1869-1871
Congress Profiles
41st Congress (1869–1871)
Congressional Profile
Total Membership:
- 243 Representatives
- 9 Delegates
Party Divisions:*
- 67 Democrats
- 171 Republicans
- 5 Conservatives
*Party division totals are based on election day results.
About this object James Blaine of Maine served three terms as Speaker of the House. He later served as Secretary of State under three different Presidents.
Congress Overview
With Ulysses S. Grant ensconced in the White House the 41st Congress (1869–1871) was freed to implement its Reconstruction program without delay. Numerous Southern Members, including the first African Americans in Congress—Senator Hiram Revels of Mississippi and Representative Joseph Rainey of South Carolina—returned to the Capitol for the first time since the start of the war. Congress empowered new President Grant to preserve order in the South with two Ku Klux Klan acts aimed at suppressing mob rule by white supremacists. Congress also reformed the federal judiciary and established the Department of Justice.
Member Information
- Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress, (1774–2005), Official Annotated Membership Roster by State with Vacancy and Special Election Information for the 41st Congress [PDF]
- Learn more about the House of Representatives with an interactive map
Learn more about the People of the People's House
Leadership & Officers
- Speaker of the House:
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James G. Blaine (R–Maine)
- Clerk of the House:
-
Edward McPherson
- Sergeant at Arms:
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Nathaniel G. Ordway
- Chaplain of the House:
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John George Butler – Presbyterian
- Doorkeeper:
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Otis S. Buxton
- Postmaster:
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William S. King
- Clerk at the Speaker's Table:
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John M. Barclay
- Republican Conference Chairman:
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Robert C. Schenck (R–Ohio) 1
Nathaniel P. Banks (R–Massachusetts)
- Democratic Caucus Chairman:
-
William E. Niblack (D–Indiana) 2
Samuel J. Randall (D–Pennsylvania)
To view complete lists of individuals who have served in these leadership and official positions since the 1st Congress, visit the People section
Legislative Activities
- A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation
- U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875 (LOC)
Footnotes
1Conference minutes show Representative Schenck elected; chairman, but Representative Banks chairing two early meetings, possibly in Schenck's absence.
2Caucus records show Representative Niblack and Representative Randall as both having served as chairman during the Congress, but no dates of service were specified.
- For information on the current Congress, please visit the Office of the Clerk’s website.