David Rice Atchison

Democrat Senator of Missouri

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1807 (79 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1886

Death

Mid-19th century American politician and lawyer.
Served as a United States Senator and held the position of President pro tempore of the Senate for six years.
Involved in military service as a major general during the Missouri Mormon War and as a Confederate brigadier general during the American Civil War.
Known for his pro-slavery activism and leadership among the Border Ruffians during the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict.
Played a significant role in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, advocating for popular sovereignty regarding slavery in new territories.
His political career included a brief claim to have been “Acting President” for a day, a notion largely dismissed by historians.
Experienced a decline in political influence and was not re-elected to the Senate after his term ended in 1855.
After the Civil War, he retired to his farm and distanced himself from his earlier pro-slavery positions.
His legacy includes the naming of Atchison, Kansas, and Atchison County, Missouri, in his honor.