Richard Allen (Texas politician)

Richard Allen (June 10, 1830 – May 16, 1909) was a carpenter, contractor, businessman, and Republican politician who was elected to two terms in the Texas Legislature. Born into slavery in Richmond, Virginia in 1830, he was brought to Texas in 1837. While a slave he built a reputation as a skilled carpenter. After emancipation, he became a contractor. He built the mansion for Houston mayor Joseph R. Morris as well as the first bridge across Buffalo Bayou. He became active in Republican party politics and was elected to the Twelfth Legislature in 1869. He unsuccessfully ran for United States Congress in 1870. He was re-elected to the Thirteenth Legislature, but the election was contested, and his Democratic opponent, Gustave Cook, was seated in his place. He unsuccessfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1878, making him the first African-American to seek statewide office in that state. He continued to be active in the Republican party, and attended state and national conventions until 1896. Allen also served as a quartermaster in the Texas militia and as a customs officer in Houston. He was also active in his church and in local community organizations. He was married and had five children. He died in 1909 and is buried in the Olivewood Cemetery in Houston.

See also

• History of the African Americans in Houston

References

Texas Legislators: Past & Present - Richard Allen

Handbook of Texas Online - Richard Allen

Forever Free: Nineteenth Century African-American Legislators and Constitutional Convention Delegates of Texas

Findagrave - Richard Allen

Further reading

• Pitre, Merline. In: Beeth, Howard and Cary D. Wintz (editors). "Richard Allen: The Chequered Career of Houston's First Black State Legislator." Black Dixie: Afro-Texan History and Culture in Houston. Texas A&M University Press, 1992.