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U.S. Vice Presidents: Richard Mentor Johnson

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Richard Mentor Johnson

(1780-1850)

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Occupation

Vice President

(March 4, 1837 – March 4, 1841)

U.S. Senator for Kentucky

(December 10, 1819 – March 3, 1829)

U.S. House of Representatives for Kentucky

(March 4, 1829 – March 3, 1837)
Date of Birth October 17, 1780
Date of Death November 19, 1850
Place of Birth Beargrass, Virginia, U.S. (now Louisville, Kentucky)
Place of Death Frankfort, Kentucky
Education Transylvania University
Parents

Jemima (Suggett) Johnson

Robert Johnson
Spouse Julia Chinn (common law marriage)
Political Party

Democratic-Republican (before 1828)

Democratic (after 1828)
Military Service
 

Allegiance 

United States

Service/Branch (Years)

United States Army (1812 - 1814)

Indiana Territory Militia

Rank

Colonel

Battles/wars

War of 1812

  • Battle of the Thames
Number of Children Two

Did You Know?

Vice President Johnson...

  • ...was admitted to the bar in 1802.
  • ...suffered extensive wounds from the war of 1812 that plagued him throughout the rest of his life. 
  • ...was one of several westerners whom President James Monroe considered to head the War Department after Henry Clay declined the post in 1817.

Biography

Richard M. Johnson, in full Richard Mentor Johnson, (born October 17, 1780, near Louisville, Virginia [now in Kentucky], U.S.—died November 19, 1850, Frankfort, Kentucky), ninth vice president of the United States (1837–41) in the Democratic administration of President Martin Van Buren. Although Johnson’s term in office was uneventful, opposition to him within the party increased, not least because of his open, long-term relationship with a female slave, by whom the unmarried Johnson had two children.

Quotes

"It is not the legitimate province of the Legislature to determine which religion is true, or what false. Our government is a civil, and not a religious institution."
~ Richard Mentor Johnson
 
"What other nations call religious toleration, we call religious rights. They are not exercised in virtue of governmental indulgence, but as rights, of which government cannot deprive any portion of citizens, however small."
~ Richard Mentor Johnson
 
"Their moral influence will then do infinitely more to advance the true interests of religion, than any measures which they may call on Congress to enact."
~ Richard Mentor Johnson
 

Books Located in the Library

Currently, we do not have any books on Vice President Richard M. Johnson. Please check out our E-book collection.

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