| Mary Allen and Thomas McClintock were my
Gr4 Grandparents. The following article, written by Aubrey Baldwin, is an
account of the ALLEN heritage. This is their story . . .
|
| Comissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds by Aubrey Haines Baldwin After more than three hundred years, Nathaniel Allen, of the commissioners chosen by William Penn to assist in establishing his recently bestowed and royally named province in America remains little-known figure. Ignored by historians and only slightly recognized by genealogists, Allen has remained no more than an honored name appearing in the annals of Bristol and of Philadelphia archives of Pennsylvania, Friends minutes and scattered business legal documents. Julianna R. Wood, writing for the benefit of her children more than a century ago, states: "We much regret not to know more on respected ancestor, Nathaniel Allen. What were his antecedents, England, or what his calling there, we know no farther than that was styled ‘the sett copper’ of Bristol. The meaning of that term being that he was appointed by the crown to inspect measures of wood sorts, and to affix upon them the stamp before they could be sold, attested their honest capacity as called for by law." In the first of the tercentenary issues of the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine (Vol. xxxii, No. 2), the lead article, "William Penn’s Commissioners" by Richard Alan Ryerson, has explored Penn’s chosen agents and his instructions given them. The presented essay will attach a biographical and genealogical portrait of Nathaniel Allen, citizen of two worlds-master cooper of Bristol and a first investor in Penn’s Commonwealth, and also some of his new world descendants. Nathaniel Allen, the third son and child of Richard and Pricilla Allen, was born in 1633 in Keynsham, an ancient and attractive place lying about four and one-half miles east of Bristol and six miles west Bath on the River Avon. His father was a "tucker" or cloth processor, his mother is not further identified. The location and date of marriage also remains unknown; but it probably occurred in or around the year 1626. The Allen name had long been identified with Bristol and surrounding Counties of Somerset and Gloucester. The Domesday Book shows an Alyn holding land in Somerset. Nathaniel’s native town was listed as the Hundred of Cainesham (Keynsham), a parish of 4,171 acres with estimated annual revenues due the Crown of 7 ponds, 12 pence. Here on the south side of the River Avon in Somerset, the important Abbey of Keynsham was founded by William, Earl of Gloucester, soon after 1166. The whole of the manor and hundred of Keynsham was conferred on the Canons of the Order of St. Austin and St. Victor. The prosperity of Keynsham dates from 1307 when Edward II granted a charter for a weekly market on Tuesdays, and a yearly fair n the festival of the Assumption. A large tract in the northeast corner of Somersetshire including a great part of Keynsham Hundred was reckoned as a Royal chase. Leland, writing in 1540, makes mention of a park of the King’s just outside Keynsham, which was walled with stone. A few years later at the time of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, Keynsham’s abbey was completely destroyed, but the lovely parks and wooded area have remained. No doubt Nathaniel and his brothers enjoyed these woods. The Avon provided fishing. Somerset and Gloucester in the early 17th Century formed a rich agricultural area in England with special attention given to dairying and sheep raising. Flax also was an important crop. Hence the weaving of cloth of several kinds became an important industry. Keynsham was especially noted for the excellence of its cloth. This industry afforded Richard Allen and his family their livelihood. Upon the death of Richard Allen, we do not know by what means Pricilla kept her family together. That both Samuel and Nathaniel were successful businessmen argues a sound schooling. As the summer of 1647 neared its close, it was time to think of Nathaniel’s future. His name appears in the Bristol apprentice lists on 6 November of that year, wherein it is noted: "Nathaniel Allen, son of Richard Allen, late of Keynsham in the County of Somerset, tucker . . . apprentice to Hugh Gifford of the city of Bristol, cooper, and Ann his wife." The young lad then took up residence in the bustling port with his master; and here for the next eight years he applied himself to his trade while continuing his schooling. As early as 1605, we find the Bristol authorities enacting measures to assure that masters and their apprentices met high standards of work. The enactment’s also gave protection against outside competition. Bristol’s coopers were especially singled out for these special privileges. Nathaniel’s apprenticeship years witnessed a great increase in Bristol’s population. It became the second largest community in England. Wealth poured into the city due to the brisk trading enjoyed with the West Indies and the new colonial settlements in North America. In 1645 Bristol was visited with the plague, and again in 1650. But an even greater scourge that was to torment the authorities, erupted in violence, and disturb the citizenry for a full generation began in 1652 when Dennis Hollister, a prosperous grocer in High Street, invited a non-conformist Baptist congregation to form and to meet in his home. Soon he was accused by his critics of "sucking in some upstairs doctrines" from the sect of Quakers while in London. He may well have done so, for in July 1654 he was host to John Camm and John Audland, two missionary Quakers from Kendal. Though these Publishers of Truth stayed but one day, they occasioned a great sensation and their return in September was eagerly awaited. Services were held at the Red Lodge, the Great Fort and finally in an open field where a throng estimated as high as 400 persons greeted them. Their successes not only drew the ire of the established church, but the exasperation of other sects and parties as well. In October they were ordered to quit Bristol; but they refused despite some of their following being committed to prison. Meetings continued although they could not appear in the streets without being molested by people of every rank, from gentlemen to errand boys "abused, dirtied, stoned, pinched, kicked, and otherwise greatly injured." Harsher persecutions awaited the new sect following Mrs. Marshall’s demonstration on December 10th. She entered Nicholas steeplehouse where the Mayor was attending service and denounced the minister Ralph Farmer as "a dumb shepherd," then proceeded to bestow her own eloquence n the congregation until she was driven out of church to receive a pelting from a crowd gathered outside. The following week she paraded in sack-cloth exposing "her bare legs and covering her flowing hair with ashes." It would be interesting to learn whether young Samuel and Nathaniel Allen were among " a delighted throng of youthful idlers and other mischief-makers who followed the procession through Bristol streets." Nathaniel Allen finished his apprenticeship on 28 January1649 when he was admitted into the liberties of the city. History does not chronicle his next move. Did he continue awhile longer with