Richard Mentor Johnson

Richard Mentor Johnson
9th Vice President of the United States
In office March 4, 1837 – March 4, 1841
President	Martin Van Buren
Preceded by	Martin Van Buren
Succeeded by	John Tyler
United States Senator from Kentucky
In office December 10, 1819 – March 3, 1829
Preceded by	John J. Crittenden
Succeeded by	George M. Bibb
Personal details
Born	(1780-10-17)October 17, 1780 Beargrass, Kentucky
Died	November 19, 1850(1850-11-19) (aged 70) Frankfort, Kentucky
Political party	Democratic-Republican, Democratic
Spouse(s)	Unmarried (had a common law marriage with Julia Chinn)
Relations	Brother of James Johnson Brother of John Telemachus Johnson Uncle of Robert Ward Johnson
Children	Adaline Chinn Johnson Imogene Chinn Johnson
Alma mater	Transylvania University
Military service
Branch/service	United States Army
Rank	Colonel
Battles/wars	War of 1812

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.

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.