C.W. Allen facts for kids

C.W. Allen was an important African-American businessman and leader in Mobile, Alabama, during the early 1900s. He started from humble beginnings and built successful businesses. He also worked hard to help his community.

Early Life and Work

C.W. Allen was born on October 17, 1872. His family was not wealthy. He went to public schools in Mobile. He also attended the Emerson Institute. This was a special school for African Americans. It was started by the American Missionary Association.

Allen began working when he was 15 years old. He started in a simple job. Over time, he worked his way up. He became a mail carrier for the Mobile post office. He held this government job for ten years.

Business Ventures

Real Estate

After working at the post office, Allen started a new career. He became a real estate agent. He partnered with James T. Peterson. Their company was called Peterson & Allen. It became one of the top real estate businesses in Alabama.

Funeral Home

In 1904, Allen bought a funeral home. He partnered with Mr. Harney to buy A.N. Johnson. This was a very well-known funeral business in the South. Allen and Harney made it even better. They added new equipment. This made it one of the most modern funeral homes in the United States. By 1911, their company handled about one-third of all funerals in Mobile. This included people of all races.

Newspaper Publishing

The A.N. Johnson firm also had another important business. They published a newspaper called the Mobile Weekly Press. This newspaper was very important. It shared news and information for the African-American community in Mobile.

Community and Politics

C.W. Allen was also active in many community groups. He was a leader in several organizations. These included the Masonic Endowment Fund for Alabama. He was also a top member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows in Alabama. These groups helped people in the community.

Allen was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Republican State Executive Committee. This meant he helped lead the Republican Party in Alabama. He was also chosen to represent his state at the 1908 Republican National Convention.

Family Life

On June 6, 1893, C.W. Allen married Josephine Blackledge. She was also from Mobile. Josephine was a teacher. In 1898, she started her own school. It was called the Josephine Allen Private School. C.W. and Josephine had one son.