Clifford Robertson Allen

Democrat Representative of Tennessee's 5th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1912 (66 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1978

Death

Served as a member of the Tennessee Senate from 1949 to 1951 and from 1955 to 1959.
Elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1975, serving until his death in 1978.
Ran for governor of Tennessee multiple times but was defeated, including a very close election against incumbent Gordon Browning.
Known for his advocacy for free school textbooks, enforcement of Brown v. Board of Education, and opposition to the political machine of Boss Crump.
Served as Assessor of Property for Davidson County, Tennessee, starting in 1960, making significant contributions to property tax reform.
Played a key role in the 1971 constitutional convention that led to changes in property tax assessment in Tennessee.
Advocated for “lifeline rates” for low-income, low-volume electric users during his time in Congress.
Died in office from complications of a heart attack at the age of 66.