(NOA) - Richard Mentor Johnson, 9th vice president of the United States, died November 19, 1850. He was 69.

Johnson was born October 17, 1781 in the town of Beargrass, now Louisville, Kentucky. A lawyer, Johnson entered politics in 1804 when he was elected to the Kentucky state legislature.

He used his state position as a stepping stone to national politics. In 1807, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and for the next 30 years, he served continuously in both the House and Senate.

A staunch supporter of Andrew Jackson, this loyalty prompted his nomination as vice president for Jackson's protege, Martin Van Buren, in 1836. Johnson also was an advocate for the rights of debtors and education.

Johnson's failure to win a majority of electoral votes gave him the distinction of being the only vice president to be chosen by the Senate.

After completing his term, Johnson returned to Kentucky where he was elected again to the state general assembly. He died in the state capital on November 19, 1850.