Richard Parks Bland

Democrat Representative of Missouri's 8th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

August 19, 1835 (63 years old)

Birthday

June 15, 1899

Death

Was a lawyer, educator, and politician
Served multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives
Known for advocating bimetallism and sponsoring the Bland–Allison Act
Born in Kentucky and later established a legal practice in Missouri
Worked as a miner and schoolteacher before becoming a lawyer
Served as treasurer of Carson County during the Comstock Lode mining rush
Lost re-election in 1894 but won back his seat in 1896
Was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1896 but did not secure the nomination
Opposed to imperialism and involved in debates on tariff issues, government bonds, and taxation
Married to Virginia Elizabeth Mitchell, with whom he had nine children, six surviving to his time of death
Was a Freemason
Died in office in 1899 and is buried in Lebanon, Missouri
The town of Bland, Missouri, is named in his honor