 Robert Jefferson Breckinridge ( March 8 , 1800 – December 27 , 1871 ) was a politician and Presbyterian minister . He was a member of the Breckinridge family of Kentucky , the son of Senator John Breckinridge . A restless youth , Breckinridge was suspended from Princeton University for fighting , and following his graduation from Union College in 1819 , was prone to drinking , gambling , and womanizing .
 hopefully, a better choice .
Breckinridge was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1821 , and the following year married Mary Clay , daughter of Kentucky senator Henry Clay . Breckinridge was elected to the Kentucky