Richard McMullen

Richard C. McMullen
59th Governor of Delaware
In office January 19, 1937 – January 21, 1941
Lieutenant	Edward W. Cooch
Preceded by	C. Douglass Buck
Succeeded by	Walter W. Bacon
Personal details
Born	January 2, 1868 Glasgow, Delaware
Died	February 18, 1944 (aged 76) Wilmington, Delaware
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Florence Hutchinson
Residence	Wilmington, Delaware
Alma mater	Goldey Commercial College
Occupation	manufacturer
Religion	Methodist

Richard Cann McMullen (January 2, 1868 – February 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.

Early life and family

McMullen was born at Porters, near Glasgow, Delaware, son of James and 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 and were members of the Methodist Church.

Professional and political 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.

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.

Governor of Delaware

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. 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

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 at Wilmington and is buried there in the Riverview Cemetery.

Almanac

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

Public offices
Office	Type	Location	Began office	Ended office	notes
Governor	Executive	Dover	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%

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. ISBN 0-924117-08-7.
• Martin, Roger (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.

Images

• Hall of Governors Portrait Gallery ; Portrait courtesy of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Dover.

External links

• Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States
• Delaware’s Governors
• Find a Grave
• The Political Graveyard

Places with more information

• Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; [phone]
• University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; [phone]