Tyler's Famous Children
Robert Tyler, the second child of the president, was born in 1816 and became a successful lawyer and politician. Later in his life, he became the Alabama Democratic State Chairman, as well as the editor of the Montgomerey Advisor.
Another child who attempted to get into the field of politics, law, and writing was John. He did not really succeed at any of those professions; however, he is well known for defending his father's honor in a Richmond newspaper.
David Gardiner, the first of Julia's children, served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Afterwards, he became a lawyer and served in a number of positions in Congress.
Lachlan Tyler was also a doctor who became a surgeon in the United States Navy.
Another successful member of the Tyler family was Lyon Gardiner who was the president of William and Mary College for 31 years.
Born in 1821, Lettia Tyler Semple, took on the role of mother to her younger siblings after her mother suffered a stroke. However, once her father married Gardiner, the two women despised each other and continued to fight for the rest of their lives.
Another controversial figure in the Tyler family was Tazewell. He served in the Civil War, and became a doctor. However, he died of alcoholism at the age of 44.