Gifford? Was his wife, Eleanor, whom me married a year or two later, a daughter of his master (a common practice in those day)? Did he join force with Jeremiah Hignell, who had finished his apprenticeship as cooper on 8 February 1649? Or was Jeremiah, whom Nathaniel was later to name as guardian for his daughter Joyce, his brother-in-law? Both men were active coopers in Bristol and soon both became members of Bristol Monthly Meeting of Friends. The young citizen of Bristol was probably caught up in several other events transpiring in 1655. The first was the order delivered in a laconic missive by Oliver Cromwell, the Protector, for the dismantling of Bristol Castle. On 3 January the Corporation complied since for some years it had been a source for riots and open rebellion against authority. By now many of the garrison as well as many ship masters and sailors in Bristol were open adherents of the many new religious sects, who when not quarreling among themselves, often offered defiance to establish authority from its ancient precincts. The second event was the founding of a Quaker meeting house in Redcliffe Street near Allen’s lodgings. It was here that George Fox, the Quaker leader, James Nayler and four other ministers came the following year. Throngs still gathered to hear the Quakers, now a numerous and settled band of worshippers. Resistance was still strong, however, and the year 1655 marked the first determined efforts on the part of the authorities to suppress the movement. Among the many Quakers sent to Newgate gaol in Bristol was Thomas Callowhill, later to become the father-in-law of William Penn. Quaker merchants, now numerous in Bristol, abolished the observance of church holy day, including Christmas Day which had been proclaimed a national Fast. Beginning as early as 18 December 1654 the apprentices of the city took offense at some of the eccentric practices of the Quakers and led a concerted attack on the shopkeepers of the sect with a view of forcing them to close their places of business. The tumult, it is recorded, began on the Bridge where several Quakers resided. It was resumed the following day. The disturbances on subsequent days grew to alarming proportions, it being estimated that 1500 youths refused to return to their occupations and to forbear from the "shutting down of shops which standeth open." Eventually the authorities were obliged to call in the troops to suppress the disturbances. Nathaniel and Eleanor Allen probably joined the growing Quaker movement in Bristol about the time of Fox’s visit in 1656. No record of their marriage by priest or magistrate has been located, but no Quaker minute of their union is known either. The birth of their firstborn, Nehemiah, on 5 11th Month 1658 is recorded, however, in the Friends register of Bristol and Somerset. The birth of their eldest daughter Eleanor, occurred 20 7th Month 1660. It was in the year 1660 that the aged Dean of Bristol, Matthew Nichols, resigned after more than twenty-one years in office. He was succeeded by Henry Glentham who sought to re-establish better order and attendance in the established churches. At the same time, Mr. Richard Ellsworth, the new Customer, under the commission from the government, summoned all inhabitants over sixteen years of age take the newly proclaimed oaths of allegiance and supremacy. Quakers opposed swearing of oaths; thus, before the end of the year, some sixty-five Bristol Friends were lodged in Newgate to be joined later by 190 arrested in Temple Street. It was estimated that before the years end, 4000 Quakers were in goals throughout the kingdom. Allen probably slipped through the net as he was not listed among those suffering at this time. He could scarcely have been unconcerned, however, in rendering what succor and services he could afford suffering Friends. The civic records of Bristol of the period reflect the great crowding of newcomers to the city; the distress of the poor; the high price of commodities, and particularly of butter; also the erection of great numbers of cottages outside Lawford’s Gate "to the great impoverishment of the city." This district soon became the most populous as was the most disorderly of the suburbs. To suppress crime, the Court Alderman notified about 530 of the principal householders to hang over their respective doors during the winter months a lantern and lighted candle from six to nine o’clock every night. Roving gang drunken seamen and riotous citizenry were mounting problems. The year 1662 was marked by the birth of a second son, Nathaniel Allen, Jr. on 1st of 5th Month. It is unfortunate that few records of other members of Nathaniel’s relatives are available. What had happened to his mother, his sister and brothers? We learn only of brother Samuel, who at this time was a cordwainer residing in Chew Magna. This parish, located southeast of Bristol, was within what was considered then an easy walk to either the port city or to Keynsham. It had turned Quaker, and Butcomb Monthly Meeting in Somerset showed his wife Mary, and children: Martha, Anne, Sarah, Samuel, and Pricilla. No fewer than twelve other Allen families were listed at this time as members of developing Quaker meetings in and around Bristol of which one, Nicholas Allen, seems to have played a prominent role and suffered a prison sentence as early as 1661. Perhaps some of them were related to the Richard Allen family. Gilbert Ironsides was appointed Bishop of Bristol in December 1660. He soon took prompt action to eradicate the heretics, inducing the then Mayor, one Sir John Knight, and one of the Sheriffs, Richard Streamer, to join him; thereby loosing the greatest persecution suffered by non-conformists up until that time. At the end of the two-year ordeal all Bristol Friends meeting houses had been destroyed or pillaged; 400 leading Quakers, including Thomas Callowhill were ordered banished; 900 sufferers for conscience sake were forced to her with criminals of the vilest character in Bridewell. Allen was committed to Bridewell for refusing the oath on 3 July 1664, and he was re-committed for further refusal on 7 August. The Annals of Bristol record that on three Sundays ending August 14th, the Mayor pursued his prey relentlessly and committed about thirty, chiefly women, for a week, about forty for three weeks, and a great number for a month. In consequence of the multitude of victims, the condition of the prisons was appalling . . . The outbreak of the plague in 1665-6, and the moderation of Alderman Willoughby, then Mayor, put a temporary stop to the persecution. Despite the plague which was particularly noisome in Redcliffe Street - the then residence of cooper Allen - the family was not afflicted. Instead two newcomers to the family made their appearance - second daughter Joyce, on 11 2nd Month 1664, and third daughter, Mary on 20 7th Month 1666. Friends minutes also record the death of their son Nathaniel on 6 2nd Month and of daughter, Mary on 18 2nd Month 1668, and yet again the birth of a fourth daughter, Prescilla on 9 11th Month 1668. During the autumn of 1669, another royal proclamation was issued commanding magistrates to strictly enforce the penal laws against dissenters. It appears that Richard Towgood, who had been appointed as