Richard Cann McMullen

Background

McMullen was born at Porters, near Glasgow, Delaware, son of James and Sarah Boulden McMullen.

Education

Goldey–Beacom College.

Career

He worked as a farm hand to meet expenses while studying at Goldey Commercial College. McMullen learned the tanning and leather business while working at the Mullin and Pierson Leather Plant, later to become the Amalgamated Leather Company. 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.

After reluctantly agreeing to run, he was elected in 1936, defeating Republican Harry L. Cannon, and Isaac Doctorate. 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.

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.

Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1.

The Governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and has a four-year term. Hall of Governors Portrait Gallery. Portrait courtesy of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Dover.

Delaware Historical Society.

Website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. (302) 655-7161

University of Delaware.

Library website. 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717.

(302) 831-2965.

Membership

He was a member of the Democratic Party, who served as.

Connections

Partner:

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