Evening star., 1943-04-11
Capital Side|i9hts
By Will P. Kennedy.

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Vice President Richard NJ. johnson of
Kentucky had unique record. He
served seven terms in the State Legisla-
ture of Kentucky between 1904 and 1850;
"a years in the national Congress-20 in
the House, 10 in the Senate and 4 as Vice
President. He established several prece-
dents. He was first elected to the United
States Senate by a majority OF Is votes
over John Adair. He was the only per-
son ever elected Vice President by the
Senate. He was three times brought
forward as candidate for President;
twice a candidate for Vice President.
He was the first native son of Ken
lucky elected to the State Legislature,
to the United States Congress and the
vice presidency. He died while member
of the Kentucky Legislature. at the age
Of 70. after having been Vice President
He was three times proposed for Gov
ernor Of Kentucky-in 1874, l843 and
1850.
He was commissioned as colonel on
the staff of Brig. Gen. William Henry
Harrison during the War of 1912. in
which his father, 1t. Col Robert john
son, and two of his brothers also took
conspicuous parts. He was the hero"
Of the Battle Of the Thames, the only
survivor of the "Forlorn Hope" of 20
volunteers led by himself and the vet
eran Indian fighter, William Whitley.
aged 68. He, personally, while lying on
the ground. severely wounded. bleeding
from five wounds. shot and killed the
Indian chieftain Tecun1seh. President
Madison. in message to Congress, gave
him credit for the victory. He was pre-
sented by Congress with a magnificent
sword in appreciation, and personally
commended by President Monroe May 5,
1920.
He was secretary of the Republican
caucus in the House chamber that nomi-
mated President Monroe; led the fight
which exculpated two future Presidents
Gen. William Henry Harrison and Gen.
Andrew Jackson-from accusations grow
ing out of their war leadership. He was
chairman of a committee that investi-
gated the invasion of the Capital and
the capture of Alexandria, Va, by the
British in 1914.
He challenged to duel for "scurrilous"
publications the famous former United
States Senator Humphrey Marshall,
cousin of John Marshall. author of the
first History of Kentucky who helped
expose Aaron Burr's conspiracy. He was
chairman of the Jubilee" to celebrate
the Louisiana Purchase.
He was closely associated in public life
with Matthew Lyon. who cast the decid-
ing vote that elected Jefferson President,
and with Henry Clay, with whom he had
two notable debates He was on out
standing disciple Of Jacksonian democ-
racy. He was pensioner of the United
States at $50 month. He started the
White Sulphur Springs resort. He en-
tertained at his Kentucky estate many
notables including President Monroe,
Gems. Lafayette and Andrew jackson.
From his first day in the State Legisla-
ture in 1904 until he died In 1850
member Of the same legislative body-his
career was one of "unremitting vigilance"
for the preservation of republicanism.
He impoverished himself when he
backed financially his brother James,
who was lieutenant colonel in the War Of
1912, had commanded the right wing in
the Battle of the Thames, in the "Yel-
lowstone Expedition" under a contract
with the War Department December 2,
1879 to furnish supplies to troops on the
Western frontier, in race between the
United States and the British for control
in Oregon, under the Treaty of Ghent.
y y
Representative Foster Stearns Of New
Hampshire claims the family service rec
ord for Mr.. and Mrs William Dennis of
Keene. The New Hampshire State Leg
islature passed a resolution coneratu-
lating them for having given seven sons
to the armed forces