The man from Michigan who became president for a day

Thomas White Ferry, a respected politician from Michigan, occupies a unique place in American history. He was born on Mackinac Island on June 1, 1827. And he holds the unique title of being one of the few people in American history to have served as president for just one day.

Thomas W. Ferry’s brief term as president coincided with the turmoil of the 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. At the time, he was President pro tempore of the Senate, making him the second candidate for president.

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When Ulysses S. Grant’s term ended on March 3, 1877, and Hayes’ inauguration was postponed to March 5, 1877, Ferry had to step in as acting president for one day on March 4, 1877.

Although he did nothing while in office, he played an important role in proving how our democracy should work. By ensuring that only one day passed between presidents, he showed that we can have a civilized transfer of power in turbulent times. Although this is rare, it can also happen when a president undergoes a medical procedure and is unable to hold office for a short period of time.

Although his presidency was brief and largely ceremonial, it underscored the importance of constitutional succession. Thomas W. Ferry remained in the Senate until 1883, leaving Michigan and the nation with a legacy of dedication and service. His unique story underscores how important holding power for even a single day can be.