Today in history: February 28
President John Tyler escaped death, but two of his cabinet members weren't as lucky
By West Wing Reports | February 28, 2013
John Tyler, the 10th president of the U.S., nearly lost his life on a cruise.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
February 28
On this day. 1844: A close call for President John Tyler. During a pleasure cruise along the Potomac River on the USS Princeton, a cannon blew during a demonstration, killing several people, including two members of Tyler's cabinet: Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur and Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer. The daughter of one victim later became Tyler's wife. Julia Gardiner was 34 years younger than the (cradle-robbing) president.
Quote of the day
"Wealth can only be accumulated by the earnings of industry and the savings of frugality." -John Tyler
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