The Wombat File Is Yours to Keep

The wombat is keen for sleep, so there'll be little lead-in to this week's skull-spelunker. Let's get right to it.

Born in Kentucky in 1810, his nickname was "The Lion of Whitehall." He was a cousin of -- and shared a surname with -- one of the most well-known politicians of his day. President Lincoln offered him the post of Ambassador to Spain, but he declined the appointment. He did take up the post of Minister to Russia, and was part of the negotiations for the annexation of Alaska. But he is most remembered for his strong beliefs, espoused by his Lexington, Kentucky paper The True American, and earning him the monicker "The Lion of Whitehall."

A man born many years later who was no relation, but shared the surname, was named after The Lion of Whitehall in commemoration, and that man passed the name down (with a "Jr." attached) to his son. The son became more famous than either his father or the original namesake -- though his greatest renown came after he had discarded the name he was born with.

What was his birth name?

First correct answer posted to comments wins a set of signed, first-edition courtroom sketches of Tim Russert in the witness box. The eyes are particularly expressive. No Googling or calling in a favor at the Juneau Historical Society -- trust me, you want to sit on that one until you really need it. One guess per comment but oh! how you'll comment, and comment again.