William Allen

William Allen was an American businessman and politician who served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for Delaware's at-large congressional district from 1937 to 1939. He was known for his support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal, as well as for his efforts to promote local economic interests, particularly in relation to infrastructure projects in Delaware. Allen's political career followed a background in business and local governance, and he was active in various capacities within the Delaware political landscape before and after his time in Congress.

Early life and career

William Franklin Allen was born on January 19, 1883, in Seaford, Delaware. He was the son of Willard Franklin Allen and Mollie Smith Allen. His father worked as a foreman on the Pennsylvania Railroad for four decades, retiring in 1921. Allen had a familial connection to the Civil War; his oldest brother, William Asbury Allen, served in the Confederate army from 1861 to 1863.

In his personal life, Allen married Mary Addie Davis on April 16, 1906, in Marydel, Maryland. Mary Addie Davis was the daughter of Robert A. Davis, a store owner and postmaster of the now-defunct town of Slaughter, Delaware, who had also served a term as a Republican in the Delaware General Assembly. Together, William and Mary had three children: Franklyn, Robert, and Doris. The family was active in their local community, attending St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church in Seaford.

Allen's career began while he was still a student, as he took on various roles with the Pennsylvania Railroad. He started working as a carpenter, eventually advancing to positions such as ticket agent, telegrapher, and train dispatcher. From approximately 1905 to 1909, he served as the station master in Marydel, Maryland. After returning to Seaford in 1909, he transitioned from the railroad to entrepreneurship, establishing a real estate brokerage that focused on farmland. In 1914, he founded the Allen Package Company, which specialized in producing shipping containers for agricultural products like fruit, vegetables, and oysters. Additionally, he created a brokerage firm to facilitate the purchase of produce throughout the Delmarva Peninsula. By 1927, he had secured a franchise from the Pure Oil Company of New York, further expanding his business interests.

In 1915, Allen made his first foray into politics by seeking his party's nomination for a seat in the Delaware General Assembly, although he was unsuccessful, losing by a narrow margin. He later served on the Seaford Board of Education and made additional attempts to secure a position in the state senate, which were also unsuccessful. In 1920, he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention held in San Francisco. His persistence paid off in 1924 when he was elected to the Delaware State Senate, where he served from 1925 to 1929 and held the position of President pro tempore in 1927.

House tenure

Allen's political ambitions continued to grow, and he became a strong supporter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal policies. In 1936, he sought the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate but was unsuccessful. However, the state party nominated him for the at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, which he successfully won in the general election. He defeated the incumbent Republican representative, J. George Stewart, and took office on January 3, 1937.

During his time in the House, Allen served in the 75th Congress, which was characterized by a Democratic majority. His tenure lasted until January 3, 1939, when he completed his single term in office. Throughout his congressional career, he was involved in various legislative discussions and initiatives, particularly those that aimed to enhance Delaware's economic infrastructure.

One notable aspect of Allen's time in Congress was his advocacy for the construction of a bridge over the Delaware River, located just south of Wilmington. This project faced opposition from shipping interests in Philadelphia, who argued that it would limit access for larger vessels entering the port. In a committee hearing, Allen expressed his commitment to both Philadelphia and Delaware, emphasizing the importance of the bridge for Delaware's economic interests. His frequent references to "love" in his remarks about the project earned him the nickname "Love Bird Bill," a moniker that was embraced by the media and became a part of his public persona.

Despite his efforts and the support he garnered during his term, Allen was unable to secure re-election in 1938. He lost to Republican candidate George S. Williams, a businessman from Millsboro, Delaware. Following his departure from Congress, Allen returned to his business ventures, where he continued to work in various capacities.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Allen's legislative focus revolved around issues pertinent to Delaware's economic development and infrastructure. His support for the New Deal and President Roosevelt's policies reflected a commitment to addressing the economic challenges of the time, particularly in the context of the Great Depression. Allen's advocacy for the Delaware River bridge project highlighted his dedication to enhancing local commerce and improving transportation routes, which were vital for the state's agricultural and business sectors.

While specific details regarding the committees on which Allen served are not available, his engagement in legislative discussions and his efforts to promote Delaware's interests suggest that he was actively involved in matters that aligned with his background in business and local governance. His nickname, "Love Bird Bill," not only characterized his personality but also symbolized his approach to politics, which was marked by a focus on community and economic well-being.

After leaving Congress, Allen continued to pursue his business interests and remained active in the political landscape. In 1940, he attempted to secure the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate once again. However, when this effort did not succeed, he established a third party, the "Liberal Democratic Party," to run for office. His final electoral campaign resulted in a modest number of votes, and he did not return to public office thereafter.

William Allen passed away on June 14, 1946, at Beebe Hospital in Lewes, Delaware. He is interred at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Seaford, leaving behind a legacy as a businessman and a public servant who engaged with the political and economic issues of his time.