David Rice Atchison

David Rice Atchison (August 11, 1807 - January 26, 1886) was a mid-19th century Democratic United States Senator from Missouri. Frequently serving as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, he is best known as the focus of an urban legend claiming that, for one day, he was de jure President of the United States.

Early life and Senate career

Born in Frogtown (now named Kirklevington), Fayette County, Kentucky, Atchison became a lawyer and farmer in western Missouri who also served in the state legislature and as a circuit-court judge. He was appointed to the United States Senate to replace a Missouri Senator who had just died. He held this office from 1843 to 1855. He became the first senator from western Missouri and at age 36 the youngest Missourian at that time to enter the U.S. Senate.

Related Topics:
Kirklevington - Fayette County, Kentucky - Missouri - United States Senate - 1843 - 1855

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