John Tyler.

VIRGINIA has been called "the mother of Presidents." Of the thirteen chief magistrates whom the people have chosen, seven were born in Virginia, viz.: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Harrison, Tyler, and Taylor. May the Old Dominion have many more "such seeds within her breast!" Her warriors, orators, and statesmen, have proved to be of a growth unsurpassed in any country—the flower of mankind. Their swords, pens, and tongues have battled upon the side of freedom and independence, and they have held the helm of state with firm and skilful hands. If Virginia should continue to produce such men, her sister states can well afford to allow her to lift them to the presidential chair.

John Tyler, who succeeded General Harrison in the presidential office, was the sixth chief magistrate whose birthplace was in the "Old Dominion." His ancestors were among the early English settlers in that province. It is understood that the family traces its lineage to Walter or Wat Tyler, who, in the fourteenth century, headed an insurrection in England, in defence of the rights of the people. John Tyler, the grandfather of the subject of this memoir, was marshal of the colony, under the royal government, up to his death, which occurred after the remonstrances against

the stamp act. His patrimonial estate covered a large tract of country in and about Williamsburg. His son, also named John, entered into the discussion concerning the grievances of the colonies, and became distinguished as an ardent patriot. The Virginians successively raised him to the offices of speaker of the house of delegates, governor of the state, and judge of one of their highest courts. At the breaking out of the war of 1812, he was appointed by President Madison, a judge of the federal court of admiralty. In February, 1813, he died, full of years and honors, leaving three sons, Wat, John, and William.*

John Tyler, the subject of this memoir, was born in Charles City County, Virginia, on the 29th of March, 1790. After receiving the usual elementary education, he entered William and Mary College, being then twelve years old. He graduated at the age of seventeen, and on that occasion delivered an address on the subject of "female education," which was pronounced by the faculty a most masterly performance. The two years subsequent to his graduation, Mr. Tyler spent in reading law, under the instruction of his father and Edmund Randolph.

At nineteen years of age, young Tyler received a certificate that he was competent to practise his profession. His success was singular. Ere three months had elapsed, there was scarce a disputable case on the docket of the court in which he was not retained. When but twenty years old, he was offered a seat in the legislature. But he declined the honor until the following year, when he was chosen nearly unanimously, a member of the house of delegates. (December, 1811.)

Mr. Tyler was attached to the party of Jefferson and

*Statesman's Manual.