David Rice Atchison

David Rice Atchison was a mid-19th century Democratic United States Senator from Missouri who served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate for six years.

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Profession :

Senator

Birthday :

August 11, 1807

Star Sign :

Leo

Death Date:

January 26, 1886

Age :

78

Birthplace :

Frogtown, Kentucky

David Rice Atchison was a notable American politician who represented Missouri as a US senator. He is primarily known for his purported one-day presidency in 1849 and his significant contributions to the territorial expansion of the United States during the 19th century, especially through the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Atchison also held the position of President pro tempore of the United States Senate for six years.

In addition to his political career, Atchison was involved with the Platte County Savings and Loan Association and participated in various organizations, including the Masonic Lodge and the Odd Fellows. While some have accused him of being a drunk and a slaveholder, his true character is more nuanced and warrants further investigation.

An intriguing aspect of David Rice Atchison’s career is his unanimous election as the Senate’s president pro tempore on August 8, 1846. He was subsequently reelected to this role 16 times.