The Biographical Dictionary of America/Atchison, David R.

ATCHISON, David R., senator, was born at Frogtown, Ky., Aug. 11, 1807. He was well educated, and being admitted to the bar in 1830 began the practice of law in Missouri. In 1834 and 1838 he was a member of the state legislature, and in 1841 circuit judge of the Platte county circuit court. In 1843 he was elected U. S. senator, and was re-elected in 1849, retaining his seat until 1855. During this period lie officiated frequently as president pro tem of the senate, and by virtue of that position was President of the United States on March 4, 1849. Inauguration day falling on a Sunday in that year, General Taylor was not sworn into office until Monday, March 5. Senator Atchison was a zealous pro-slavery advocate, and a prominent leader in the disturbances connected with the admission of Kansas as a state in 1856-'57. The last twenty years of his life were spent in obscurity and comparative poverty. He died in Clinton county, Mo., Jan. 26, 1886.