dean to replace Glenham when the latter was advanced to Bishop of St. Asaph’s in the year 1667, did little to enforce the edict. George Fox appeared in Bristol in October, and proceeded on the 18th to marry at the Quaker’s meeting house Margaret Fell, termed "the widow of a judge and a remarkable woman who was held to exercise unaccountable influence over the King" The year 1670 was chiefly notable in the Allen family for the birth of still a fifth daughter, Abigail on April 7th; and the levying of a five-shilling fine meted out to Nathaniel on October 31st on a conventional charge. In regards to the latter event, the Bristol Annals note, "The government, dissatisfied with the working of the Conventicle Acts, procured the passing in 1670 of a still more drastic measure for crushing the dissenters, who to the exceeding wrath of their enemies, had visibly increased under persecution." It was then that Bishop Ironsides paid spies to attend the services in order to identify those present and this is not proving sufficient, the magistrates locked up the chapels and surrounded them by the trained bans, forcing the congregations to gather in suburban lanes and fields. Meanwhile, Nathaniel was faced with several actions within his own meeting, due to Friends’ desire to settle disputes among members there rather than sue in court. These minutes are of interest as showing somewhat the character of the cooper: "The 16th of 3rd Month (May) 1670: Charles Harford, Charles Jones, Francis Rogers and William Rogers, or any two of them are ordered to speake with John Higgins and his mother touching Nathaniell Allen, and Thomas Hollister, and John Jones their business." "The 15th of ye 3rd Month (May) 1671: Being informed that there is a difference between Nathaniel Allon & Edward Bennet, and the proposall hath been made by ye said Nathaniell for the ending thereof by persons indifferently chosen or by any fower friends that the said Edward himself shall choose, which Edward Bennet hath refused therefore for the better reconcilleing thereof, Miles Dixson, Wm Foord, Tho. Whiteborne & Charles Jones be desired to speake with the said Edward and use indeavers with him to reconcile it & if they cannot prevaile therein to give an account thereof to this meeting." And this minute dated 3 5th Month 1680 which set forth: "Wm Lloyd compllaineing to this meeting against Nath’ll Allon as having received wrong by him, they both in this meeting consents to referr the decission of the same to Charles Jones, Junior & Eras. Dole." Friends’ Bristol minutes do not set forth clearly the cause of these disputes, nor do they record outcome of any settlements. When and where William Penn and Nathaniel Allen first encountered one another is not known. Allen could scarcely be unaware of the rising Quaker activist, and almost certainly was informed of the elaborate burial rites held at the end of September 1670 for Admiral S. William Penn. Penn’s corpse was brought from London to Bristol; this time to lie in state in the guildhall until 3rd October, when escorted by the trained bands, it was carried in procession to the magnificent church of St. Mary Redcliffe, which justifies Queen Elizabeth’s description of it as "the fairest, the goodliest, and most famous parish-church in England." The Admiral’s remains were buried in the church. The elaborate family memorials set up are still to be seen therein. As the 17th Century advanced, so did the lucrative trade between Bristol and all parts of the world. It became one of the principal ports concerned in the slave, molasses and rum trade. The fair fame of the city was sullied by the practice of kidnapping, carried on to provide laborers for the American Colonies. The provisioning of the many ships demanded vast numbers of kegs, barrels, pails and containers of all sizes and descriptions. There is no reason to doubt that Nathaniel’s cooperage was flourishing; for even as demand soared, the civic authorities were still engaged in enforcing the old enactments of 1605 forbidding tradesmen from buying casks or pails from any but Bristol coopers. Allen probably had several apprentices, being careful to engage only Quakers’ sons to avoid the problem of having to take an oath when they reached the end of their apprenticeship. His last apprentice noted in the Bristol records was for one "John Hathaway, son of John Hathaway from Downend in the County of Gloucester, taylor, defunct." Thus Nathaniel was taking charge of an orphan just as he was apprenticed himself when an orphan. Hathaway would have finished his service only two years before his master left Bristol. Harassment of Quakers continued throughout the decade of the 1670’s. We learn, however, that in 1672 they again wee meeting at their old locations: one at the lower end of Broadmead Street, afterwards occupied by the Baptists; another, newly built, on the other side of Bristol Bridge in Temple Street; and near Broadmead at the Friars. Of necessity, the Allen’s probably attended the various sites as well as sometimes in open fields when all were closed by the authorities. To add to their discomfiture, a bitter controversy broke out in Bristol between two Quaker "publishers of truth" - John Wilkinson and John Story. Their dissentions that were to continue to involve Friends throughout England until the year 1683, caused many Friends in Bristol to drop membership. Nathaniel and Eleanor had a sixth daughter, Lydia, born 11 11th Month 1672, and disease in 1673 carried away two of their children, Abigail on 25 3rd Month, and Pricilla on 10 12th Month. A third son, Richard was born 14 8th Month 1675; a fourth son, Nathaniel on 8 4th Month 1678; and still a fifth son, John, early in 1679. All three little sons were claimed by death in 1679: Nathaniel on 20 1st Month; Richard on 4 4th Month; and infant John on 25 4th Month. The cause of their deaths are unlisted, perhaps it was a series of childhood ailments, perhaps the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in Redcliffe Street, or the practice of feeding infants "bristol milk." This series of bereavements, the continuing hostility of the authorities towards Friends again fanned by newly appointed Bishop William Gulston, and a series of destructive fires in the early month 1681, certainly predisposed Nathaniel and his brothers, Samuel Allen to leave Bristol. News of the American Colonies and the West Indies often reached Bristol before it did London itself, and it is safe to think that Allen was well aware of both the risks and the opportunity presented by Penn’s efforts to colonize on the Delaware. Thus when news reached them of Penn’s successful quest for a Royal Charter both brothers set in motion plans to emigrate there. Bristol Friends in 1681 organized a company styled "the Bristol Society Traders in Pennsylvania" and when Penn, himself, arrived in Bristol in August of that year offering land, Nathaniel and Samuel were among the first to close with him, settling for 2,000 acres each. The purchases were among the largest that Penn sold in Bristol, their names head the list of sales in that city. The selection thereafter of Nathaniel as one of Penn’s commissioners followed. The
excitement, stir and difficult decisions faced by the Allen’s can well be imagined.
