Grave Robbers Stole The Corpse Of This U.S. President's Son!

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When it comes to weird and unbelievable Presidental facts and trivia, the 9th U.S. President, William Henry Harrison would have to be at or near the top of the list. He died in office only a month after his inauguration. Even more shocking, the body of his son was stolen by grave robbers. And these are just a couple of the many memorable moments in this President's life.
In May of 2022, I visited President William Henry Harrison's Memorial and Tomb located in North Bend, Ohio.
Thanks for joining me today on another raod trip to the past and for sharing the memories!
KZbin copyright and royalty free music:
Ceremonial Prelude - Sir Cubworth
American Frontiers - Aaron Kenny
Disclaimer: My videos are made independently and are not endorsed by the destinations I visit, unless credited. Every effort is made not to use copyrighted material. Images are courtesy of photographers who have granted permission, Wikimedia Commons, public domain searches, and "fair use" promotional material used here for commentary and educational reference.
#williamhenryharrison #uspresidents

[@luciledevries478]

I didn't know that about this presidents son .Glad to see you again and bringing it to our attention .Have a safe trip where ever you go .We pray for your travels 🙏🏼❤️

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thank you Lucile!

[@alexanderkostan2488]

Steve, I’m huge into the presidential history, so I love hearing about new stories about different presidents. I love hearing how things happened after they had passed away.

[@kurtdeion]

I recommend a couple of books on this subject. One is “Who’s Buried in Grant’s Tomb” by Brian Lamb and the Staff of C-SPAN. The other is “The President is Dead!” by Louis Picone.

[@Corgis175]

Fortunate they found the son's corpse right away. Only 32 days in office, that also is very spooky.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I know, right, on both!

[@JoeSpadesTT]

Such a unique tomb for such a unique US President. Glad you got to go inside of the tomb as well, since sometimes it isn’t open to visit. Luckily it was open when I visited in 2012. Great video as always!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Hi Joe, I felt very lucky that it was open, since I was there early in the morning on a week day. Such a crazy story! Thanks!

[@zingwilder9989]

That was a wonderfully personalized tour, Steve! Thank you so much. General Harrison is far more remembered as war hero than a "brief" President. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Tippecanoe and during the War of 1812. It is claimed that his campaign of 1840 (for President) was the most exuberant in American History. Between "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too;" Hard Cider and Log Cabins and "Keep the Ball Rolling;" it became a crazy show! As far as grave robbers, well, I guess that there will always be creeps that will do anything for a dollar.

[@davidlafleche1142]

In America, they're called "grave robbers." In Egypt, they're called "archaeologists."

[@zingwilder9989]

@@davidlafleche1142 Touché!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

It's easy to forget, or not to even know, that as crazy as politics is today, most of it isn't anything new. You really know your history Zing!

[@zingwilder9989]

@@TheGraveyardChannel Actually, Steve, it's somewhat coincidental. For the past 3 months I've been studying the Presidents from Jefferson to Buchanan. Your presentations are going hand in hand with it. Thank You!!

[@cathyruthroff1698]

Very interesting. I have never heard this before. Love learning something new. Thanks Steve.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Cathy. Me too!

[@kirklandphil]

Well done Steve. Glad the gates were open. That is very cool.

[@erinbedard6374]

Love the video. Thank you for sharing. Can't believe people would steel his corps. Unbelieveble.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I agree Erin!

[@davidlafleche1142]

@@TheGraveyardChannel In America, they're called "grave robbers." In Egypt, they're called "archaeologists."

[@chadglasner4755]

I love this historical context of things. History is and can be very wild. Keep safe Steve and great video as always

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

That's for sure. Thanks Chad. 👍

[@jbenziggy]

Very interesting, Steve! Hadn’t heard the story about the stolen body!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Hi Jeff, I hadn't heard it either, until this trip. This sounds like an historic trip you would make. Nice to hear from you.

[@jrodmad4195]

Another great video Steve thank you

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Jrod!

[@janetslicer3637]

Great video. Very interesting, "the Son of one President, the Father of another President." A lot of family dynamics, energy and commitment to our nation. Thank you for a very moving video. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Janet!

