Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Grandkids of 10th President John Tyler Still Alive

He was born in 1790, became president in 1841

By Kate Schwartz,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 27, 2012 6:19 PM CST

(Newser) – A leading candidate for the week's most bizarre story: Two of John Tyler's grandchildren are still alive. And yes, we're talking about the Tyler who was the 10th president of our country. The one who was born in 1790 and became president in 1841. Sounds impossible, but here is how it happened: Tyler takes the crown as the president with the most kids, at 15. Lyon Gardiner Tyler was born in 1853, nine years before his father's death. Lyon, in turn, fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Jr., in 1924 and Harrison Ruffin Tyler in 1928. The Sherwood Forest Plantation Foundation confirms both are alive, reports Politico.

Alive and kickin', might be more like it. Harrison, now 84, talked to Politico today about the current crop of 2012 candidates—and he isn't impressed. "I don’t really like any of them," he said, least of all Newt Gingrich, whom he considers a "big jerk." Why? "He needs to stick with the same wife, that’s what my mother taught me. But that doesn’t seem to happen much today." As for Obama, 'he’s a charming man, but he grew up in the society where he believes in running the show and changing the apple cart and taking it away from those that have." Click for a Daily Intel interview with Harrison.

John Tyler, tenth President of the United States serving from 1841 to 1845.
John Tyler, tenth President of the United States serving from 1841 to 1845.   (Getty Images)
John Tyler, tenth President of the United States serving from 1841 to 1845.
John Tyler, tenth President of the United States serving from 1841 to 1845.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
6%
76%
1%
13%
1%
4%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 21 comments
golfndude
Jan 28, 2012 5:49 PM CST
Atta boy so if he's, I come up with 71 & 75 when he had the Grandkids, so how old was Mama, a 20 something, how cool is that!!!
radicalron
Jan 28, 2012 9:26 AM CST
Dang, those guys back in Tyler's day sure didn't need Viagra. He was at least 77 when he fathered these kids.
WallyEFunk
Jan 28, 2012 12:31 AM CST
Wonder if his Black grand kids now be coming out of the wood works ?

More Newser Stories

Einstein Wrong? Maybe Just Faulty Wiring

Swedish Hospital Hiring 'TV-Hot' Nurses

Bullet From Mexico Hits Woman in Texas

Town Considers 'WTF' Slogan

Coming Soon to the Moon: Volcanoes?


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne