Richard Mentor Johnson

vice president of the United States from 1837 to 1841

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
9th Vice President of the United States
In office
March 4, 1837 – March 4, 1841
PresidentMartin Van Buren
Preceded byMartin Van Buren
Succeeded byJohn Tyler
United States Senator
from Kentucky
In office
December 10, 1819 – March 3, 1829
Preceded byJohn J. Crittenden
Succeeded byGeorge M. Bibb
Personal details
Born(1780-10-17)October 17, 1780
Beargrass, Kentucky
DiedNovember 19, 1850(1850-11-19) (aged 70)
Frankfort, Kentucky
Political partyDemocratic-Republican, Democratic
Spouse(s)Unmarried (had a common law marriage with Julia Chinn)
RelationsBrother of James Johnson
Brother of John Telemachus Johnson
Uncle of Robert Ward Johnson
ChildrenAdaline Chinn Johnson
Imogene Chinn Johnson
Alma materTransylvania University
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
RankColonel
Battles/warsWar 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.