William Henry Harrison


William Henry Harrison, third and youngest son of Benjamin Harrison, one
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born at Berkeley,
Charles City County, Va., February 9, 1773. Was educated at Hampden
Sidney College, Virginia, and began the study of medicine, but before he
had finished it accounts of Indian outrages on the western frontier led
him to enter the Army, and he was commissioned an ensign in the First
Infantry on August 16, 1791; joined his regiment at Fort Washington,
Ohio. Was appointed lieutenant June 2, 1792, and afterwards joined the
Army under General Anthony Wayne, and was made aid-de-camp to the
commanding officer. For his services in the expedition, in December,
1793, that erected Fort Recovery he was thanked by name in general
orders. Participated in the engagements with the Indians that began on
June 30, 1794, and was complimented by General Wayne for gallantry in
the victory on the Miami on August 20. On May 15, 1797, was made captain
and given the command of Fort Washington. While there he married Anna,
daughter of John Cleves Symmes. Resigned his commission on June 1, 1798,
peace having been made with the Indians, and was immediately appointed
by President John Adams secretary of the Northwest Territory, but in
October, 1799, resigned to take his seat as Territorial Delegate in
Congress. During his term part of the Northwest Territory was formed
into the Territory of Indiana, including the present States of Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and he was appointed its governor and
superintendent of Indian affairs, which he accepted, and resigned his
seat in Congress. Was reappointed successively by Presidents Jefferson
and Madison. He organized the legislature at Vincennes in 1805. Held
frequent councils with the Indians, and succeeded in averting many
outbreaks. On September 30, 1809, concluded a treaty with several tribes