Here on June 23, 1841, James K. Polk, Governor of Tennessee and running for re-election, debated James C. Jones, with both men regarded as masters of the stump speech. Jones, known as “Lean Jimmy,” was a Whig and a natural mimic and actor; he defeated Polk and served as Tennessee Governor from 1841 to 1845. Polk, known as “Young Hickory,” was nominated by the Democrats in 1844 and was elected President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849.