Richard Mentor Johnson

Date of Birth: October 17, 1780

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: November 19, 1850

Biography

Richard Mentor Johnson was an American politician and military officer who served as the ninth Vice President of the United States from 1837 to 1841 under President Martin Van Buren. Born into a prominent Kentucky family, Johnson was an influential figure in early American politics. He initially gained national recognition for his military service during the War of 1812, particularly for his role in the Battle of the Thames, where he was credited with killing the Shawnee leader Tecumseh. Johnson’s political career began in the Kentucky House of Representatives, and he later served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. A staunch Democrat, he was known for his advocacy for Western expansion and his controversial support for the rights of free African Americans and Native Americans. His vice-presidency was marked by his unorthodox lifestyle and unpopularity within his own party, which eventually led to his political decline. Despite his controversial legacy, Johnson remains a notable figure in American history for his contributions to early U.S. politics and military history.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Mentor Johnson

1. Richard Mentor Johnson is the only U.S. Vice President elected by the Senate under the provisions of the Twelfth Amendment.

2. He openly lived with an African American woman named Julia Chinn, whom he considered his common-law wife, a highly controversial relationship at the time.

3. Johnson was a vocal supporter of the War of 1812 and played a significant role in the Battle of the Thames, where he reportedly killed the Native American leader Tecumseh.

4. He was a proponent of the “expunging resolution,” which aimed to erase the Senate’s censure of President Andrew Jackson from the record.

5. Johnson’s political career ended largely due to his unconventional personal life and declining popularity among his constituents.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Mentor Johnson

1. “The blood of the red man has mingled in battle with that of his white brother.”

2. “I kill Tecumseh! I kill Tecumseh!”

3. “I would rather be politically damned than hypocritically immortalized.”

4. “The rights of man and the liberty of reason, which have emancipated us from the thralldom of kings.”

5. “My deeds must speak for themselves; words are but wind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Richard Mentor Johnson’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a prominent landowner and politician in the 19th century, he was considered relatively wealthy for his time.

Children

Richard Mentor Johnson had two daughters, Imogene and Adaline, with his common-law wife, Julia Chinn. He acknowledged both daughters and ensured they received education and opportunities, despite the societal norms of the time.