804 | Only child of a U.S. president to also serve in Congress; father of Benjamin Harrison, 23rd U.S. president. |
| William Henry Harrison Jr. | 1798 | Died young; no descendants. |
| John Cleves Symmes Harrison | 1799 | Died without issue. |
| James Findlay Harrison | 1801 | No known prominent descendants. |
| Benjamin Harrison VI | 1773 | Died in childhood. |
| Letitia Harrison | 1802 | Died unmarried; no descendants. |
| Jane Harrison | 1804 | Married Thomas Kean; ancestor of political figures in later generations. |
| Mary Harrison | 1806 | Died unmarried; no descendants. |
| Sophia Harrison | 1809 | Married Henry Hunter; had descendants. |
John Scott Harrison and Presidential Lineage
John Scott Harrison (1804–1878) stands out as a unique figure in American history: he is the only person in U.S. history to be both the child of a president (William Henry Harrison) and the father of a president (Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, who served from 1889 to 1893). John Scott Harrison pursued a career in politics and public service, representing Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives. His position as a bridge between two presidential generations reinforces the long-term influence of the Harrison family in American governance. Benjamin Harrison’s presidency focused on civil service reform, protective tariffs, and advocacy for African American veterans, further extending the family’s legacy in national politics.
Later Generations and Extended Family
Beyond John Scott Harrison’s descendants, the Harrison family spread across business, law, and public service in the 19th and 20th centuries. Members of the extended family maintained influence in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, often through landholdings, legal practice, and political appointments. While not all descendants achieved national prominence, the family’s consistent presence in regional affairs highlights the durability of its social and political networks. Some branches retained connections to agricultural and mercantile enterprises, reflecting the varied economic paths taken by the family over time.
Historical Recognition and Legacy
William Henry Harrison is remembered primarily as a military leader in the War of 1812, notably for his victory at the Battle of the Thames in 1813, which secured the Northwest Territory for the United States. His presidency, though short, set precedents in political campaigning and public perception of the office. Monuments, counties, and institutions across the country bear his name, reflecting his lasting symbolic importance. In genealogical terms, Harrison’s legacy is twofold: as a foundational figure in the early republic and as the progenitor of a multi-generational family line that continued to shape American politics well into the late 19th century.
Verified Lineage and Key Facts
The following table summarizes verifiable attributes related to William Henry Harrison’s genealogy, including biographical details, family connections, and descendants.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | William Henry Harrison | Official records, biographies |
| Birth Date | February 9, 1773 | Birth register, Berkeley Plantation |
| Birth Place | Berkeley Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia | Historic site documentation |
| Father | Benjamin Harrison V (1726–1971) | Biographical records, genealogical sources |
| Mother | Elizabeth Bassett (1730–1795) | Family genealogies, local records |
| Marriage | Anna Tuthill Symmes (married 1795) | Marriage record, church archives |
| Number of Children | 10 | Family records, census data |
| Notified Descendant Presidency | Benjamin Harrison (23rd president) | Official presidential records |
| John Scott Harrison Distinction | Child and father of U.S. presidents | Historical and biographical sources |
| Date of Death | April 4, 1841 | Official records, obituaries |
FAQ
Reader questions
Who were William Henry Harrison’s parents?
His father was Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Virginia. His mother was Elizabeth Bassett, from a prominent Virginia landowning family.
How many children did William Henry Harrison have?
He and his wife Anna Tuthill Symmes had ten children, several of whom lived into adulthood and formed notable family branches.
Is there a presidential descendant line from William Henry Harrison?
Yes. His son John Scott Harrison was the father of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States, making him both the son and the father of a president.
What is the significance of the Harrison family in American history?
The Harrison family produced multiple public servants, including governors, legislators, and military leaders. Their influence spans colonial Virginia, the early republic, and late 19th-century national politics, reflecting sustained engagement in American public life.