Richard C. McMullen

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Richard C. McMullen
Richard C. McMullen

In office
January 19, 1937 – January 21, 1941
Preceded by C. Douglass Buck
Succeeded by Walter W. Bacon

Born January 2, 1868 (1868-01-02)
Glasgow, Delaware
Died February 18, 1944 (aged 76)
Wilmington, Delaware
Political party Democratic
Spouse Florence Hutchinson
Residence Wilmington, Delaware
Alma mater Goldey Commercial College
Occupation manufacturer
Religion Methodist

Richard Cann McMullen (January 2, 1868February 18, 1944) was an American manufacturer and politician from Wilmington, in New Castle County, Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party, who served as Governor of Delaware.

Contents

[edit] Early life and family

McMullen was born January 2, 1868 at Porters, near Glasgow, Delaware, son of James & Sarah Boulden McMullen. He worked as a farm hand to meet expenses while studying at Goldey Commercial College. He married Florence Hutchinson in 1895 and they had three children, Laura B., Richard H. and Florence. They were members of the Methodist Church.

[edit] Professional career

McMullen learned the tanning and leather business while working at the Mullin and Pierson Leather Plant, later to become the Amalgamated Leather Company. In 1917 he and two partners founded the Standard Kid Company and later became Vice President, then General Manager of the Allied Kid Company in Wilmington. These companies were tanneries and leading manufactures of leather products.

[edit] Governor of Delaware

As a prominent businessman he had served two terms on the Wilmington City Council, had served on the Public Utilities and Unemployment Insurance Commission, and had turned down an offer to run for Mayor of Wilmington. After reluctantly agreeing to run, he was elected Governor of Delaware in 1936, defeating Republican Harry L. Cannon, and Isaac D. Short, a Republican running as an Independent. He served one term as Governor from January 19, 1937 until January 21, 1941.

McMullen was the first Democratic Governor in 36 years and throughout his term was frustrated with his inability to replace his political opponents in state government. As his term was during the latter part of the Great Depression, public works projects were going on throughout the state, including the opening of the Roosevelt Inlet at Lewes, a new bridge over Indian River Inlet and a couple of new stations for the State Police.


Delaware General Assembly
(sessions while Governor)
Year Assembly Senate majority President
pro tempore
House majority Speaker
1937-1938 109th Republican William A. Simonton Democratic John R. Fader
1939-1940 110th Republican David W. Steele Republican Frank R. Zebley

[edit] Death and legacy

McMullen was again nominated as the Democratic Party candidate for Governor in 1940, but suffered a heart attack a month before the election and withdrew from the campaign. He died February 18, 1944 at Wilmington, Delaware, and is buried there, at the Riverview Cemetery.

[edit] Almanac

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1st. The Governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and has a four year term.

Public offices
Office Type Location Elected Term began Term ended notes
Governor Executive Dover 1936 January 19, 1937 January 21, 1941


Election results
Year Office Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes %
1936 Governor Richard C. McMullen Democratic 65,437 51% Harry L. Cannon
Isaac D. Short
Republican
Independent Republican
52,782
8,400
42%
7%

[edit] References

  • Carter, Richard B. (2001). Clearing New Ground, The Life of John G. Townsend, Jr.. Wilmington, Delaware: The Delaware Heritage Press. ISBN 0-924117-20-6. 
  • Martin, Roger (1997). Elbert N. Carvel. Wilmington, Delaware: Delaware Heritage Press. 0-924117-08-7. 
  • Martin, Roger A. (1984). History of Delaware Through its Governors. Wilmington, Delaware: McClafferty Press. 
  • Sobel, Robert; J. Racino (1988). Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-930466-00-4. 

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