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U.S. Vice Presidents: John Breckinridge

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John C. Breckinridge

(1821-1875)

John C. Breckinridge (@breckinator_) | Twitter

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Occupation

14th Vice President (1857-1861)

5th Confederate States Secretary of War (February 1865 - May 1865)

U.S. Senator from Kentucky (March 1861 - December 1861)

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives - Kentucky's 8th District (1851 - 1855)
Date of Birth January 16, 1821
Date of Death May 17, 1875
Place of Birth Lexington, Kentucky
Place of Death Lexington, Kentucky
Education

Central College (BA)

College of New Jersey - Princeton

Transylvania University
Parents

Mary Clay (Smith)

Joseph "Cabell" Breckinridge
Spouse Mary Burch (1843)
Political Party

Democratic
Military Service
 

Allegiance 

United States of America

Confederate States of America

Service/Branch 

United States Army (1847–1848)

Confederate States Army (1861–1865)

Rank

Major (U.S.)

Major General (C.S.)
Number of Children Seven

Did You Know?

Vice President Breckinridge...

  • ...was the only Vice President to ever take up arms against the United States.
  • ...was the cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln.
  • ....was formally expelled by the United States Senate as a traitor.

Biography

John C. Breckinridge, in full John Cabell Breckinridge, (born January 21, 1821, near Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.—died May 17, 1875, Lexington), 14th vice president of the United States (1857–61), unsuccessful presidential candidate of Southern Democrats (November 1860), and Confederate officer during the American Civil War (1861–65).

Quotes

“I trust that I have the courage to lead a forlorn hope. ”
—John C. Breckinridge

Books Located in the Library

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