Richard Mentor Johnson
Richard Mentor Johnson (October 17, 1780 – November 19, 1850) was the ninth vice president of the United States, serving with President Martin Van Buren. A resident of Kentucky, Johnson served as a U.S. representative and senator from Kentucky, and in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
Richard Mentor Johnson | |
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| 9th Vice President of the United States | |
| In office March 4, 1837 – March 4, 1841 | |
| President | Martin Van Buren |
| Preceded by | Martin Van Buren |
| Succeeded by | John Tyler |
| United States Senator from Kentucky | |
| In office December 10, 1819 – March 3, 1829 | |
| Preceded by | John J. Crittenden |
| Succeeded by | George M. Bibb |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 17, 1780 Beargrass, Kentucky |
| Died | November 19, 1850 (aged 70) Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican, Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Unmarried (had a common law marriage with Julia Chinn) |
| Relations | Brother of James Johnson Brother of John Telemachus Johnson Uncle of Robert Ward Johnson |
| Children | Adaline Chinn Johnson Imogene Chinn Johnson |
| Alma mater | Transylvania University |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
Johnson started his career as a lawyer representing many people for free. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1806. During the War of 1812, Johnson led troops against the British.
Johnson later served in the Senate before being chosen as vice president. Johnson was elected by the Senate and not through the normal election because he did not have enough electors to win. This happened because Johnson lived with a slave named Julia Chinn, had two children with her, and treated her like his wife.
Johnson was not chosen to run with Van Buren in 1840. Johnson served in the Kentucky House of Representatives again as well as ran for a Senate seat again. In 1850 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives again but died two weeks into his term on November 19, 1850.
Richard Mentor Johnson Media
Portrait of Richard Mentor Johnson attributed to Matthew Harris Jouett, c. 1818
Portrait of a middle-aged Johnson by Rembrandt Peale
Johnson's gravesite at Frankfort Cemetery
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