LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 April Marketplace Auction #87041  / 

90409

Richard Mentor Johnson, Vice-President 1837-1841

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:8.00 USD Estimated At:30.00 - 50.00 USD
Richard Mentor Johnson, Vice-President 1837-1841
<B>Richard Mentor Johnson, United States Vice-President, Autograph</B></I> - clipped signature "<I>Rd. M. Johnson</B></I>" mounted with a copy of a drawing. Overall size, 12" x 15.75". Richard Johnson (1780-1850), from Beargrass, Kentucky, was commissioned a colonel of Kentucky Volunteers and commanded a regiment in the War of 1812. He was credited by some with personally killing Tecumseh at the Battle of Thames. Despite the doubtful accuracy of this claim, Johnson would later use it in successful campaigns for Congress. Johnson never married, but had a long-term relationship with Julia Chinn, a family slave. Together, they had two daughters. Johnson was entirely open about the relationship, treating Chinn as if she was his wife, which greatly offended many of his fellow Southerners. In 1836, Johnson was selected as the Democratic Party's candidate for vice president, as running mate to Martin Van Buren. Johnson's background as a Westerner and Indian fighter made him a good balance to Van Buren, an elegant Easterner. The Democrats won the election, but the 23 electors from Virginia refused to vote for Johnson due to his relationship with Julia Chinn. With exactly 147 of the 294 electoral votes, Johnson was one vote short of a majority. In such a case, the 12th Amendment gives the Senate the authority to decide the issue. The Senate voted to elect Johnson on February 8, 1837, the only time the Senate ever elected the vice president. In 1840, the Democratic Party convention voted not to renominate Johnson, instead choosing to make no nomination. Van Buren was renominated and lost the election.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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