Dr.Allen was born on March 30, 1801, near Chelsea,Vermont. He received his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School in 1828 and went west to set up his practice. On August 13, 1831, he purchased lots three and four from James Pantier and had his home constructed. By December 1831 Dr. Allen had organized a temperance society and held meetings at his home. He was also a participant in the local debating society and an active member of the Presbyterian Church. He married Mary E. Moore on March 27, 1834. Mary died two years later. By 1840 Dr. Allen remarried, moved to Petersburg, and conducted a prosperous business until he died on April 1, 1863.