David Barton

Anti-Jacksonian Senator of Missouri

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1783 (54 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1837

Death

Served as one of the first U.S. senators from Missouri from 1821 to 1831.
Born in Greeneville, North Carolina, and moved to St. Louis in 1809.
Participated in the War of 1812 as a member of Nathan Boone’s company of mounted rangers.
Held various political roles including attorney general, president of the state’s constitutional convention, and speaker of the Missouri territorial House of Representatives.
Known for his opposition to the reappointment of William Rector as Surveyor General, which led to a public controversy and a duel resulting in the death of his brother.
Changed political affiliations multiple times: initially a Democratic-Republican, then an Adams Democrat, and finally an Anti-Jacksonian candidate.
Chaired the Senate committee on public lands during his tenure.
Served in the Missouri State Senate from 1834 to 1835.