John Young Brown

Democrat Representative of Kentucky's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

June 28, 1835 (68 years old)

Birthday

January 11, 1904

Death

Served as the 31st Governor of Kentucky
Represented Kentucky in the U.S. House of Representatives for three non-consecutive terms
First elected to the House in 1859 before reaching the minimum age requirement, leading to a delayed seating
Denied his House seat in 1866 due to alleged disloyalty during the Civil War
Censured by the House for a speech excoriating a fellow representative, though the censure was later expunged
Ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1871 before being elected to the House again in 1872, serving three consecutive terms
As governor, his administration was marked by divisions within the Democratic Party over currency issues and adapting to a new state constitution
His term saw little significant legislative accomplishment due to these divisions and the focus on adapting laws to the new constitution
Hoped to be elected to the U.S. Senate after his governorship but was unsuccessful, partly due to family tragedies
Became legal counsel for a former Kentucky Secretary of State accused in the assassination of a political opponent
Died in Henderson, Kentucky, and was buried at Fernwood Cemetery in the same city
Had a notable early interest in politics, influenced by his father and uncles who also served in political offices
Graduated from Centre College and was admitted to the bar in 1857, establishing a reputation as an orator
Married twice and had eight children, with his family facing significant tragedies later in his life