My Genealogy Hound

Erasmus P. Allen, farmer, was born August 31, 1837, the son of Richard and Martha A. (Alford) Allen, natives of Kentucky; the former born in 1808. The grandfather, Erasmus, was a Virginian, and a pioneer of Kentucky. The father had few advantages, and was married at the age of twenty-four. He came to this township in 1834, and has since made it his home, where he is one of the oldest and most respected pioneer farmers. He had nine children by his first wife, and by his second wife he had two children. The latter died in 1863. Both held the faith of the Christian Church. Our subject attended common schools, and in December, 1860, was married to America, the daughter of William and Alvira Stagg, and a native of Kentucky. Their children are John L., Charley P., Rosa, Lizzie, Anna D., William H., Nathan E., Wilbur, Cassie, Blanche and Hugh. He lived for a long time in Marion County, and spent two years in Company E, under Col. Porter, and afterward under Col. McCullough. He fought at Kirksville, Moore’s Mill, Palmyra, and other places. After his return he went to Pike County, Ill., and after the war removed to Shelby County, Mo. Three years later he came to this county, and soon after bought eighty acres of his present farm. His estate consists of 200 acres of well improved land. He has been urged to become a justice, but has declined. He was formerly a Whig, and voted for Fillmore, but since the war has joined the democracy. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church.