James C. Allen

Who was James C. Allen?

James Cameron Allen was a U.S. Representative from Illinois.

Born in Shelby County, Kentucky, Allen attended the public schools. He moved to Indiana in 1830. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1843 and commenced practice in Sullivan, Indiana. He served as prosecuting attorney for the seventh judicial district of Indiana 1846-1848. He moved to Palestine, Illinois, in 1848 and continued the practice of law. He served as member of the State house of representatives in 1850 and 1851.

Allen was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-third Congress. Presented credentials as a Member-elect to the Thirty-fourth Congress and served from March 4, 1855, to July 18, 1856, when the House decided he was not entitled to the seat.

Allen was subsequently elected to fill the vacancy thus caused and served from November 4, 1856, to March 3, 1857. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1856. Clerk of the House of Representatives in the Thirty-fifth Congress 1857-1859. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 1860.

Allen was elected circuit court judge in April 1861 and served until he resigned in 1863.

Allen was elected to the Thirty-eighth Congress.