To pass S. 281. (p. 243-3)

On Dec 21, 1869, the House voted 121–51 (S 281). Result: passed. By party: Republicans 122–4, Democrats 0–49. It was a party-line vote: most Democrats and most Republicans voted on opposite sides. 4 members voted against their own party.

During the 41st Congress (1869–1870), Ulysses S. Grant was president, and Republicans held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 121
No: 51
Did not vote: 81
Date: Dec 21, 1869

By party

Republicans122 yes · 4 no · 52 didn’t vote
Democrats0 yes · 49 no · 23 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

John Franklin Farnsworth R-IL voted no
John Armor Bingham R-OH voted no
Isaac Roberts Hawkins R-TN voted no
John Seashoal Witcher R-WV voted no

How each representative voted: Yes

How each representative voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To pass S. 281. (p. 243-3): House Vote, Dec 21, 1869,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/41-H-98/to-pass-s-281-p-243-3 (accessed 2026-10-15).