Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

Washington street, a section which is
now very thickly populated. Through his
diligent and persistent industry, Mr. Al-
len became very successful in his under-
takings and held a prominent place in
the civic affairs of Hartford. He believed
that the secret of success lay in the virtues—
promptness, square dealing, industry
and temperance. He was an active
advocate, especially of the latter quali-
fication, and would have no one in his
employ who was addicted to the use of
intoxicating liquors. In political faith he
was an ardent adherent of the principles
of the Republican party, ever ready to do
his utmost share in promoting those prin-
ciples. Until his death, which occurred
in 1868, he was a regular attendant of
the Center Church of Hartford. For his>
second wife, Mr. Allen married, in New
York City, Nancy Knox, daughter of
Samuel Knox, and a direct descendant of
the reformer, John Knox. The family is
from Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland,
and one of the brothers of Samuel Knox
is believed to have been the founder of
the city of Knoxville, Tennessee. Mrs.
Nancy (Knox) Allen survived her husband
but a few months, and died in 1868.
They were the parents of five children
Samuel, John, Robert, Mary and Nancy.
Mary became the wife of John Scott
Hunter (see Hunter).
John Allen, the second son, was born
February 6, 1831, in New York City, and
was only one year old when his parents
removed to Hartford. He was educated
in the latter city, and after graduating
from school became associated in busi-
ness with his father. The city of Hartford
was rapidly growing to such an
extent that the farming land of the Allen
estate was becoming valuable from a
building standpoint. Consequently Mr.
Allen became interested in real estate and
was instrumental in opening up a num-
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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
351
ber of streets. At that time the buildings
of Trinity College were located in what
is now Bushnell Park, and it was found
desirable to have it removed to the present
location on Summit street. As Mr.
Allen was keenly alive to all measures
which would better general conditions, he
generously donated the sum of five thousand
dollars towards the carrying out of
this plan. He exerted a wide influence
in civic matters, and as a believer in the
principles of the Republican party was
most active in working for its interests.
For several years he served as a mem-
ber of the Common Council, and also as
police and water commissioner. In all
of these public offices he devoted his best
energies to performing the duties of the
positions in the best possible manner,
winning the admiration of his fellow-citi-
zens. In religious convictions, Mr. Allen
was a valued member of the Center Con-
gregational Church of Hartford, and here
also he proved his worth as a true citizen
in performing his share of committee
work and serving as deacon for many
years. Mr. Allen was a trustee of the
Hartford Theological Seminary for over
fifteen years, and when the Case Memor-
ial Library was erected was chairman of
the executive committee ; in the year
1896 he served as treasurer of the semin-
ary. He died in Hartford, June 6, 1909.
In i860, he was married to Mary Bonner,
a daughter of Andrew Bonner, a native
of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were
the parents of the following children:
Mary Ann, who lived to the age of twelve ;
Joshua Wilson, of whom further; Isabella
Jane, who died at the age of two
years ; and Alice Margaret, who became
the wife of I. K. Hamilton, Jr., now a
resident of Hartford.
Joshua Wilson Allen, second child of
John and Mary (Bonner) Allen, was born
March 2, 1864, in Hartford. He received