The Biographical Dictionary of America/Anderson, Richard Clough (lawyer)

ANDERSON, Richard Clough, lawyer, was born at "Soldiers' Retreat," near Louisville, Ky., Aug. 4, 1788, son of Richard Clough and Elizabeth (Clark) Anderson. He received his education at William and Mary college, from which he was graduated in 1804. He then studied law under Judge Tucker of Virginia, and was admitted to the bar. He returned to Kentucky, where he won reputation as a lawyer. He was prominent in politics, being for a number of years in the state legislature, after which he was elected, in 1816, a representative in the 15th and was returned to the 16th Congress. In 1822 he was again elected to the lower house of the state legislature and was chosen speaker, which office he filled until he was sent as U. S. minister to Colombia by President Monroe in 1823. While at his official post President Adams appointed him as minister plenipotentiary to the Panama congress. He started out on the journey, but before reaching his destination he died in Tubaco, July 24, 1826.