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Johnson, Richard Mentor

ninth vice-president of the United States, was born Oct. 17, 1781, in Bryant's Station, Ky. In 1807 he was chosen a representative in congress from Kentucky, which post he held until 1813.. He greatly distinguished himself at the battle of the Thames, and the chief, Tecumseh, is said to have been killed by his hand.

In 1814 he was appointed Indian commissioner; and was again a representative in congress from 1813 to 1819. In 1819 he went from the house into the United States senate to fill a vacancy; and was re-elected, and served as senator until 1829. He was again elected to the house, and remained there until 1837, when he became vice-president, and as such presided over the senate. At the time of his death he was a member of the Kentucky legislature. He died Nov. 19, 1850, in Frankfort, Ky.