What is the Breckinridge Family Historical Association?

The Breckinridge Family Historical Association has members from family and friends who share an interest in American History and the Role of the Breckinridge family in leadership service in US politics, military, religion, science, technology over the past 250 years. We have 92 member families and about 10 active non-members. Our purpose is to provide an educational resource to friends and family on American and World history.

During the past 250 years, descendants of John Breckinridge (of Ky.) and his brother: James Breckinridge (of Va.) have distinguished themselves in service to the US. In National politics: the family has had: one vice president, four cabinet members, three US Senators, six members of the US House of Representatives, and two ambassadors. In Military service: the family has had six flag rank officers. In Religious service: the family has had at least 8 ministers. In Academic service the family has had 4 university presidents and more than 20 university Professors. In Science and Technology, a field in its youth, the family has had 4 leaders, including the NASA manager responsible for the repair of Hubble Space Telescope optical system.

In the spring of 1803, near the end of the 7th US congress, Senator John Breckinridge co-authored the bill to admit Ohio to the Union. This was the first region within the Northwest Territories to seek admission to the Union. After some debate the bill was passed.

On August the 12th 1803, Thomas Jefferson asked his friend, US Senator John Breckinridge from the Western frontier state of Kentucky, to lead the effort within the US Senate to obtain Senate approval for the Louisiana Purchase and needed treaties, and to identify an appropriate governance structure for the new Territory of Louisiana. On October 17, 1803, John Breckinridge introduced a bill before Congress to approve the Treaty for the Louisiana purchase. Three days later the Treaty was ratified 24-7. Two days later, on Saturday October 22, 1803, John introduced a bill authorizing the President to take possession of the ceded territory. This was approved October 25 by a vote of 26-6. The $11,250,000 purchase price was another matter, however. John Breckinridge assumed leadership of this issue and after much debate on the Senate floor, and finally receiving the support of John Quincy Adams, the Bill was passed 26-5. John Breckinridge was appointed to lead the committee to prepare a form of Government for the Louisiana Territories and by Dec. 30 the work was done. In the summer of 1804, John Breckinridge was asked by Thomas Jefferson to serve as United States Attorney General, and John resigned his senate seat to help establish the cabinet level position of Attorney General. He died unexpectedly in 1806 of tuberculosis.

His grandson was John Cabell Breckinridge, Vice President of the United States for President Buchanan. One great-grand son of T. Jefferson's attorney general was the US Minister to Tsarist Russia, another great grandson was Henry Breckinridge, President Wilson's assistant secretary of war and, later, Charles Lindberg's attorney. A great- great-grandson was US ambassador to Italy and under secretary of state for Cordell Hull during WW2. The first female tenured Professor and Chair of the Law department at the University of Chicago was Sophonisba Breckinridge (a great-great grand-daughter). In addition, other descendants included: General Breckinridge, Marine Corps Commandant; and Scott Breckinridge, Deputy Inspector General , CIA,;. The enclosed chart shows some of the more famous members of the family.

How often do we meet?

The Breckinridge Family Historical Association meets to hold a reunion every 3 to six years. Our most recent meeting was at Breckenridge Colorado in 1996. Others have been at Lexington Ky. (the family home) and in Black Rock New York. The 1999 meeting will be the first to be held in Washington, DC.