John Burton Thompson

John Burton Thompson (December 14, 1810 – January 7, 1874) was a United States Representative and Senator from Kentucky.

Early life
Born near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Thompson completed preparatory studies and studied law. He was admitted to the bar and practiced in Harrodsburg, becoming the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Kentucky Legislature
Thompson was elected to the Kentucky Senate in 1829 and served until 1833. In 1835, Thompson was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives where he served two, two-year terms.

House of Representatives
In 1840, Thompson was elected as a Whig to the United States House of Representatives to fill the vacancy in Kentucky's 5th District caused by the death of Simeon H. Anderson. He was subsequently reelected in 1842 and served until March 3, 1843. After a time out of Congress, he was again elected to represent the same district, serving this time from March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1851. During this time he was chairman of the U.S. House Committee on the Militia.

Lieutenant governor
Thompson was the 14th Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky in 1852.

United States Senate
In 1852, Thompson was elected to the United States Senate as a member of the Know-Nothing party. He served from March 4, 1853, to March 3, 1859.

Death
Thompson died in Harrodsburg and was interred in Spring Hill Cemetery.