[@danapretzer1895]

You never disappoint great visit once again. I'm starting to hit thumbs up even before I start watching lol. Thanks Steve.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

LOL, thanks Dana, I wish every viewer did. :-)

[@thomasmccardle725]

I’ve been doing that almost as long as I’ve been a subscriber, if not my favorite your channel is at the top of my list of favorites! Please stay safe and keep well Steve and all your subscribers!

[@christof6951]

Thank you for showing! I love it!👍👍🏾Best wishes from Germany🇩🇪

[@dianejohnson7235]

Such a beautiful resting place!!!! I would never get to see these places if you did not bring us along with you!!!!Thankyou!!!

[@carolk5770]

Hi Steve. This was very informative to me. I didn’t know he only served 32 days as President or, really, much else about him. TY for this video!! 🌴😎

[@thomasconnors6755]

I am glad you showed this to you I was curious about what the inside look like interesting good work as always Steve

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Thomas!

[@davidmckinney6577]

So interesting Steve I learned something new today thanks for the vlog it was wonderful and beautiful there

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks David and glad to hear it!

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

Omg how could they be so crazy I hope that justice get them amazing video Steve

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Jasmine!

[@connieliscio5593]

I really like this tour that you have done on US presidents Steve. Such a shame about the Presidents son. No family should have to go through that!

[@jodywoodruff6473]

That's awful to disturb someone's resting place. Awesome video 👍☺️

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Hi Judy, I know, it's hard to believe.

[@kurtdeion]

The old PBS show “History Detectives” had a great episode where one of the historians investigated a 19th century explosive device meant to thwart grave-robbing.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

OMG, that's so crazy to think that this was so common that they needed a device to try to stop it! Thanks for sharing this Kurt!

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi Steve ! This is very interesting history ! Imagine robbing graves to practice research on them ! It was sad he was only in office for a month . Plus his son's body was robbed from his grave ! Steve you definitely bring the most intriguing history to us ! Thanks for all your great vlogs! Take care and have fun on your travels! Deborah 🇨🇦

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Deborah, I try! :-)

[@LawyerCalhoun1]

Harrison developed pneumonia after a 2 hour long inauguration speech delivered in the cold rain. In only being in office for a month, he reminds me of Pope John Paul I, who died in his sleep after a month.

[@miaomiaochan]

Except he didn't actually become sick until two to three weeks after his inauguration, and modern physicians have suggested that he actually died from typhoid fever stemming from a contaminated water supply. Later on, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor would come down with similar gastrointestinal ailments.

[@christian.9075]

That is actually a myth believe it or not. Appearantly, the water system of the White house was contaminated at the time and cause Harrison to become ill.

[@dwaynecollins4974]

Steve you are correct sir, president Harrison didn't die from pneumonia his cause of death was apparently sepsis. While completely curable with antibiotics in modern times, back in those days it was almost always terminal. A terrific video though, with history, a mystery and fantastic views in the landscape! I had to watch it more than once 😊

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Dwayne, that's really nice to hear. And yes, when it comes to medicine and knowledge we are soooo lucky to be living now instead of then. :-O

[@reneerednour3951]

Interesting video. You have interesting facts in your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks for watching Renee!

[@summer7171]

Thank You, I’ve really appreciated these historical trips

[@sallykohorst8803]

So amazing i rewatched the video twice. It was so interesting and love the music. It makes me tear up!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thank you Sally, so glad you liked it. Sorry it was so sad.

[@Tawanda65]

Things i never learned in school. How amazing. Thanks again Steve

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

Good Morning Steve 🙋🏽. Enjoy your day ‼️

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

You too Carole!

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

@@TheGraveyardChannel thank you Steve 🙋🏽👍🏽.

[@jeanaesamuel47]

This is so very sad!!! I heard about it but i hoped they'd have found it by now

[@monikameza4107]

Very interesting story. Thank you Steve for sharing. Safe travels and be safe 🙏

[@CollinW93]

Great video, Steve! :)

[@normahird9059]

Steve..... One of the Presidents buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Virginia has a birdcage looking enclosure surrounding his coffin. This was done in some cemeteries to prevent grave robbing. Say hi to your husband. Stay safe as you leave crazy Ohio!!!!! Did you know that Ohio is the birthplace of football?

