Randolph, John, "of Roanoke," an American statesman; born in Cawsons, Chesterfield co., Va., June 2, 1773. He claimed descent from Pocahontas, the Indian princess. He was educated for the legal profession, which, however, he never followed, devoting his attention to politics. In 1799, he was elected to Congress. His opposition to the War of 1812 caused his defeat in the following election; but he was reëlected to Congress in 1814, where he remained for several years. From 1825 to 1827 he was a United States Senator. In 1829 he was a member of the convention for revisiting the constitution of Virginia, and the year following was appointed United States minister to Russia. On his return, he was again elected to Congress, but was unable to occupy his seat. He was preeminent for his poetic eloquence, his absolute honesty, and the scathing wit, with which he exposed every corrupt scheme. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., on June 24, 1833.
Entry from Everybody's Cyclopedia,
1912.