Thomas B. Allen. The original of this sketch is the owner and resident upon a farm on section 6, North Otter Township. His father was William Allen, who was a native of North Carolina, and came to Greene County, Ill., when he was about twenty-six years old, being one of the first settlers there. There was a life of hard work before him, for he was one of the pioneers of the State, but on his entry here he was at the age when the very fact of living is divine, and hardships and deprivations seem the smallest possible consideration in the face of youth and strength.
The father of our subject was untied in marriage to Mary Pinkerton, who was a native of Virginia. Mrs. Allen had, however, made her home in this State some time previous to her marriage, and when they set up their household goods in their own little home, they settled in Greene County, this State, where they died after having reared a family of nine children, of whom our subject is the eldest. He was born in Greene County, Ill., May 31, 1822.
Our subject’s father was a farmer, and his children were brought up with an acquaintance with the duties of farm life. He of whom we write early learned how to swing the ax and milk the cows, plant and hoe corn. Thus he worked until he reached manhood years when he was married in his native township and county, to Miss Martha A. Hazlewood, March 21, 1843. She was a daughter of Pleasant and Lillias (Bradfute)Hazlewood, both natives of Virginia, although they were married in Tennessee, and from there came to the county where their daughter entered her married life. There they made their home until their death.
Mrs. Allen is the youngest of her father’s family, and was born in Tennessee, August 1, 1826. For several years after the marriage of our subject, he with his wife made his home in Greene County, after which he came to Macoupin County, and settled on section 6, North Otter Township, where he has since resided. Throughout his life he has been engaged chiefly in farming. His farm here comprises two hundred acres, that covers portions both of North Otter and North Palmyra Townships. Upon his farm here he has erected good buildings, and has a delightful home.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of ten children. They are as follows: Lillias A., who is the wife of John W. Rohrer; William P., who is a farmer in Sangamon County, Ill.; Harriet R. is the wife of William Simms; Maria J., who married H. C. Cooper; and Edward G., who is a farmer in North Palmyra Township. The children who are deceased are Alfred P., Thomas B. and Mary M.; two of these died in infancy.
Our subject and his amiable family are worthy of the respect shown them by the community in which they reside, and which has been pleased to honor Mr. Allen with several positions in the gift of the township. He has been School Director and Trustee, in which stations he has well acquitted himself of the public trust placed in him. In politics he is an adherent of the Republican party.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are generous supporters. Mr. Allen has for several years held the position of Steward and Trustee of the body with which he is connected. Our subject’s place is notable for the good class of buildings upon it, all in excellent condition and carefully kept. He is well known as a public-spirited man, whose own interests are always secondary to those of the public good. While in Greene County, Mr. Allen was elected Captain of the State Militia.
Source: Chapman bros. Portrait and biographical record of Macoupin county, Illinois. Chicago: Biographical publishing company, 1891.