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.

President pro tempore

Atchison served as President pro tempore of the United States Senate during thirteen sessions of that body. During the time of Atchison's service, a President Pro Tempore was elected at the start of each session:

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• August 8, 1845 - December 6, 1846.
• January 11 - January 13, 1847.
• March 3 - December 5, 1847.
• February 2 - February 8, 1848.
• June 1 - June 14, 1848.
• June 26 - June 29, 1848.
• July 29 - December 4, 1848.
• December 26, 1848 - January 1, 1849.
• March 2 - March 4, 1849.
• March 5, 1849.
• March 16 - December 2, 1849
• December 20, 1852 - March 3, 1853.
• March 4, 1853 - December 4, 1854.