The name of this late worthy citizen of Jo Daviess County will be held in respectful rememberance for years to come as he formed one of the band of pioneers who came to Northern Illinois during the period of its early settlement and contributed his quota in bringing Jo Daviess County to its present condition. A native of Derbyshire, England, he was born March 25, 1811, and departed this life at his home in Elizabeth village, June 12, 1888.

The parents of our subject were Joseph and Esther Allen, also of English birth and parentage, who spent their entire lives on their native soil. John remained at home with his parents in his native county until reaching his majority, and then seeing little to encourage him, financially or otherwise, set sail for America. After arriving in the city of New York, he proceeded directly westward to Springfield, this State, whence he came to this county in 1842. He was occupied in the lead mines until 1851, then settled on a farm in Woodbine Township, where he followed agriculture until removing to Elizabeth in 1869. Thereafter he lived quietly in retirement, until his decease. He, in company with Mr. Wishorn – a biography of whom appears elsewhere in this volume – struck the great Wishorn lead mine, which they operated successfully until about 1870.

Mr. Allen commenced life for himself without other resources than his own indomitable will and persevering energy. By the exercise of these he was successful in accumulating a good property, thus leaving his family in good circumstances. He was married at Galena, May 10, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of David and Nancy (Jurney) Clark. Mr. Clark was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he emigrated to this county prior to the birth of his daughter, Elizabeth, which took place Sept. 15, 1831. They located in this county during its first settlement and became the parents of a large family, ten of whom are surviving. The eldest, Sarah A., is the wife of John Gosnay, of Woodbine Township; William J. is a resident of Thompson Township; John F., Charles and Alonzo are in Woodbine Township; Samuel, Robert, Joseph, Wilbur and Mary A. complete the list.

Mr. Allen was a Democrat, politically, and held various local offices, being a member of the Village Board of Trustees, and otherwise identified with its most important interests. As a husband and father he was kind and indulgent, making the comfort of his family his chief concern. In the development and progress of his county he ever maintained the warmest interest. Since his death Mrs. Allen has been a resident of Elizabeth, where she is enjoying the comforts of a pleasant home, surrounded by her children and friends. She proved in every way the worthy partner of her husband, assisting him in all his endeavors and approving a helpmate in the truest sense of the word. She enjoys a wide acquaintance in her community, where she is generally respected. The mother of Mrs. Allen was born in St. Clair County, Ill.

Transcribed & Contributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889), p. 716