John Breathitt
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| John Breathitt | |
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11th Governor of Kentucky
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| In office September 4, 1832 – February 21, 1834 |
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| Lieutenant | James T. Morehead |
| Preceded by | Thomas Metcalfe |
| Succeeded by | James T. Morehead |
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| In office August 26, 1828 – September 4, 1832 |
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| Preceded by | Robert B. McAfee |
| Succeeded by | James T. Morehead |
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| Born | September 9, 1786 Henry County, Virginia |
| Died | February 21, 1834 (aged 47) Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Caroline Whitaker Susannah M. Harris |
| Occupation | Surveyor, Teacher |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
John Breathitt (September 9, 1786–February 21, 1834) was a 19th century politician who served as the Governor of Kentucky from 1832–1834, dying in office.
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[edit] Early life
John Breathitt was born near New London, Henry County, Virginia on September 9, 1786, the eldest of five sons and four daughters born to William Breathitt.[1] John was educated at home and in the public schools of his native state.[2] His family moved to Logan County, Kentucky in 1800, and he continued his education there.[3]
In early adulthood, Breathitt as appointed as a deputy surveyor in Illinois territory.[3] He then returned to Kentucky to teach in a country school.[3] He used his income to acquire lands, shortly amassing enough money to sustain him for a few years.[1] Financially stable, he resolved to read law under Judge Caleb Wallace.[1] He was admitted to the bar of Russellville, Kentucky in 1810 and opened his practice there.[2]
Breathitt was first married to Caroline Whitaker of Logan County. When his first wife died, he married Susan M. Harris of Chesterfield County, Virginia.[1]
[edit] Political career
Breathitt joined the Democratic-Republican Party and supported Andrew Jackson. He was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1811, representing Logan County.[3] He was re-elected every year until 1815.[2] He served as Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky under Thomas Metcalfe from 1828 until 1832.
[edit] Governor of Kentucky
In 1832, he was elected the state's eleventh governor and was the first person from his party to hold that office. As governor, he ardently supported Jacksonian principles, and wielded his veto against bills critical of Jackson's land policy. The Louisville Bank of Kentucky was also commissioned during his administration.[2]
[edit] Death and legacy
Governor John Breathitt died of tuberculosis in the governor's mansion in Frankfort on February 21, 1834.[3] He was originally buried in the Breathitt family cemetery, but was later reinterred at Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville.[2] He was the second sitting governor of Kentucky to die in office.
Breathitt County, Kentucky is named for Governor Breathitt. His great-grandson, John S. Marmaduke, was a Civil War cavalry general and later governor of Missouri, also dying in office.
[edit] Sources
- Collins, Lewis; James, J.A. and James, U.P. (1847). History of Kentucky. Retrieved on 2007-11-28.
- Kentucky Governor John Breathitt. National Governors Association. Retrieved on 2007-11-28.
- Levin, H. (1897). Lawyers and Lawmakers of Kentucky. Chicago, Illinois: Lewis Publishing Company. Retrieved on 2007-11-28.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Robert B. McAfee |
Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky 1828–1832 |
Succeeded by James T. Morehead |
| Preceded by Thomas Metcalfe |
Governor of Kentucky 1832–1834 |
Succeeded by James T. Morehead |
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