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Yes, I visited it in my last President video. I didn't know that was the reason though. Thanks for sharing that Norma!

[@kurtdeion]

James Monroe was originally interred in Manhattan in 1831, and he was relocated to Virginia in the 1850s. His iron tomb at Hollywood Cemetery was designed by Albert Lybrock and is based off of the tomb of scholars Héloïse and Abelard at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France. In this instance, I do not think the Monroe cage functions as a mort safe to prevent grave theft - President Monroe’s body is not held within the stone sarcophagus, but rather buried in the ground beneath the structure. I think it’s more so a tribute to Monroe’s fondness for French culture and design.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks for sharing that Kurt. I had no idea. That is so interesting. I read that one of his daughters is buried in Paris, where she grew up. I didn't know any of their history in France. As I always say, you learn so much by visiting gravesites. Especially when knowledgeable historians like you leave comments like this. :-)

[@pauletterichards4755]

How awful to have this happen to one’s family member !

[@shelbychambers307]

Good video Steve I did not know that about his son

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Shelby. I didn't either until I made this video.

[@timothyshortnacy7550]

The monument is 60 feet high. Thanks for the info Steve! Interesting story!

[@marlenepearson3936]

I had no idea that President WH Harrison's, sons body had been stolen. Yikes! How awful 😖 😱 When I was a Junior in high school, we were supposed to do a report on a President. Pick your own President. I thought about WH Harrison for a short report! 😆 Figured there wouldn't be enough info on his month in office. 😁 I decided to go with Truman. Thanks 😊 for the video Steve! Be well! 💕

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

LOL, who would have guessed, right? Truman was pretty interesting too though. Thanks for sharing that with us Marlene.

[@marlenepearson3936]

@@TheGraveyardChannel I actually enjoyed doing the report on Harry Truman! 😆 👍 💕

[@MitchC357]

Never knew this story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@alextaffera6962]

Great info Steve always ty

[@lisablake5328]

Love your President videos I hope you have a blessed day 🙏 on your trip home can't wait for more videos.

[@shannonmanley9217]

Another Great video my Friend, because you take these trips I get to see things I would normally not be able to see. hope you are doing well. as always God Bless & take care my Friend. waiting for the next video.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Shannon 👍

[@shannonmanley9217]

@@TheGraveyardChannel yvw!!!

[@davidgerow]

What bizarre story. Thanks Steve.

[@claytonlee]

Steve it's nice to finally see William Henry Harison's gravesite. I saw Benjamin Harison's gravesite the other day. I think i told you back when you said you were going to visit the President's gravesites, that i was related to these two President's. Thank you for doing this I've been wanting to see where they were buried. I hope you will be posting the video(s) you made her in New Orleans soon

[@angelamatthew1487]

Hi Steve, I love watching your videos and love the music in the background it's so emotive, thank you and take care from the UK x

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thank you Angela. Glad you like them!

[@lisad476]

Very nice place

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

How are YOU doing? I hope you are enjoying your trip and thank you as always for education me with each locations you visit!!!!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

The trip was great. Thanks Janice!

[@oliviasoliz5983]

Thank you for sharing very interesting stuff my ex is from Lima Ohio and he lives there now the state is very nice places.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I agree Olivia!

[@leesashriber5097]

Good morning, Steve!! Wow!! I had no idea about his son. His legacy and family could be a movie!! Thank you so much!! 😊

[@josephstevens9888]

The State of Ohio has gone a long way in cleaning up Harrison's grave. When I first visited it in the late 80's it almost seemed neglected to a certain extend. The next time I visited in the early 2010's, the area was vastly improved upon. However, both times I've visited, the outer door to the monument was closed and locked.

[@Lava1964]

I learned something today! I had never heard of the grave-robbing story. Thanks for the info, Steve!

