Born near Hartford, Ohio County, Kentucky. Moved to Missouri, California and Utah. He taught school for several years. Studied law and admitted to the bar. Practiced law in Virginia City. Bland returned to Missouri in 1865 to practice law. Married Virginia Elizabeth Mitchell December 17, 1873. They had four sons and five daughters.

Elected to Congress and served March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1895. He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in 1896. Served again March 4, 1897 until his death. In the Senate he was chairman of the Committee on Coinage, Weights and Measures.

Representative from Missouri known as "Silver Dick." Co-author of the Bland-Allison Act that was passed February 28, 1878. It resulted in the issue of a new dollar coin in 1878. At the time it became known as the "Bland" dollar although more recently known as the "Morgan" dollar. He served on the Assay Commission for 1881.

He died in Lebanon, Missouri.

bio: ApCAB; BDC; DAB; NCAB 10; TCBDA; WWWA-1; NUM/NIN 11/96