Richard Allen (Texas politician)

Richard Allen (June 10, 1830 – May 16, 1909) was a carpenter, contractor, businessman, and African-American Republican politician who was elected to two terms in the Texas House of Representatives. 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 Mayor Joseph R. Morris of Houston as well as the first bridge across Buffalo Bayou. He became active in Republican politics and was elected to the Twelfth Legislature in 1869. He unsuccessfully ran for the United States House of Representatives 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 in 1878, the first member of his race to seek statewide office in Texas. He remained 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 active in his church and in local community organizations. He was married and had five children. Upon his death in 1909, he was interred at the Olivewood Cemetery in Houston.