Richard Mentor Johnson, 1843 (oil on canvas)

Richard Mentor Johnson (1780/81-1850), ninth Vice President of the United States, served 1837-41. Congressman, Senator, and Vice President, in his 33 year political career. He is better remembered as the soldier who likely shot and killed Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames. He never said it, but recalled that he killed 'a tall, good-looking Indian' during his unit's 20 man suicide charge into a group of Indians led by Tecumseh. 15 of the his men died, and he was seriously injured, but the daring action and resulting death of Tecumseh, caused the Native Americans to flee the battle