That the families had but little over a month which to settle their business affairs,
decide on household and other needs to be shipped to an unknown wilderness, and hardest of
all to bid farewell to loving friends and relations was enough to daunt all the stoutest
of hearts. The decision to allow the Allen’s second daughter, Joyce, to remain behind
was not the least of the trials faced at that time. When Penn returned to Bristol in late
September, however all was in readiness. The Proprietor remained in Bristol to bid
farewell to Commissioners Allen and Bezar and his other colonists
II. The "Holy Experiment" now began. The Bristol Factor, R. Drew, master, weighed anchor in mid-October 1681, sailed down the Avon River and put to sea. It was the first ship in that memorable convoy that was to discharge Penn’s first purchasers and other settlers in Pennsylvania. Once at sea, the two Allen families would be busy with future plans, with becoming acquainted with their small band of fellow travel mates, and day-by-day awaiting news "land, ahoy." Commissioners Allen and Bezar certainly conferred and thought about the duties that lay ahead. There was plenty of time during the nine-week voyage to discuss plans for the future. The Bristol Factor seems to have had a favorable passage unmarked be severe storms or illness aboard ship. It anchored in Chester Creek at Robert Wade’s where Nathaniel disembarked with his wife Eleanor and three children - Nehemiah, Eleanor and Lydia, and a servant, Christian Stewart, who later married John Pullen. Watson sets the date of arrival as 11 December 1681 and adds further that the winter set in so the ship and passengers made their winter there (Chester). Later historians have shown the heavy winter freeze to be more myth than history. The Bristol Factor loaded tobacco in Virginia, then returned to England and was ready to set out again for Pennsylvania in 1682. The small settlement at Upland welcomed the passengers and arranged temporary accommodations for them and their valuable cargo of goods. The Port Books of Bristol, England reveal that Thomas Cobourne-Nathaniel Allen & Co. brought aboard ship 6 cwt. wrought iron; 5 cwt. nails; 60 lbs. serges; 2 doz. felt hats; 2 cwt. lead shot; 2 cwt. gunpowder; shoes, sugar, wearing apparel, and small items classed together as haberdashery. These items were dutiable since they were designed for sale in the new country. In addition, Nathaniel and Eleanor stowed much personal property. This according to Lydia Wood included "many handsome articles of furniture. The portion of it that has descended to myself is the looking-glass now before me, that has for years hung in the pier of our back chamber, 1121 Arch Street." The Nathaniel Allen’s did remain awhile in Chester where Nathaniel sat as juror n the court of Upland on 30 January 1681/2. But other accounts tell of the Allen’s journeying to Philadelphia where until as late as 1687 they made their home in a cave. The family was kindly received by Thomas Fairman and other early European settlers in the neighborhood as well as by the Indians. Food was supplied the newcomers. In January 1681/2, the third commissioner William Haige arrived carrying William Penn’s July "Concessions" and September "Instructions." As early as the summer of 1681, Deputy Governor Thomas Markham arrived from New York and together with the help of Fairman and Lase Cock (Lawrence Cox) had made soundings along the west bank of the Delaware and selected a tentative site for a port town. With the arrival of spring, as the river cleared of ice, the commissioners under the energetic direction of Markham continued soundings and exploration of the region. In May, Penn delivered further instructions to Thomas Hobb whom he now sent over as his new Surveyor General with more specific plans for his dream city. Prior to Penn’s October arrival, the commissioners were busy all summer in aiding arriving settlers largely fellow Quakers, and in speeding allotment of land according to their purchases. All seems to have been quickly and harmoniously dispatched since history lays on blame on the commission. Allen was present at the Proprietor’s first General Court, Thursday, 2 November 1682, at New Castle, Delaware, when Penn announced assumption of jurisdiction over the three Lower Counties granted him by the Duke of York. He probably attended Penn when he met to treat with the Indians for the purchase of land. It was said to have taken place under a large elm tree at Shakamaxon near the home of Thomas Fairman. His commissioners are depicted by artists in later times, gathered with the great white father. Mrs. Wood wrote "From his position as one of the commissioners . . . he (Allen) was no doubt, with him when the treaty, ‘sealed by no oath, but not broken’, was made with the red man. And we can easily fancy Grandfather Allen under one of those formidable cocked hats, and long tailed drab coats, that stand beside the Proprietor and Governor of Pennsylvania beneath the famous Treaty Tree. The next few months were crucial in the orderly settling of Penn’s colony. Penn and his Council met almost daily to settle the new problems arising among the settlers. Aside from matters of government there were the petty regulations: bills for planting flax and hay building a house of correction; prohibitions against selling servants into other provinces; about the burning of woods and marsh elder; properly marking cattle and fencing and erecting bounds; for duels and brawling; for destroying wolves; for hog stealing; drunkenness; the ordering of public houses; sale of rum to Indians; proper education for the young. Whether Penn consulted Commissioner Allen on such matters at this time is unknown. But Allen did present a petition to the Provincial Council on 20 1st Mo. 1683 that was read and "shewing that he sould a servant to Henry Bowman for six hundred eight of beefe, with ye hide & Tallow, and six pounds sterling, which ye Bowman delayed to pay ye said Petitioner, shewing likewise that said Henry Bowman & Walter Humphrey, hired a boat of ye Petitioner only for one month & kept ye same boat 18 weeks from petitioner, to his great prejudice; then it was ordered ye Wm. C., John Simcox & James Harrison, should speak to Henry Bowman concerning this matter." After Holme had plotted and laid out lots in newly named "Philadelphia," Nathaniel Allen had a draft for alot on Spruce Street, but he seems to have kept to his cozy cave for