My Genealogy Hound

ALLEN, W. J. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 14, P.O. Roodhouse. The above named gentleman, who takes a leading position as a farmer, was born in Greene County, on the old homestead of his parents, John and Martha Allen. While a youth, during the winter season, he attended school in a log cabin, where a window or series of windows the entire length of the cabin admitted the daylight, the seats constructed of slabs, while the writing desk was made of plank. In 1855 Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Mary Shaw, a daughter of James Shaw. At this time, his capital, quite light, and having little if anything to lose, instead of renting property, like ninety-nine in a hundred would have done, he purchased 70 acres, thinking it as well to pay interest as rent. The result today shows the wisdom of the venture. After many years of patient labor he is now the owner of 280 acres of valuable land. Of this marriage seven children were born: Lizzie, James, Alonzo, Thomas, Dora B., Nancy J., and Sarah.