Biographies of political figures are filled with facts that help you learn about more than the life of a particular person. After all, such information can lift the curtain of the history of an entire area or even a whole nation with which a certain person was formally affiliated. Find out more at philadelphiayes.com.
It is worth noting that biographies of Philadelphia politicians help us better understand the past. Naturally, they as well enable us to discover the events that occurred in Philadelphia itself at various periods of time.
Andrew Allen was a prominent lawyer and provincial politician in Pennsylvania. When the American Revolution took place, he declared his support for the colonial cause. From 1775 to 1776, Allen represented Pennsylvania in the Second Continental Congress. He, like many other rich members of the elite, was opposed to major reforms. After all, he was almost sure of the one and only scenario for the unfolding of political events at the moment. As it turned out, though, things started to go in an entirely other direction. Allen was quite impressed by this fact, which pushed him to make an impulse decision.
Beginning of the story
Our hero was born in Philadelphia in 1740. His father was a well-known merchant and lawyer. Later he became Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Andrew attended the College of Philadelphia, where he earned his degree in 1759. Following that, he made the decision to continue his studies in London in order to obtain a legal education.
Legal practice
In 1765, our hero returned to Philadelphia and promptly entered the law profession.
At the same time, he was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly. Then in 1766, he was appointed as the colony’s Attorney General.
Hopes that didn’t come true
Before the American Revolution, Allen began to strongly criticize the legislation established by the British Parliament.
In 1775, our hero was elected by the Pennsylvania Assembly as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. At the same time, he got orders restricting him, as a delegate, from supporting any initiatives that may lead to independence from Great Britain.
Andrew hoped that Congress would show an intention to make peace with the metropolis. As a result, he found himself confused when, in 1776, Congress began to confidently move toward independence.
When the Continental Congress began debating a declaration of independence, Allen resigned from the body. He didn’t show up for any sessions after that.
Switching sides
Our hero ultimately made the decision to switch sides in December 1776. The situation in Philadelphia was very tense at the time. At that point, the British Army, commanded by General Howe, forced General Washington’s troops from the area.
Coming back
Allen returned to Philadelphia with General Howe’s Army in 1777. Our hero stayed as long as the occupation lasted. Allen fled Philadelphia as the people of the city were evacuated by the British in 1778. He first arrived in New York, and later in London. There, he continued his legal practice. As a result, his services were extremely popular and in high demand once again.
Guilty plea
In 1781, Allen was convicted guilty of treason by the Pennsylvania Assembly. At the same time, all of his possessions were seized.
The year 1792 was marked by amnesty for our hero. In 1794, he came to Philadelphia to settle some old payment difficulties. After that, Allen returned to London, where he remained until his death.