some years while at gret expense he built "a good home next to Thomas Wynne’s" on the west side of Front Street south of Chestnut Street. He located his plantation on the west side of the Delaware in Bucks County, calling it "Allenbury." Allen owned land in Bristol where he lived awhile; and he also acquired land in Warminster Township, Bucks County. Brother Samuel Allen in 1682 moved his family to his large tract of land, on the wesst bank of the Neshaminy Creek, near present Middletown in Bucks County. If Allen seems to disappear from history for the next few years, it is not surprising. He was more than busy adjusting to life in the new colony, proceeding to build dwelling houses, clearing land for farming, and still acting as cooper in Philadelphia. The first domestic event of not in either of the Allen familes was the marriage of Samuel’s daughter, Priscilla Allen to Thomas Smith allowed by the Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia on 9 11th Month 1682/3. It was noteworthy as being the first Friends marriage in Philadelphia. Samuel also was busy developing his plantation while still plying his trade of shoemaker. Samuel and Mary had a lively family and they took an active part in Friends meetings. We learn of their attending marriages of neighbors - that of Henry Paxton to Margery Plumley on 13 6th Month 1684 and that of Edmund Bennet of Bucks County to Elizabeth Potts, of Philadelphia, on 22 10th Month 1685. Next time it was Nathaniel’s daughter, Eleanor, who took as husband George Emlen on 12 9th Month 1685 in the Philadelphia Friends’ meeting house. He was born in Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire. His parents died when he was young, and he was placed under the care and tuition of an aunt. On reaching mature age, he joined the Quakers which displeased his Presbyterian guardian so greatly that she turned him out to provide for himself. Arriving with other Quakers in Philadelphia in 1682, Emlen soon acquired property. He is termed a vintner when on 3 December 1687/8 he received a proprietary grant of property on the north side of Chestnut street between Second and Third Streets. It was here that Eleanor Emlen died 25 1st Month 1690 after having borne three children, all of whom died in infance before their mother. In 1694 George Emlen married Hannah Garret and left issue. He is remembered in Nathaniel’s will. While as yet Philadelphia had no newspapers, Nathaniel Allen was probably appraised by the many Friends pouring into the new port on the Delaware of events transpiring in Bristol - such gossip as the death of the Proprietors’ mother, Margaret Jasper Penn, and her burial on March 1682 at Walthamstow, Sussex; activites of the Free Society of Traders then busily selling land and certifying purchasers who were arriving in ever greater numbers; news that Bishop Gulston was that year translated to Chichester and that in Bristol non-conforming again were being persecuted and lodged in gaol. On the brighter side, Nathaniel’s son, Nehemiah was married to Mary Earlman (Earlishman) on 29 8th Month 1685 at the house of Edmund Bennett. It brought together members of the Allen family and old friends as is shown in a copy of the marriage certificate in the minutes of Middletown Meeting, Bucks County, Mary had arrived from London with her uncle, John Otter, in the second ship, John & Sarah, late in 1681. Nehemiah was set up as a merchant in Philadelphia. On 22 2nd Month 1686, Samuel Allen’s eldest daughter Martha married Daniel Pegg in a home wedding. Daniel is listed as a yeoman owning 350 acres along the Delaware between Cohocksink Creek and Pegg’s Run (now in Philadelphia). Her early death before 1691 and that of an only daughter Elizabeth were cause for sorrow to family and friends. Nathaniel and Eleanor became grandparents for the first time upon the birth 16 6th Month 1686 of a namesake, Nathaniel, Jr. of Nehemiah and Mary. In 1687 Eleanor Emlen’s first infant was born and died. The marriage of Joyce Allen to John Brewer took place in Bristol (England) Meeting House after the manner of Friends on the 10th Month 1687. When Nathaniel and his family learned of the event is unknown. Mystery surrounds the case of Nathaniel abandoning his second daughter Joyce when she was still a minor. Was it her fear of the known delicacy of health at that time (she lived to a ripe old age), or romantic attachment that prompted her request to remain in Bristol, England? If the latter, it may have been a broken engagement, for it was almost seven years later that her marriage is recorded in the Bristol Friends’ records. Under date of 21 9th Month 1687 we read in the Bristol Friends’ records, "John Brewer of this city, silkweaver and Joyce Allen, daughter of Nathaniell Allon late of this city, cooper, signified to this meeting their intention of marriage and desire to accomplish the same in a way and manner of friends. Friends doe expect some farther satisfaction that her parents are concenting." And again: "On 5 of Month (December 1687, John Brower this day brought into this meeting a certificate of his father-in-law and mother’s consent, and also a paper signed by Alce Hignill, William Noble, George Fisher & John Herne, to whom Nathaniel Allen left the care of his daughter, who does therein declare their consent to the intended marriage." Another minute date 19th Tenth Mo. 1687 says "the intention of marriage betwixt John Brewer & Joyce Allon was published in our publick meeting the 16th day of this instant and month by Paul Moon." Their marriage took place 27 10th Month 1687. We next hear of Joyce and her husband on 27th of 2nd Month (April) 1696 when it was reported by Friends that John Brewer, silk-weaver was in want to sustain his family. At this time all the weaving trades in England were in a poor way and Brewer was out of work. The meeting requested "Charles Jones, Paul Moone, Thomas Bayly and Benjamin Coole to inspect their condition "and wherein they want advice to give it to them & to inform the Weomen’s Meeting that their farther necessity may be suplyed." On 5 6th Month (Aug.) 1696 the next minute reads: "Upon John Brewers application to his great necessity, Charells Harford, Rich’d Sneade and John Hern are desired to speak with Mary Neale in order to transfer the management of the burying yeard from her to the said John Brewer and make report at the next meeting." The next minuted report shows that he was appointed to care for the burial yard and