My Genealogy Hound

John Barnhouse Allensworth, merchant and postmaster at Decatur, Ark., was born in Springfield, Ohio, March 15, 1889, and is a son of Rootan and Eliza (Barnhouse) Allensworth, both of whom were born in the “Buckeye State” The father was an artisan and builder, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. John B. Allensworth grew to manhood in Harrison County, Ohio. He received his primary education in the common schools, and afterward completed his education in the McCannahan High School at New Jefferson. He was married in Ohio, in October, 1859, and in 1860 removed to Martin County, Ind., where he met with good success as a farmer. Five years later he moved to Southern Illinois and in 1876 to Texas, where he farmed with excellent results. He came to Benton County, Ark., in 1879, and here has since resided. About 1888 he engaged in the mercantile business at Decatur, and has a stock valued at $1,600. His wife’s maiden name was Elizabeth Knouff, a daughter of John and Susan Knouff, the former of whom was a soldier in the War of 1812. To Mr. and Mrs. Allensworth ten children were born, five of whom are living: Charles C., James M., George I., John B. and Eliza J. Mr. Allensworth’s paternal ancestors were of Scotch descent, and his maternal ancestors of Pennsylvania-Dutch origin. His mother was a member of the Methodist Church, and his wife was raised a Lutheran.