Randolph, John (1773-1833), was a Virginia politician noted more for his colorful personality than for his achievements. He had a cruel, biting tongue, and was one of the most feared orators of his time. He is also known as John Randolph of Roanoke.
Randolph served a number of terms in the United States House of Representatives, where he became a champion of lost causes and opposed many popular measures. He led the Democratic-Republican Party in the House and supported President Thomas Jefferson’s purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803. But later, he broke with the president over the intended purchase of Florida. Thereafter, Randolph was almost always in the opposition. He upheld states’ rights against expanding federal powers. He opposed the War of 1812 (1812-1815), tariffs on imports, and the formation of the Second Bank of the United States. He led Southern opposition to the Missouri Compromise in 1820 and became a bitter enemy of Henry Clay, one of its chief supporters.
Randolph was born in Prince George County, Virginia, on June 2, 1773. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1799 to 1813, 1815 to 1817, 1819 to 1825, and 1827 to 1829. He was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1825 to 1827. Randolph died on May 24, 1833.
