Duckworth, Allen, 1911-1966

Born in Dallas, Texas, Allen Oliver Duckworth (1911-1966), was the son of Zena McEwin Duckworth, a business agent for the typographical union. He attended Highland Park High School in Dallas, where he began his career in journalism covering sports for the Dallas Morning News and the Dallas Dispatch. By 1929, Duckworth had joined the Dallas Journal as the telegraph editor. In 1938, he transferred to the Dallas Morning News as an assistant city editor, becoming the political editor in 1944. Nicknamed the Senator for his physical bearing and his prominence in the field of political reporting, Duckworth was said to have traveled with every presidential candidate during his time as political editor. He was even mentioned as the Southwest’s most famous political writer. By 1954, he was the state editor, covering the Austin, Waco, East Texas, and Washington bureaus.

Duckworth had two children, Paula and Allen Jr., with his first wife, Minnie Lila Paul. Tragically, she and their son were killed in a car accident in 1959. Duckworth died on February 28, 1966. He was survived by his daughter, Paula, and his second wife, Martha Miller Suess, to whom he had been married for five days before his death.

From the guide to the Duckworth, Allen, Papers 95-183., 1944-1962, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)

Born in Dallas, Texas, Allen Oliver Duckworth (1911-1966), was the son of Zena McEwin Duckworth, a business agent for the typographical union.

He attended Highland Park High School in Dallas, where he began his career in journalism covering sports for the Dallas Morning Newsand the Dallas Dispatch. By 1929, Duckworth had joined the Dallas Journal as the telegraph editor. In 1938, he transferred to the Dallas Morning News as an assistant city editor, becoming the political editor in 1944. Nicknamed the Senator for his physical bearing and his prominence in the field of political reporting, Duckworth was said to have traveled with every presidential candidate during his time as political editor. He was even mentioned as the Southwest's most famous political writer. By 1954, he was the state editor, covering the Austin, Waco, East Texas, and Washington bureaus.

Duckworth had two children,

Paula and Allen Jr., with his first wife, Minnie Lila Paul. Tragically, she and their son were killed in a car accident in 1959. Duckworth died on February 28, 1966. He was survived by his daughter, Paula, and his second wife, Martha Miller Suess, to whom he had been married for five days before his death.

From the description of Duckworth, Allen, Papers, 1944-1962 (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 701733696