Historian Harrison Ruffin Tyler, descendant of a 10th U.S. president and dedicated champion of Virginia's historical legacy, passes away at 96 years old.
Associated Press
CHARLES CITY, Va. – Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last living grandson of U.S. President John Tyler, passed away at the age of 96 on May 25, 2025. Known for his preservation efforts, Tyler's life and legacy bridged multiple generations and historical eras.
Tyler left an indelible mark on Virginia's history, particularly through his restoration of Sherwood Forest Plantation, the former residence of President John Tyler, and Fort Pocahontas, a Civil War fort essential to understanding African American contributions during the conflict.
Born in 1928, the 75-year-old Lyon Gardiner Tyler Sr., the president's grandson, welcomed Harrison into the world. John Tyler, the 10th U.S. president, had passed away more than six decades earlier in 1862. Harrison's life spanned an impressive 235 years from his grandfather's birth in 1790 up to his own death.
Annique Dunning, the executive director of Sherwood Forest, a national historic site, released a statement mourning Tyler's passing. "Referred to fondly as Harry, he was a beloved father and grandfather, he will be missed immeasurably by those who survive him," she said. "He will be remembered for his considerable charm, generosity, and unfailing good humor by all who knew him."
Tyler's preservation efforts extended to sites steeped in complexity, including historical structures that were once homes to enslaved people before the abolition of slavery. The preservation of these sites is crucial for understanding America's historical narrative, which includes the complexities of slavery and freedom.
A dedicated steward of his family's history, Tyler was also an entrepreneur who founded ChemTreat in 1968, a successful business venture. Moreover, he demonstrated great generosity, donating papers, books, and $5 million to William & Mary's history department in 2001. In recognition of his contributions, the department was renamed in his honor in 2021.
Despite his many accomplishments, Tyler faced health challenges in his later years, battling dementia and small strokes beginning in 2012. He spent his final years at a nursing home before returning home for his passing.
Investigators will release the cause of Tyler's death at a later date. His brother predeceased him in 2020.
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