Crittenden (kru'-n-den), John Jordan. An American statesman. Born in Kentucky in 1787. After having studied and engaged in the practice of the law, he became a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1816, and was elected to the United States Senate in 1817. In 1841 he became attorney-general in President Harrison's administration, and in 1848 was elected governor of Kentucky. He served as attorney-general in President Fillmore's cabinet from July, 1850, until the accession of President Pierce. Throughout his political career, Crittenden's name is identified with most of the measures introduced and advocated by his friend, Henry Clay. Died 1863.

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