Biography

1888 - 1969

President pro tempore: December 1, 1940 - January 7, 1941 (by Act of 1919). Born in Altoona, June 11, 1888, the Honorable Charles R. Mallery was the son of James R. and Laura (Hatton) Mallery. Charles was a key member of the Republican Senate from 1935 through 1962 and one of the colorful “four horsemen” of the 1939 Pennsylvania Senate (Gelder, Ealy, Heyburn, and Mallery). He graduated from Bucknell University in 1909, receiving a 1913 law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Mallery became a member of the Blair County Bar two years later in October 1915, establishing a law practice in Altoona and marrying Ethel Plummer shortly thereafter. His professional career delayed, he entered the Army for a 17-month stint during World War I, serving in the 15th Field Artillery. Entering the upper house as an anti-New Deal Republican in 1935, he immediately became a thorn in the side of the Democratic Earle Administration. While he served only a few weeks as a vacancy fill-in for Charles Ealy (up for re-election), Mallery’s utility became invaluable as a legislative caucus leader in 1943, and thereafter, throughout his 27-year career. The Senator frequently chaired the Judiciary General, Constitutional Changes, County Government, and Public Utilities Committees, serving under pro tems Homsher, Huffman, Rice, Gelder, Ealy, Heyburn, and Taylor. Among his career highlights, President pro tem John Homsher selected Senator Mallery as the first chair of the Pennsylvania Local Government Commission in 1935, serving in that capacity through 1941. The Senator received note for his “easy manner, obvious goodwill, love for people, and conscientious” work effort. Highly regarded by both parties, Senator Mallery always lent members of either caucus “counsel and advice.” He considered his proudest accomplishment; writing the 1943 Worker’s Compensation amendment that created the “second injury fund,” providing physical rehabilitation aid and employment opportunities for wounded veterans. His extensive legislative history included many measures benefiting “children, schools, farming, labor, the blind, handicapped, and needy.” The Honorable Charles Mallery passed away in Hollidaysburg, January 9, 1969.
LJ, January 28, 1969, 63; Altoona Mirror, January 10, 1969; Pa. Manual