John Randolph of Roanoke

Going back to politics, John Randolph was born in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1773, and by the time of his death in 1833, he had served as an ambassador to Russia as well as a member of the US House of Representatives and US Senate. He was so divisive that he had disagreements with every president, especially Thomas Jefferson, whom he accused of reneging on his commitment to limited government.

He founded the "Old Republican" party in 1806 after breaking away from the Democratic-Republican party of the time, effectively creating the political difference that we are all familiar with and appreciate today. His impressive oratory abilities were largely responsible for his ability to accomplish this, which was especially remarkable considering that he was thought to have suffered from an illness as a child that prevented him from going through puberty and left him with a child's voice, a weakened immune system, and lifelong impotence.

Randolph had physical problems that were roughly on par with his oddities, which his congressional colleagues also had to deal with. A brief speech took him three hours because he openly drank in the chambers of commerce. The House Chambers were invaded by him and his dogs. When a meeting had to be postponed due to Randolph's ailing health, Willis Alston, one of his colleagues, commented, "The dog still wants respect!" Alston, if it were worthwhile, I would cane you, Randolph retorted. And I think I'll hit you with a cane. Then Randolph beat up Alston, decades before the historic Charles Sumner caning. You'd think he would have found such a designation flattering given his clear love of dogs.

Born: June 2, 1773Cawsons, Virginia Colony, British America
Died: May 24, 1833 (aged 59)Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.