My Genealogy Hound

THEODORE K. ALLEN, a well known farmer of Horsham township, is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Eaton) Allen. He was born at Horshamville, December 27, 1847, and educated at neighboring schools. His mother was a native of Horsham township, and his father was born on the sea while his parents were on their voyage to America from Ireland. Abraham’s parents located on a rented farm and he was reared to farm pursuits. When he married he also began life on a rented farm. Later in life he accepted the position of sexton and care taker at Horsham Friends” Meeting, which he filled for many years until his death. Their children: Charles, born in 1828; Elias, deceased; Ellwood, of Bryn Mawr, served in the army throughout the rebellion; Theodore K., subject of this sketch; Morris, a merchant of Ambler; Elizabeth (Mrs. Isaac Morgan); Josephine (Mrs. D. Dabree).

Theodore K. Allen in his boyhood assisted his father in digging the graves in the burying ground, continuing to do so as long as he lived, and succeeding him in the position when he died. He had sole charge of the cemetery for eleven years, during which time he interred 1027 bodies. He married in 1877, and soon afterwards bought the farm of 110 acres on which he now resides. It belonged to James and Caroline Lefevre, well known residents of Horsham township, in the vicinity of Prospectville, long since deceased. He has resided on the farm and cultivated it ever since. He has greatly improved the buildings, remodeling the house and erecting a new and commodious barn. He has added many conveniences to the farming outfit, and keeps the place in a high state of cultivation. It is located about a mile west of Prospectville, near the turnpike, and is devoted to general farming and dairying, Mr. Allen maintaining a large herd of fine cattle. He attends Philadelphia market. He also sells milk. He is a practical farmer, giving all his attention to his business, and has been successful.

Mr. Allen married, in 1877, Miss Harriet Anna Perry, who was born at Summerville, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1853, being the daughter of Joshua B. and Catharine (Staunton) Perry. Her father was born in December, 1808, and died March 17, 1866. He was a tailor by trade, and followed his occupation at Willow Grove and in Philadelphia. His widow survived him many years, and died July 21, 1896, at the age of eighty-two years. Her name was Catharine Staunton, and she was descended from an old family in that section of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Perry were both members of the Methodist church. Their children: Mary (Mrs. F. Walton); John A., harness maker; Jacob F., a farmer; Albert, served in the Union army during the rebellion, and is now a resident of Plainfield, New Jersey; George J., a farmer; Harriet A., wife of Mr. Allen; Savilla (Mrs. Isaac Shoemaker).

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore K. Allen: Walter, born October 17, 1880; Clarence K., born April 18, 1882; Howard E., born December 1, 1886; Irene D., born April 13, 1892; Mabel C., born June 24, 1895.

In politics Mr. Allen is a Republican. He has been judge of elections, and has filled other minor township offices, but is not in any sense an office seeker. He is an active business man, and has the respect and confidence of the community in which he lives.