Richard Mentor Johnson (1780-1850) was an American politician and military figure. He served as the ninth Vice President of the United States (1837-1841) under President Martin Van Buren. Born in Kentucky, Johnson had a distinguished military career during the War of 1812, where he gained the nickname "The Hero of the Thames".
In terms of his political career, Johnson served in both the Kentucky House of Representatives and the United States House of Representatives. He was known for his advocacy of western interests, particularly championing measures that supported agriculture and industry.
Johnson's most notable achievement was his role in the abolition of the international slave trade. As Vice President, he presided over the Senate when it cast the tie-breaking vote that resulted in the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1848, effectively ending the importing of slaves into the United States.
However, Johnson's personal life was marred by controversy since he maintained a common-law marriage with Julia Chinn, a woman of mixed African American and white heritage. Their relationship was taboo and faced social criticism due to the racial prejudices of the time.
Overall, Richard Mentor Johnson was a prominent figure in American political history, known for his military accomplishments, support for western interests, and his pivotal role in ending the international slave trade.
