William Thomas Bland

Democrat Representative of Missouri's 5th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 21, 1861 (66 years old)

Birthday

January 15, 1928

Death

Born during the American Civil War in what is now West Virginia.
Descended from the First Families of Virginia, with a family background in politics and medicine.
Graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws, and took a special law course at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Practiced law in Weston, West Virginia before moving to Atchison, Kansas.
Served as prosecuting attorney of Atchison County, Kansas, mayor of Atchison, and judge of the second Kansas district.
Entered the wholesale drug business, becoming vice president and later president of the McPike Drug Company of Kansas City.
Held various leadership roles in Kansas City, including president of the Manufacturers and Merchants’ Association and the Kansas City Commercial Club.
Chaired the Kansas City River and Harbor Improvement Commission and served on the Kansas City Board of Education.
Elected as a U.S. Representative from Missouri, serving one term.
Moved to Florida, engaged in banking, and served on the Orlando Utilities Commission.
Married Bertha Helen McPike and had one son.
Died in Orlando, Florida, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.