My Genealogy Hound

Lemuel W. Allen, a prosperous farmer of Mount Vernon Township, is the son of Thomas Allen, Jr., and the grandson of Thomas Allen, Sr., who was a successful farmer in North Carolina. Thomas Allen, Jr., was born in North Carolina, and went to Tennessee when a young man. September 13, 1813, he married Miss Elizabeth Dougherty, and became the father of eight children who grew to maturity: Lemuel W. (born December 26, 1814), John D. (born in Missouri July 23, 1818), Charlotte B. (born November 16, 1820), William B. (born June 8, 1823), Moses F. (born May 22, 1826), Minerva J. (born March 16, 1829), Sampson R. (born November 1, 1831) and Sarah A. (born September 3, 1834). Mr. Allen moved to Missouri about 1817 and settled in Callaway County, but remained only a short time, when he returned to Tennessee. In 1841 he came back to Missouri, and settled on a farm in Spring River bottom. He there remained until his death, which occurred when he was ninety-three years of age. He was a prominent member of the Baptist Church, and was a deacon for many years. He was a prosperous farmer, one who kept clear of debts. His son, Lemuel W. Allen, was born in Smith County, Tenn., in 1814, and was reared a farmer. He moved around with his parents, and in 1837 married Miss Pamelia Evans, who bore him three children: James E., Thomas B. and Mary E. Mr. Allen came to Lawrence County, Mo., and settled, on his present farm in the fall of 1837. The county was then very sparsely settled, entirely with people from Tennessee. In 1844 Mrs. Allen died, and May 2, 1850, Mr. Allen married Miss Sarah A. Springer, daughter of Elijah and Jane (Hillhouse) Springer. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born seven children who are now living: E. S., Lemuel W., John M., Joseph R., Emma P., Dora A. and George A. Mr. Allen is a Democrat in his political views, and he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Allen had two sons in the Civil War; James E., who served in the First Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, was at the battle of Pea Ridge, and in the Camden raid, also in many skirmishes; Thomas B., who was in the State Militia, serving through the war under Col. John D. Allen, his uncle. Mr. Allen is a gentleman of the old school and a fine example of the sturdy race of pioneers now rapidly passing away. He is in comfortable circumstances, owning 257 acres of good land, and has given his children sixty acres of land each. He stands high in the community, and is well known throughout the county. He is still hale and hearty, and is a well-informed man, also a good business manager as well as a careful farmer. Mrs. Allen is an active and intelligent lady of sixty-one, and retains her strength and activity unusually well. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have eight children living, twenty-four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Springer, the parents of Mrs. Allen, were Old School Presbyterians and excellent citizens.