Who was the shortest serving US President, and how long did he serve?

[Ralph Sir Edward]

This is a real tough trivia question.

I will post the answer next Sunday, if nobody has gotten the answer by then.

 

[slip]

Without Googling, I think it was Willam Henry Harrison. I know he gave the longest inauguration speech in the rain and cold. Then later got pneumonia. I want to say he served around 30 days again without Googling.

 

[Ralph Sir Edward]

Wrong!

I said it a real tough trivia question. You won't find it in Google.. . .

 

[Luanne]

James Madison was the shortest serving president at 5"4". He served for 8 years.

 

[WalnutBaron]

Some will say it was a Senator named David Rice Atchison, who claimed to be President for a day. This is, however, fully refuted on Snopes.

 

[Big Matt]

David Atchison, 1 day

 

[Big Matt]

James Madison was the shortest serving president at 5"4". He served for 8 years.

I vote for your answer! Most clever answer if not correct

 

[Ralph Sir Edward]

One could make counter arguments. Note: while the House of Representatives adjourns, the Senate recesses, but does not adjourn. 2/3 of the senators are still serving their uninterrupted terms, they have a quorum, even in adjournment. A point that Snopes missed.

 

[CanuckTravlr]

On a more sombre note, I know who I would like it to be, but failing that I will not hazard a further guess!

Good luck to everyone else!

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

In days - William Henry Harrison / 31 days
March 4 - April 4 1841

my guess is Luanne has the correct answer

 

[Mongoose]

Wasn't George Washington's VP signed in before he was?

 

[Old Hickory]

Alexander Haig

 

[bluehende]

Alexander Haig

That one crossed my mind and I threw it out as I figured saying you are in charge does not in fact make you president. I then went to GHW Bush when Reagan was under anesthesia.

 

[clifffaith]

Without Googling, I think it was Willam Henry Harrison. I know he gave the longest inauguration speech in the rain and cold. Then later got pneumonia. I want to say he served around 30 days again without Googling.

That was our guess, but I bet Luanne got it.

 

[Brett]

On a more sombre note, I know who I would like it to be, but failing that I will not hazard a further guess!

Good luck to everyone else!

I'm voting with Luanne

 

[gravityrules]

Dick Cheney - served as president twice (for a matter of hours each time) while Bush was under anesthesia during colonoscopies.