that "complaint have been made to this meeting that John Brewer & his wife have not been satisfied with reasonable pay for diging the graves for Friends in our yard. Jno. Brewer being present have received admonishion from this meeting not to offend for the time to come; nor to demand of any poore person above one shilling for diggin the grave, or any other friend well able to pay above two shillings six pence; & is advised if any, of bounty, doe offer & give him any greater rate that he receives the same thankfully, not grudgin & he being present promised that what have been amiss shall be amended." The last we hear of John appears in a minute of 14 4th mo. 1703 when it was the concern of the meeting that "John Brewer informs such fiends as bury in our yard that they give timely notice of such buryall within five days to the Collectors, to prevent the fine the law sets on the neglect. Alexander Arscott to give Jno. Brewer notice of this." The Brewers had two little daughters: Patience who was born 9th Month 1688 and died in infancy: and Mary, born 5 12th Month 1694/5 and who died unmarried before her mother. Joyce was alone and living in 1736 when Friends’ records indicate that she was receiving "occasional relief." Her death occurred in 1742. Back in Philadelphia, Eleanor, Nathaniel’s wife, was active in the Women’s Meeting of the Monthly Meeting of Friends and often appeared as counseling and presenting young couples intending marriage. On 5th of 8th Month, 1685, she presented Edmond Bennett and Elizabeth Potts, who for the first time declared their intentions of marriage to the meeting. At the same meeting she also brought forward Thomas Masters and Hannah Herd. On 1st of 1st Month 1685, it was Thomas Harding and Mary Bullock that she presented for the first time. Nathaniel appears next in the capacity of Constable. On November 1685, he was ordered to speak to neighbor Joseph Growden who had fenced up the King’s road. Growden was to "open the road or set gates; else further course will be taken about it." And when James Claypoole, prominent Philadelphia merchant died in 168_ Nathaniel was listed in the estate inventory as among the credited owing the deceased. After ten years as Citizen in Penn’s new world, Nathaniel was soon able to attend his trade, keep an active interest in civic and meeting affairs, and to enjoy visits to and from family and friends. The Annals recall his early efforts to educate and aid the Dutch settlers. He seemed on friendly terms with his Indian neighbors, who more and more receded up the Delaware River. He was dutiful in attendance in Friends meetings. He died in his Philadelphia home 23 6th Month 1692, and his burial next day is recorded in Friends minutes. Nathaniel’s will, dated 21 August 1692 and proved 25 January 1692 bequeathed his estate to his wife Ellinor and children, Nehemiah, Lydia and Joyce Brewer, and his grandsons Nathaniel and Nehemiah Allen. He also remembered his son-in-law George Emlen. The executors named were son Nehemiah, Thomas Bradford and Thomas Paschal; and the witnesses were John Shippey, Joanna Paschall and John White. (Phila A:219, No. 68). Some fast moving events were transpiring for the Samuel Allen’s. In 1688, daughter Anne had married Edward Lane, and the following year, Sarah married John Baldwin, a neighbor on the Neshaminy Creek. Daughter Martha Pegg died this year leaving a daughter Elizabeth Pegg. Samuel Allen, Jr. took to wife Jane Waln, daughter of a prominent Friend on 27 1st Month 1691, and the following year 29 1st Month (March) a daughter, Mary, was born to them. About the same time Thomas Smith, the husband of Pricilla, died and was buried in Philadelphia. Left with several small children, she promptly married Thomas Sisom the following year. Lydia Allen, youngest surviving daughter of Nathaniel, married shortly after her father’s death Alexander Smart, a mariner, whose death occurred in 1694. She was granted administration on his estate 3 December 1694. They had no children. Lydia then married on 9 3rd Month 1699 Thomas Pryor who was born at Broxborn in Hertfordshire, England 1 Eight Month 1669, and died "4th day of 1st month in the year 1729 about 2 o’clock in the afternoon," according to the Bible Record of the family. He operated a boulting mill in Solebury Township, Bucks County and had many differences with his neighbors, customers and creditors. He died intestate, Lydia’s death occurred on 24 9th Month 1754. Their eldest child was Norton Pryon, born 5 12th Month 1699/1700, a successful Philadelphia businessman who married Mary Brockden, daughter of Richard, at Christ Church, Philadelphia on 11 January 1735. They had ten children: Thomas, Charles, Ann who married Charles Massey, Norton and Richard who both died as infants, Norton, Letitia who married Samuel Massey, Mary who married Benjamin Loxley, and Elizabeth, who died unmarried. A second son, Thomas, was born 11 11th Month 1701/2 but died 19 5th Month 1703. A daughter Mary was born 8 2nd Month 1704 and died 17 Third Month 1776. She married a cooper, John Gilbert, of Burlington N.J. and they had five children: John, Thomas, Mary, Lydia who married James Starr, and Elizabeth who married Samuel Pryor, her first cousin. Thomas Pryor, the fourth child was born 21 3rd Month 1706. He married Mary Large in Philadelphia meeting, operated a ill in Solebury Township, Bucks County, and died 24 11th Month 1774. Their children were: Thomas, Silsa, Mary who never married, John, Samuel, and Rachel who also remained single. Lydia’s fifth and youngest child was Silas Pryor born 20 9th Month 1708, and died 1 11th Month 1758. He married Susanna Margaret Wiperton, for which he was read out of Philadelphia monthly meeting 26 10th Mo. 1746. Margaret was born in Leimbach, Germany 6 January 1717 and died 18 April 1784. Their three children all died in infancy; Mary and Silas, Jr. in 1746, and another son Silas, died 1749. The final
illness and death of Nathaniel’s widow, Eleanor, occurred at her city home in March
1696. She was laid to rest 14th 1st Month in Friends burial ground
in Philadelphia, a city that her husband helped to establish. Only three of her eleven
children were left to mourn her passing, and one of them was in far away England and may
never have learned of the event. The Proprietor was still in Bristol, but news of his
second marriage there in the Allen’s old meeting house on 5 1st Mo.
(March) 1695/6 was not as yet common knowledge in his Province.
