Francis Preston Blair

Democrat Senator of Missouri

  • Senator

    Missouri

    March 4, 1871 - March 3, 1873

5

Congresses Served

4

House Terms

1

Senate Terms

February 19, 1821 (54 years old)

Birthday

July 8, 1875

Death

  • Served as a United States Senator and Congressman from Missouri
  • Played a key role in keeping Missouri from joining the Confederacy during the Civil War
  • Was a Union Major General during the Civil War, participating in significant campaigns including Vicksburg and Sherman’s March to the Sea
  • Ran as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in 1868, known for controversial speeches on black emancipation
  • Suffered a paralyzing stroke in 1872 but remained politically active until his death
  • Born into a politically active family, with connections to other prominent politicians
  • Educated at Princeton University and studied law at Transylvania University
  • Served in the Mexican-American War and was appointed as an attorney general for the New Mexico Territory
  • Opposed slavery and advocated for free soil politics, despite being a slaveholder himself
  • Was a colonel in the Union Army before being promoted to brigadier general and then major general
  • Opposed Congressional Reconstruction policy after the Civil War and left the Republican Party in 1866
  • Continued to be involved in state politics, serving as Missouri’s state superintendent of insurance before his death
  • Died from head injuries after a fall, buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery
  • Recognized posthumously for his patriotism and military service with statues and memorials