Fought in the War of 1812 as a lieutenant in the 13th Kentucky Infantry

United States Congressman and Senator from Kentucky

Member of the Kentucky State House of Representatives during the Civil War

Born in Goochland County, Va., he graduated from Transylvania College, in Lexington, Ky., in 1811, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Glasgow, Ky. He fought in the War of 1812 as a lieutenant in the 13th Regiment Kentucky Infantry. Served as a member of the Kentucky State House of Representatives, 1816-19, and 1825-26. He was Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals, from 1828-35. Served as a U.S. Congressman, 1835-43. Was Chairman of the Committee on the District of Columbia. Served as a Presidential elector on the Whig ticket in 1844. He returned to the Kentucky State House serving as a representative in 1846, also holding the position of Speaker of the House. He was a U.S. Senator from 1847-53. Once again he returned to Kentucky where he served as a member of their State House of Representatives during the Civil War years of 1861-62-63. Afterwards he returned to his law practice while also engaging himself in agricultural endeavors. He died near Bowling Green, Ky., on August 23, 1876, and is interred in Fairview Cemetery, in Bowling Green.

Signature With Place: 6 1/2 x 2 1/4, in ink, J.R. Underwood, Bowling Green, Ky.