Upon Harrison 's death shortly after his inauguration , Vice-President John Tyler assumed the presidency .
William Henry Harrison , Whig Party presidential nominee , defeated US President Martin Van Buren in the 1840 general election .
Upon nominee 's death shortly after his inauguration , Vice-President John Tyler assumed the presidency .
William Henry Harrison , Whig Party presidential nominee , defeated US President Martin Van Buren in the 1840 general election .