[@ardensinn8518]

That is an awesome setting. Nicely kept. Thx for taking us there. Good to hear your voice Steve.💜💜

[@simplelife3575]

Thank you Steve for taking us with you! I was feeling down today and you lifted my spirits

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I'm happy to hear that SL Hope you are feeling better! :-)

[@dennissharkeyawwcomeonman1820]

Great stuff

[@zingwilder9989]

Thanks!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Hi Zing, omg thank you once again! You have another shout out coming soon. So nice of you! :-)

[@nancyvolke237]

Thanks Steve for sharing with us 👍🏻 never heard from this President....👍🏻😔

[@jhsams1977]

Thanks Steve! Great video as always!

[@pamelaromer7727]

Dang Steve! I would have taken you out to dinner if I knew you were in Ohio. Love your videos!

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thank you for sharing🪦

[@amyallison350]

I love learning about the presidents

[@dennismccallister3994]

Enjoyed your travels, Glad to see you back!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

LOL I didn't know I was gone. :-) Thanks dennis.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Another good one ,Steve

[@debbiemorgan6701]

I had never heard this before. I would have thought that I would have heard it before now. Just goes to show that we can learn something new everyday.

[@luciledevries478]

Crazy is right

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

Never heard that story. That's pretty interesting!

[@countrydj2]

If you watch President Kennedy’s funeral procession, you’ll notice that there was a ride less, saddled horse.

[@syreetaabney6968]

I enjoyed the video Steve this was useful information I did not know they stole a president's son bodsy. I loved the channel and you travel to places I don't and thank you.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Syreeta!

[@vivavasuviuspodcast]

Great stuff, Steve 👍

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks M 👍

[@josephosheavideos3992]

Grave stealing to provide corpses for medical research had actually started a century earlier in England. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin (a medical doctor) may have been involved in the practice when he lived in London. (PBS's "Secrets of the Dead" had an episode on this very question.)

[@texadonkey34]

Wow, Halloween came early and this is pretty creepy. Glad the body was recovered🌼. Very nice tour & I hope the weather is getting cooler for you.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks Kat!

[@navelriver]

The videos on this channel are always interesting!

[@pattibrooks1907]

Just had. My surgery on Monday leaving for rehab today had to see have to see my doctor first

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Congrats. Glad it went well Patti!

[@Carmenmartinez-nf9pt]

I found your channel and watching a lots of old videos thank 🙏 😊 you're awesome 👌 👏.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thank you Carmen 😊👍

[@bcoldgoalie]

If Harrison was born in England how did he become president? I thought you had to be American born to qualify to run as president of the U.S. Maybe that's a more recent requirement? Fascinating story Steve. 😊👍

[@keithdancer1668]

Harrison's daughter-in-law (Jane Irwin Harrison), who stood in the place of his wife, Anna Harrison at his inauguration, is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. Anna was ill at the time and found out about her husband's death, while she was packing. Therefore, she never made the trip to the White House and become the second First Lady to do so. The First was Martha Washington, who was First Lady before the White House was built.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Awesome Presidential trivia Keith!

[@ShelbyFarrow]

I read somewhere that if the Whig Party had really thought there was any chance that John Tyler would ever become President they wouldn't have pushed for him to be on the ticket with WHH. Though isn't that something that should always be thought of? After all, any VP is only a heartbeat away from assuming the Presidency so the running mates have to be considered competent.

[@zingwilder9989]

Great point! Tyler became a man without a party. I think it was his first week in office when he told Henry Clay to leave the White House. However, he is notable for setting the precedent for the succession of power to the VP, upon the death of the President.

[@rextrek]

8th..heyy Steve ...now isn't he the President who insisted on giving his inaugural speech in the Pouring Rain? .. and died a Month later of pneumonia?

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Yes, but that seems to be an urban legend from what I've read.

[@kurtdeion]

Hi, Steve - the shaft of the Harrison Tomb is made of Bedford Limestone and is 60 feet tall. It is not original to the gravesite, but rather was added on in 1924. Too bad it did not work out for you to connect with caretaker Bev Meyers to arrange for the inner most gate to be opened so you had full access, but at least the outer gate was unlocked and you could see the burial chamber. By the way… William Henry Harrison’s father was Benjamin Harrison V, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. So the direct lineage is even more intriguing!

