Founding1790
John Tyler Born
John Tyler was born in Charles City County, Virginia. As the first Vice President to assume the presidency upon a president's death, Tyler established the critical precedent that the Vice President becomes the full President with all powers of the office, not merely an acting president.
Why It Matters
Tyler's assertion of full presidential authority established the "Tyler Precedent" for presidential succession, ensuring continuity of government that was later formalized in the 25th Amendment.