Richard Mentor Johnson (1780 or '81-1850) was an American soldier, planter, business owner, and politician from Kentucky, who served as the ninth Vice President of the United States, among other offices. He owed much of his early success to his military career. He served during the War of 1812, and was credited with killing Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames in 1813. However, his relationship with octoroon Julia Chinn (which bore two daughters) soon brought an end to his career.