III. Any attempt to follow the fortunes of Nathaniel’s family may begin with Nehemiah Allen, only surviving son, who was born Redcliffe Parish, Bristol, England 5 11th Month (Jan.) 1658/9 and died in Philadelphia 10 Fifth Month 1736. He arrived in America with his parents in 1681. When William Penn granted a charter for incorporation of Philadelphia as a city on 25 October 1701, he appointed Nehemiah Allen as one of the common councilmen. It was an office of importance, since the appointment was for life. His name appears regularly in the Minutes of Common Council. The time he sat in councils was on 7 October 1735 at which time he was the senior councilman in service. He was a cooper and an active_____ merchant as well. As late as 1734 he is mentioned in the Gazette as an importer and exporter of measures of corn and salt. Nehemiah married three times. The first on 29 8th Month 1685 to Mary Earlham has already been noted. Mary bore six children before her death in 1699. She was buried 12 8th Month of the year in Philadelphia Friends burial ground. In 1700 he took as second wife Hester Tyson, who was living 8 May 1717 when Nathaniel and Esther executed a deed. She died leaving no issue. His third wife Mrs. Rebecca (Crispin) Blackfan, widow of Edward. They were married in Friends Meeting, Philadelphia, 1 5th Month 1725. Rebecca was the daughter of Sir William Crispin, whom Penn had named Chief Commissioner to settle his colony but who died aboard the ship John & Sarah before arrival. Her mother was Anne Jasper, sister to Penn’s mother. According to a copy of the marriage certificate in the Genealogical Society’s Collection, Edward Blackfan, son of John, of Steaning, Co. of Sussex, maltster, deceased, and Rebecca Crispin, daughter of William Crispin, late of Kinsale, Ireland, deceased was married in the parish of Shiply and Horsham in Sussex 24 8th Month 1688. Penn named Blackfan to manage his estate of Pennsburg, Bucks County. He died before setting out for America. Instead his widow Rebecca arrived about 1699 to take over the management and only son, William Blackfan, came to America with his mother. and married Eleanor Wood, of Darby, and settled in Lower Solebury Township, Bucks County. Nehemiah Allen died 20 5th Month 1736 and was buried next day in Friends burial ground in Philadelphia. His will bears date of 28 Feb. 1735/6 and was proved at Philadelphia 27 July 1736: (Phila E:376 #450). In it he remembers his wife, Rebecca and his four surviving children - Nehemiah, Richard, Mary Webb, and Nathaniel. He appointed his son Nathaniel sole executor. Rebecca had no children by Nehemiah. She died 18 11th Month 1759. The children of Nehemiah and Mary (Earlman or Earlishman) Allen: 1.
Nathaniel, b. 15 6th Month 1686
Third Generation 1. Nathaniel Allen, 2nd, eldest grandchild of Nathaniel and Eleanor, was born to Nehemiah and Mary (Earlman) Allen 15 6th Month 1686 in Philadelphia. He followed his grandfather’s trade of cooper, carrying n his business in Front Street between James Benezet’s store and that of James Trotter. It seems to have been a well-known landmark where persons indebted to ship masters bringing in indentured servants could make payment. Nehemiah also had other commercial interests including wharfage on the Delaware River. As early as 5 October 1732 he was elected a city Assessor and continued to be elected annually to that office though 1738 when he was raised to life membership in Common Council. The Gazette for 19 July 1744 informs its readers that "Nathaniel Allen, of Philadelphia, cooper, sells beef and pork in barrels." And for several years thereafter he advertises "Carolina reed, fit for stay-makers." We find him giving consent to the marriage of his only daughter Mary to Joseph Richardson at Philadelphia Friends meeting on 26 12th Month 1747/8. Among the taxables in Philadelphia for the year 1756, Nathaniel, cooper, was listed in the Lower Delaware Ward and assessed twelve pounds. His death occurred 21 12th Month 1757. Nathaniel married at Friends meeting, Philadelphia 2 2nd Month 1713, Hannah Webb. She was born 31 Third Month 1687 in Gloucester City, England, the eldest daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Hopton) Webb, active members of Gloucester Monthly Meeting of Friends. Joseph Webb died and his widow married John Lea, of Wiltshire. In 1700 they came to this country accompanied by Hannah’s children: Hannah Webb, Mary Webb later to marry Edward Pilkinton, Ann Webb who married Nicholas Pyle, Sarah Webb, and Jose Webb, later to marry Mary Allen, sister of Nathaniel. Hannah (Webb) Allen was buried in Friends burying ground at Philadelphia 20 7th Month 1740. Nathaniel and Hannah had six children. This domestic note was found in Mrs. Wood’s account, "They were the owners of the present old-fashioned copper tea-kettle given me by my grandmother; and has always stood, in old English style, by their fireside at their morning and evening meals. Some pieces of silver marked NAH now belonging to some members of the family, were also theirs; as was a large Bible printed in 1750 given by Nathaniel Allen on his deathbed, 17 to his daughter Hannah. He had ordered from England a Bible for his daughter, Mary, but as it had not arrived, she received instead a different keepsake a large gold coin with the inscription ‘Philip IIII D.G. H---et India Rex 1641.’" Children named in his will (Book L:40 No. 28) dated 24 November 1755 and recorded at Philadelphia 22 December 1757 were: Nehemiah, John, Nathaniel, Joseph, Mary Richardson, and Hannah. He left a legacy to niece Sarah, and to children of his son Nathaniel a tract of land in Philadelphia which he had purchased of John Thomas 23 May 1745. All his children are recorded in a family Bible. Children of Nathaniel and Hannah (Webb) Allen: 7. Joseph,
b. 22 7th Month 1714: d. 3 8th Month 1714
Children of Nehemiah and Hannah (Lownes) Allen:
