Johnson, Richard Mentor (1780-1850)

9th vice-president of the USA, 1836-41. He sat in Congress as a Republican member for Kentucky 1807-12 and 1814-19, and subsequently was a Democratic member of the Senate. He is best known for his part in the War of 1812 with Britain. In command of cavalry from Kentucky, he helped to clear Michigan of the invading British troops. In the victory of Thames, Johnson killed chief Tecumseh, who led the Indians who favoured the British cause.