David Rice Atchison
United States Senator from Missouri (1807-1886)
David Rice Atchison (August 11, 1807 – January 26, 1886) was an American Democratic[1] politician. He was a United States Senator from Missouri. He was President pro tempore of the United States Senate for six years.[2]
David Rice Atchison | |
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President pro tempore of the United States Senate | |
In office December 20, 1852 – December 4, 1854 | |
Preceded by | William R. King |
Succeeded by | Lewis Cass |
In office August 8, 1846 – December 2, 1849 | |
Preceded by | Ambrose Hundley Sevier |
Succeeded by | William R. King |
United States Senator from Missouri | |
In office October 14, 1843 – March 3, 1855 | |
Preceded by | Lewis F. Linn |
Succeeded by | James S. Green |
Member of the Missouri House of Representatives | |
In office 1834 | |
In office 1838 | |
Personal details | |
Born | Lexington, Kentucky | August 11, 1807
Died | January 26, 1886 Gower, Missouri | (aged 78)
Resting place | Greenlawn Cemetery, Plattsburg, Missouri |
Political party | Democratic |
Alma mater | Transylvania University |
Profession | Lawyer, politician |
Signature | |
Military service | |
Allegiance | |
Branch/service | Missouri Volunteer Militia Missouri State Guard |
Years of service | 1838 (MVM) 1861–1862 (MSG) |
Rank | Major-General (MVM) Brigadier-General (MSG) |
Battles/wars | Missouri Mormon War |
He is best known for the claim that for 24 hours—Sunday, March 4, 1849 through noon on Monday—he may have been Acting President of the United States. This, however, has been dismissed by nearly all historians, scholars, and biographers.[3][4]
References
change- ↑ "David Rice Atchison Biography". Who2.com. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ↑ "1801: President for a Day -- March 4, 1849". Senate.gov. May 29, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ↑ United States Senate, Art and History, History Minute: March 4, 1849-President for A Day, Senate.gov. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
- ↑ Christopher Klein (February 18, 2013). "The 24-Hour President". The History Channel. Retrieved June 18, 2013.