Yahtzee! Minnesota Man with Deep Wapella Roots Makes Big Find about President John Tyler

Well, I'll be Tippecanoed and Tyler tooed...This just in......President John Tyler's (born in 1790) has grandchildren who are very, much alive

Former President John Tyler, born 221 years ago, still has two living grandchildren. The one-term president isn't a well-known historical figure; he's probably best remembered for helping to push through the annexation of Texas in 1845, shortly before leaving office.

So, how is it possible that a former president who died 150 years ago would still have direct descendents alive today? As it turns out, the Tyler men were known for fathering children late in life. And that math is pretty outstanding when added up:
John Tyler was born in 1790. He became the 10th president of the United States in 1841 after William Henry Harrison died in office. Tyler fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler in 1853, at age 63. Then, at the age of 71, Lyon Gardiner Tyler fathered Lyon Gardiner Tyler Jr. in 1924 and four years later at age 75, Harrison Ruffin Tyler. Both men are still alive today.

That means just three generations of the Tyler family are spread out over more than 200 years. President Tyler was also a prolific father, having 15 children (8 boys and 7 girls) with two wives.

What makes this story even more interesting (I am not sure it could get less interesting) is that is was drummed up by none other than Danny Dixon, of Eagan Minnesota, the son of Ann Toohill Dixon, of Wapella. Not that Danny did all that much research, or really had much of anything to do with the story, but I don't think I would ever have found out about it, if not for my 3rd cousin and look-alike Danny Dixon, who also is a very handsome man.

Thanks for the tip Danny!