Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, was one of America’s most energetic duelers (see commentary). It was in keeping with his argumentative nature. In 1806, as example, he faced off with Charles Dickinson, a rival horse breeder who called Jackson a coward and bigamist (the latter count true). The two fought it out in Logan, Ky. Dickinson got off the first shot, hitting Jackson in the chest. Jackson tried to shoot back,, but his weapon misfired. According to the rules, that should have ended the contest, but Jackson re-cocked his gun and killed his opponent. Jackson suffered pain from his wound for the rest of his life.
--TOM TIEDE