September 04, 1872
Congress Profiles
42nd Congress (1871–1873)
Congressional Profile
Total Membership:
- 243 Representatives
- 10 Delegates
Party Divisions:*
- 104 Democrats
- 136 Republicans
- 2 Liberal Republicans
- 1 Independent Republican
*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
The 42nd Congress (1871–1873) began with President Ulysses S. Grant’s request for additional power to combat domestic terrorism against freedmen at the polls. Congress responded with the Third Ku Klux Klan Act and a joint committee to investigate conditions in Southern states. After a failed attempt to establish a provisional civil-service program, Congress began investigating bribes in the form of Crédit Mobilier stock given to various Members of Congress to ensure the passage of the Pacific Railroad Act. Congress also passed legislation that doubled the salaries of federal officials and Members of Congress.
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 42nd 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:
-
James G. Blaine (R–Maine)
- Clerk of the House:
-
Edward McPherson
- Sergeant at Arms:
-
Nathaniel G. Ordway
- Chaplain of the House:
-
John George Butler – Presbyterian
- Doorkeeper:
-
Otis S. Buxton
- Postmaster:
-
William S. King
- Clerk at the Speaker's Table:
-
John M. Barclay
- Democratic Caucus Chairman:
-
N/A 1
- Republican Conference Chairman:
-
Austin Blair (R–Michigan)
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
1Representative Fernando Wood of New York nominated the Democratic leadership slate in the House, but there is no other evidence to show he was elected caucus chairman.
- For information on the current Congress, please visit the Office of the Clerk’s website.