Congressman. He grew up in Indiana and became an attorney. He served as District Attorney from 1846 to 1848, afterwards moving to Illinois. He was a member of the Illinois House from 1850 to 1851. In 1852 Allen was elected to the US House as a Democrat and served from 1853 to 1855. He appeared to have won reelection in 1854 and served until the House decided he was not entitled to the seat. Allen won the election to fill the vacancy and served out the rest of the term. He was Clerk of the US House from 1857 to 1859. In 1860 he was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for Governor. Allen won election as Circuit Court Judge in 1861 and served until 1863. He was again elected to Congress in 1862 and served one term. He practiced law until again winning election as Circuit Court Judge in 1873. In 1873 he was also appointed to the new Court of Appeals, serving on both benches until 1879. He then practiced law until his 1907 retirement. (bio by: Bill McKern)
(3.4 after 12 votes)