[@zingwilder9989]

Thank you for that additional information, Kurt! Prior to the State of Ohio taking responsibility for it in 1919, it was just a vault/mausoleum that was in need of maintenance. Indeed, that is truly an impressive structure.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

And the story just keeps getting more interesting! Thanks Kurt!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thanks for sharing that Zing. So much interesting history at this site.

[@bethtyree6346]

How crazy

[@tamarasetterdahl2453]

I am enjoying the president's graves

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Glad to hear that Tamara!

[@jodylehman7337]

This is Very Interesting!!! You're always a pleasure Steve!!! Wasn't really interested in got back in high school nor history. Sure wish I would of been!!! I'm learning alot from you with the presidents. I'm gonna go visit Abraham Lincolns Grave. I'm determined now that I watched you're video!!! I'm in Indiana to close not to visit this one!!!! Bucket Lust. Thanks Steve!!!!

[@ChickasawBrave]

wow that is just wild

[@cjhoward409]

It’s 60 feet tall. The monument for William Henry Harrison

[@RailfanNetwork]

Howdy Steve!!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Hi Anthony! Are you out of harm's way in Florida?

[@RailfanNetwork]

@@TheGraveyardChannel Yes. All the way north in Virginia Beach!!

[@melissareid640]

Stolen crops of his son?? Why have I never heard of this?? Ewwww no. My goodness. No.

[@travels129]

How sick stealing a corpse . Terrible

[@richardwigley4942]

Hi Steve Richard Frank Ann England love your channel

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Thank you Richard!

[@gonzo94000]

Beverly is the elderly woman who will let you inside the locked gate by the gravesite. She knows quite a bit about the former President.

[@GoddessRx]

This was personal… No grace robbers. No rest for the wicked

[@tinovanderzwanphonocave544]

as you know I have been a cemetery archeologist in our town and, to a certain extent I will be all my life for instance about 3 years ago a neighborhood was going to be built near our local observatory now, this site used to be the dumping ground for the plague dead in the 16th-century yup! they just threw them over the city walls! so now with the construction coming up, they would hit human remains for sure so I notified the authorities and their reaction was kinda méh... so to be sure I also contacted the cities archeologists and like clockwork, on the first day of ground-breaking they hit a bone bed! it's always nice to get a call from the police and it's not about me being bad! lol!!

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

LOL :-) That's awesome that you are being their guardian!

[@johnlacroix1639]

TY,,,,,,WOW 1st class incredible very interesting super kool ,1st class great info.,, AAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++ again great video I liked it a lot ,keep up the great work

[@Foxyreacts444]

Hey!!!!!! You are close to me now!!!!!! You love Ohio????? Okkkkkkk I'm in Kentucky about 14 miles south!!!!! Enjoy the weather!!? Since you're there, check out Spring Grove Cemetery!!!! That's an amazing cemetery, lots of interesting facts!

[@jamestakacs]

Ohio has some of the best bicycle trails in the nation

[@PamPoarch-ht5qn]

Interesting

[@linda5120]

I really like going to the cemetery with you but stealing a dead body is a little creepy 👍🤔

[@jasepyle1221]

A really cool place! If you come to Louisville area to see Zachary Taylor hmu please I’d love to show you some off the grid history

[@megmoulton4199]

steve dont forget he fought in the warof 1812 he fought in the battle tippacanoe and tyler too

[@tiggerlady2352]

I remember you were showing us from last time. Do you mean that someone stolen his son then later they found his buried and put it back? I want to make sure clearly.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

Yes, they found his body and brought it back.

[@tiggerlady2352]

@@TheGraveyardChannel Thank you 😊 The guy is nuts for stealing his son.

[@LesterMoore]

Ye Gads! Grave robbers? How ghoulish. I've a mind picture of a band of Igors, attired in hooded black garb, running about in the wee hours of the early morning with spades and lanterns digging up fresh graves for their ghastly lucrative trade. Yuck! Rather be a farmer or some other honorable trade. Good visit and back story for the Halloween time of year. Regardless thank you for talking us with you on this memorable trip.

[@TheGraveyardChannel]

I know, hard to believe. Thanks Mario!

[@hattiem.7966]

I saw this grave in 2007.

[@timothycallahan253]

What’s up Steve my brother say safe man