Bryan Gardiner

Lyon Gardiner Tyler Sr. (1853–1935) was an American educator, historian, and politician, and the 17th president of the College of William & Mary. As the son of President John Tyler, he was deeply involved in Virginia's history and heritage. Tyler dedicated much of his career to historical research and the preservation of Virginia's records, playing a key role in restoring and revitalizing the College of William & Mary. He also became known for his strong criticisms of Abraham Lincoln and his defense of the Confederacy's position, particularly concerning slavery.

Tyler's tenure at William & Mary saw significant improvements in the college's finances and infrastructure, and he was instrumental in its transition to a public institution. He also championed historical preservation, advocating for public funds to copy and preserve colonial records. Despite his academic and administrative achievements, Tyler's later years were marked by public debate over his historical interpretations, particularly his views on the causes of the Civil War and his critical stance on Lincoln. His writings, including "A Confederate Catechism," were embraced by some Southern heritage groups while drawing criticism for their historical perspective.

Lyon Gardiner Tyler Sr. served as the president of the College of William & Mary from 1888 to 1919, a period during which he revitalized the institution's finances and infrastructure. He oversaw the college's transition into a public institution, expanded its faculty, and initiated the "William and Mary Quarterly" journal. Beyond his administrative duties, Tyler was a passionate advocate for historical research and the preservation of Virginia's past. He dedicated himself to locating and copying colonial records, persuading the Virginia General Assembly to appropriate funds for this purpose. His efforts laid groundwork for public investment in state record preservation and spurred recognition of Jamestown and Williamsburg's historical significance. He also served for many years on the State Library Board and the executive committee of the Virginia Historical Society, solidifying his commitment to safeguarding historical memory.

In his later life, Tyler gained notoriety for his critical stance on U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, whom he viewed unfavorably in comparison to figures like the German nobility and his own father. Tyler argued that Lincoln was opposed to the self-determination of Confederate states, drawing parallels to Germany's actions in World War I. He published numerous articles in "Tyler's Quarterly and Genealogical Magazine" challenging Lincoln's legacy and the narrative of the Civil War. His pamphlet, "A Confederate Catechism," posited that the anti-slavery movement, rather than slavery itself, was the root cause of national troubles. These views were supported by organizations such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy, but also drew significant criticism for their historical interpretations and justification of racial segregation.

“Ancestry is only of public interest as it reflects credit upon descendants.”

“Both from the standpoint of the Constitution and sound statesmanship, it was not slavery, but the vindictive, intemperate anti-slavery movement that was at the bottom of all the troubles.”