John C. Calhoun

Date of Birth: March 18, 1782

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: March 31, 1850

Biography

John Caldwell Calhoun was a prominent American statesman and political theorist during the first half of the 19th century. Born on March 18, 1782, in Abbeville, South Carolina, Calhoun became one of the most influential American politicians of his time. He served as the seventh Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832 under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. Calhoun also held significant positions in the U.S. Congress and was Secretary of War and Secretary of State. Known for his strong defense of states’ rights and his role in the nullification crisis, Calhoun was a leading voice in the antebellum South. His ideas and writings significantly influenced the political landscape leading up to the Civil War. Calhoun passed away on March 31, 1850, leaving a complex legacy that continues to be studied and debated.

5 Interesting Facts about John C. Calhoun

1. John C. Calhoun was the first Vice President to resign from office.

2. He was a strong advocate for the institution of slavery, viewing it as a “positive good.”

3. Calhoun was instrumental in the passage of the Tariff of 1816, which protected American manufacturing.

4. He was the main proponent of the Nullification Doctrine, which argued that states could nullify federal laws.

5. Calhoun was a staunch defender of states’ rights and believed in the principle of concurrent majority to protect minority interests.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John C. Calhoun

1. “The government that governs least, governs best.”

2. “The Union next to our liberty, most dear.”

3. “I never know what South Carolina thinks about a question until she speaks, and when she speaks, she has made up her mind.”

4. “In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct.”

5. “The true conservative seeks to protect the system of government which guarantees and secures our liberty and our property.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John C. Calhoun’s net worth at its peak was estimated to be around $500,000, which would be equivalent to several million dollars today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

John C. Calhoun and his wife, Floride Bonneau Calhoun, had 10 children, although three died young. Some of their children included: 1. Andrew Pickens Calhoun 2. Patrick Calhoun 3. Anna Maria Calhoun Clemson, who married Thomas Green Clemson, the founder of Clemson University.