Robert Allen (June 19, 1778 – August 19, 1844) was an American merchant and politician from Carthage, Tennessee. He represented Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives from 1819 until 1827.
Robert Allen | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 5th district | |
| In office March 4, 1823 – March 3, 1827 | |
| Preceded by | Newton Cannon |
| Succeeded by | Robert Desha |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 4th district | |
| In office March 4, 1819 – March 3, 1823 | |
| Preceded by | Samuel E. Hogg |
| Succeeded by | Jacob C. Isacks |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 19, 1778 Augusta County, Virginia |
| Died | August 19, 1844 (aged 66) |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican |
| Other political affiliations | Jackson Republican |
| Spouses |
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| Children |
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| Alma mater | College of William and Mary |
| Profession | |
Biography
editAllen was born in Augusta County, Virginia, and attended schools there, culminating in the College of William & Mary. He married Rebecca Greer on December 28, 1803, in Jonesboro, Tennessee. After graduating from his law studies, he moved to Carthage, Tennessee and took up the Mercantile business as well as practicing as a lawyer in 1804.[1] He also served as Clerk of Smith County for many years. He owned slaves.[2]
Career
editDuring the War of 1812, Allen served as a colonel under General Andrew Jackson.[3] After the war, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, serving four terms.[4] While there, he chaired the U.S. House Committee on Revolutionary Claims (regarding claims from the U.S. Revolutionary War). His wife, Rebecca died on March 29, 1822; and he married Alethia Van Horn on March 3, 1825.[5] He declined to stand for re-election in the 1826 elections, and retired to Tennessee at the end of the term. He was a delegate to the State convention in 1834.[3]
Death
editAllen engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits until his death in Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee, on August 19, 1844 (age 66 years, 61 days). He is interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Wilson County, Tennessee. He died at "Greenwood," his plantation near Carthage.[6]
See also
edit- Eliza Allen (Tennessee), first wife of Sam Houston, Robert's niece
References
edit- ^ "Robert Allen". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ^ "Congress slaveowners", The Washington Post, 2022-01-13, retrieved 2022-07-04
- ^ a b Marquis Who's Who, Inc. Who Was Who in American History, the Military. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who, 1975. P. 8 ISBN 0837932017 OCLC 657162692
- ^ "Robert Allen". Govtrack US Congress. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ^ "Robert Allen". Genealogical Notes and Anecdotes: Descendants of Robert Allen. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ^ "Robert Allen". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 15 February 2013.