John Tyler

John Tyler Sr. (February 28, 1747 – January 6, 1813) was an American lawyer, planter, politician and judge who served in the Virginia House of Delegates and became 15th Governor of Virginia and later United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Virginia. He was the father of U.S. President John Tyler.

Early life and education

Born on February 28, 1747, in James City County, Colony of Virginia, British America, to Anne Contesse and her husband John Tyler, the marshal of the Colony's vice-admiralty court. His maternal grandfather was Huguenot physician Dr. Louis Contesse. Meanwhile, as relations with Britain became strained, Tyler became a member of the Charles City County Committee of Safety. In 1775, he raised a company of troops. He joined his forces with those led by Patrick Henry to demand the restoration of the gunpowder Virginia's governor Lord Dunmore had removed from the government magazine in Williamsburg, or else compensation. In 1776 Tyler accepted a one-year appointment as commissioner in admiralty.

Tyler's statewide political career began in 1778, as he first won election as one of Charles City County's delegates to the Virginia House of Delegates. Charles City County voters re-elected him annually until 1788. Furthermore, fellow delegates elected Tyler as their Speaker in 1781, when he succeeded Benjamin Harrison (who legislators had elected the Governor), and re-elected Tyler until 1785, when Benjamin Harrison again became the Speaker).

In addition to his legislative service, Tyler served as a Judge of the Virginia High Court of Admiralty from 1776 to 1788. During that convocation, fellow delegates elected Tyler the convention's vice-president.

Governor Legislators elected Tyler the 15th Governor of Virginia from 1808 to 1811.

Tyler County, West Virginia, is named in Tyler's honor.

Family

Tyler married Mary Marot Armistead in 1776. His wife was the only child of Robert Booth and Ann (Shields) Armistead of Kings Creek Plantation in York County, Virginia (her ancestor, another Robert Booth, had served as a burgess representing the county in 1653 and 1654–1655.) They had eight children, including future President John Tyler.