Edward P. Allen

A Michigan lawyer and Civil War veteran who carried the discipline of the battlefield into the halls of Congress for two terms.

1839–1909 (age 70)·American politician & lawyer·Birthday: October 28

Photo: Thomas Wallace Knox (1835-1896) · Public domain

Biography

Edward P. Allen's life was framed by service, first to the Union and then to his state. Born in Michigan, he left his studies at the University of Michigan to enlist as a private in the 1st Michigan Cavalry when the Civil War broke out. He rose to the rank of captain, a experience that undoubtedly shaped his later character. After the war, he completed his law degree and entered politics, bringing a veteran's steadfastness to his work. Elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives, he served two terms from 1887 to 1891, representing Michigan's 2nd district. His post-Congressional life saw him return to his legal practice and remain a respected figure in Michigan's Grand Army of the Republic, the organization for Union veterans.

#1 When Edward Was Born

The biggest hits of 1839

Edward's Life & Times

The world at every milestone

1839Born

1844Started school

1852Became a teenager

1855Could drive

1857Could vote

1860Turned 21

1869Turned 30

President: Ulysses S. Grant

1879Turned 40

President: Rutherford B. Hayes

1889Turned 50

Eiffel Tower opens in Paris

President: Benjamin Harrison

1899Turned 60

President: William McKinley

1909Turned 70

Robert Peary claims to reach the North Pole

President: William Howard Taft

Key Achievements

Served two terms as a U.S. Representative from Michigan's 2nd congressional district from 1887 to 1891.
Rose from private to captain while serving with the 1st Michigan Cavalry Regiment during the American Civil War.
Practiced law in Allegan and Kalamazoo, Michigan, after his military and congressional service.