DAVID B. ALLEN
David B. Allen, retired farmer, Delavan. Ill, was born in Washington Valley, Somerset County, N. J., Aug. 14. 1826, and obtained his education in the public schools of his native town. He was employed on a farm until eighteen years of age, when he began to learn the mason’s trade. In 1854 he removed to Illinois, working at his trade in Jacksonville and other cities until 1858, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Dillon Township, Tazewell County, and by industrious habits, hard work and strict attention to his agricultural duties, has added to his holdings until he now owns about 1,100 acres, 900 being located in Illinois and 200 in Misouri. In 1898 Mr. Allen retired from active business life and removed to Delavan, where he built. a handsome residence on West Fourth Street. He is an attendant of the Presbyterian Church, and is a generous-hearted man, noted for his philanthropic traits of character and strict honesty in his dealings with his fellow men.
On April 1, 1860, Mr. Allen was married at Delavan to Miss Harriet L. Hammond, and four children have been born to them. viz.: Ella M. (now Mrs. F. 0. Brawner), born April 1, 1861; Susan E. (now Mrs. H. B. Price), born Dec. 21, 1866; David H.., (married to Margaret Bailey) born July 7, 1870; and Frederick S. (married to Kate Wakefield), born July 15, 1872. Mrs. Allen is a native of New York City, the date of her birth being August S, 1838. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, David Allen, was a native of New Jersey. The date of his birth was December 22. 1743, and his wife, Mary, was born in the same State June 25. 1743. The father. David Allen, was born in Washington Valley, N.J. December 23, 1787. and married Susan Townley, likewise a native of New Jersey. She was a daughter of William Townley, of English birth, the year of her birth being
1798.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 971