Mr. Allen, whose portrait is shown on another page, is a native of Burlingham, Warwickshire, England, his birth taking place April 16, 1827. His parents were James and Mary (Graham) Allen, and after he came to this country and was well settled he sent them money to pay their passage across the water, so that their last years were spent in comfort in this country. When our subject was a small boy the family removed to the county of Durham, England, where he was reared. He had to work in the mines in the day time, and his only chance for obtaining an education by reading and otherwise, and is a man of some learning.

At the age of twenty-one Mr. Allen and his brother James came to America to seek their fortunes. They settled in Pittsburg, where our subject soon became interested in the coal works. He was there six years, and then, in the fall of 1854, came to Peoria, attracted thither by the splendid opportunity offered men of enterprise in these rich coal fields. He settled on section 13, Limestone Township, adjoining the city of Peoria, and at once entered the business of coal mining, and has bought and operated some of Peoria’s largest mines. He still owns large mines near the town, but at present is not operating them. He has also engaged in farming to some extent, having a farm of fifty-two acres of exceedingly fertile land, which he has placed under the best of cultivation, and has supplied it with good modern improvements. His ventures have brought him wealth and made him one of the most substantial men of the township.

The maiden name of the wife who presides over the pleasant home of Mr. Allen an sol cheerfully assists him in extending its hospitalities to their numerous friends, was Sarah Patton. She was of Pennsylvania birth, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Yoc) Patton. Of their happy wedded life ten children have been born, two of whom died in infancy. The others are Mary, wife of Joe Day; James, Catherine, Edward, Sarah, Elizabeth, Josephine and William Albert. The children are all well educated, Elizabeth having taken a course at Brown’s College, in Peoria, and Josephine finishing her education at the High School.

Mr. Allen is a man of sturdy, self-respecting character, endowed with firmness and activity and a well-balanced mind. He has always conducted his business by honorable methods, and his standing in financial circles is of the highest, while he and his family are people of social distinction. He possesses decided opinions of his own, and is independent in his religious views. A man of his mental make-up could not do otherwise than take sides against slavery when becoming the citizen of a country where slave-holding was a recognized institution; he naturally drifted into the Republican party, and is yet a stalwart supporter of its policy. He had had the nomination for Supervisor in the township, but as it is so strongly Democratic, of course did not expect to be elected. He has been a member of the School Board, and has served as Road Commissioner, discharging the duties of both offices with characteristic energy and ability.

Pages 681-682