4. Richard Allen, son of Nehemiah and Mary (Earlman) Allen, was born 5 9th Month 1693 in Philadelphia. He and Mary Goforth declared their intention of marriage for the first time in Philadelphia’s Monthly Meeting on 30 3rd Month 1718; and their marriage was allowed 2 5th Month. She was born in Southwark, England, the daughter of Aaron and Tabitha Goforth who brought a certificate from Horslydown Monthly Meeting and received by Philadelphia meeting 27 6th Month 1712. He was styled "joiner" but seems to have carried on a general store, his carpentering business, and shipbuilding as well. Both died at an early age, she on 7 5th Month 1739 and he on 14 8th Month of the same year. Neither left a will, but they had three children: Aaron named in grandfather Aaron Goforth’s will; Sarah named in the will of uncle Nathaniel Allen, and Richard, who figured in a court case. Children of Richard and Mary (Goforth) Allen:
5. Mary Allen, daughter of Nehemiah and Mary (Earlman) Allen was born 19 3rd Month 1697, and married in Philadelphia meeting house 28 2nd Month 1718 Joseph Webb, Philadelphia tailor. He was the son of Joseph and Hannah (Horton) Webb, b. Gloucester County, England. He died 18 9th Month 1731, and was intered in Friends burial ground Philadelphia, the following day. Letters of administration were granted his widow on 27 December. Mary Also died intestate and letters were granted 7 March 1743 to William Turner. Children of Joseph and Mary (Allen) Webb were: 21. Sarah,
d. 24 9th Month 1722
9. Mary, daughter of Nathaniel and Hannah (Webb) Allen born 26 6th Month 1716, and died 23 2nd Month 1787. She married as second wife, Joseph Richardson, renowned Philadelphia gold and silversmith, in Friends meeting, Philadelphia on 14 2nd Month 1784. Joseph was born Philadelphia 17 9th Month 1711, son of Francis and Elizabeth (Growden) Richardson. He died 3 12th Month 1784. His first wife was Hannah Worrell, who he married 13 6th Month 1741. They had a daughter Elizabeth, who was born 21 3rd Month 1742 and died unmarried in 1804; and a second daughter Grace, born 13 10th Month 1743 and died 4 5th Month 1744. Hannah died 3 12th Month 1746/7. Children of Joseph and Mary (Allen) Richardson: 26. Hannah,
b. 26 10th Mo. 1748; m. Samuel Clark, carpenter, of Philadelphia; died 3 5th
Mo. 1817 10. Nehemiah Allen, son of Nathaniel and Hannah (Webb) Allen and a great-grandchild of the Commissioner, was born 8 9th Month 1718 in Philadelphia, and died there 3 10th Month 1787, aged 69 years. He was buried next day in Friends burial ground. He followed the family trade of cooper. On 12 3rd Month 1743, he married Rebecca Roberts, daughter of Thomas, deceased, of Philadelphia. They resided in the south part of Dock Ward, where Rebecca died 18 11th Month 1759. She bore ten children. Nehemiah took as second wife Mary, daughter of John Evans, deceased, of Philadelphia. They were married in the Philadelphia Friends meeting house 18 11th Month 1761. Mary bore three children and died before her husband 29 1st Month 1786, aged 56 years. The children of Nehemiah appear in the records of the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting and seven are named in his will dated 13 January 1787 and proved 12 February 1788. (Phila. T:558 N. 320). Children of Nehemiah Allen by his two wives: 31. Nathaniel,
b. 16 5th Mo. 1744 12. Nathaniel Allen, son of Nathaniel and Hannah (Webb) Allen was born 18 11th Month 1722/23, Philadelphia, and buried there __ 7th Mo. 1783. He was a cooper with shop and residence in the Lower Delaware Ward. On 28 1st Month 1746, he was granted a certificate from Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of Friends in Chesterfield Monthly Meeting in New Jersey in order to marry Sarah Hewes. She was the daughter of Aaron and Providence Hewes, of Woodbury, N.J., and a sister of Joseph Hewes of North Carolina, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Nathaniel’s neglect of family and heavy drinking led to his dismissal by Philadelphia Friends in 1772. His wife, born 24 7th Month 1728, died in Philadelphia 23 2nd Month 1785. We are informed by the Gazette that John Helm was unanimously appointed 31 July 1783 to the office for regulating and sealing of marking measures formerly held by Nathaniel Allen. His children appear in the will of Sarah’s wealthy relative, Josiah Lownes. Children of Nathaniel and Sarah (Hewes) Allen: 44. Aaron,
b. 11 1st Mo. 1747. No further record 14. Joseph Allen, son of Nathaniel and Hannah (Webb) Allen, was born 27 9th Month 1728, Philadelphia; died there, and was buried in Friends burial ground 13 3rd Month 1804, age 75 years. He married 27 December 1753 at Christ Church, Philadelphia to Jane Casdorp, daughter of Jacob and Mary Casdorp, for which he was disowned for marriage out of unity by Philadelphia Friends on 29 11th Month 175__. They resided in the Lower Delaware Ward where Joseph was listed joiner, and house and ship carpenter. By his will probated 10 April 1804, Philadelphia, he left his wife and seven children a goodly estate and land, properties and monies. The family reunited with Friends and were members of Pine Orange Street Meeting. Jane was buried, in Philadelphia, 11 5th Month 1812, aged 78 years. Their ten children are recorded in the family Bible. Children of Joseph and Jane (Casdorp) Allen: 51. William,
b. 19 September 1754; d. 4 January 1760 and buried next day in Friends burial ground 20. Richard Allen, son of Richard and Mary (Goforth) Allen, was born about 1720 and married Rebekah Howard in Christ Church, Philadelphia, 18 April 1741. He was a brass founder and took Daniel Jones, with the consent of his mother, as an indentured apprentice for five years from 20 November 1745 to be taught the trade. Christ Church records reveal the birth of five children, all of whom died as infants, and also the death of Rebekah, who was buried 18 October 1748. Richard married secondly 7 January 1748/9 Elizabeth Boore, widow of Joseph, late of Loser Dublin Township, Philadelphia County. She was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Hopkinson, born in London, England. She first married Alexander Paxton; and as widow Paxton, married secondly Joseph Boore on 19 January 1743/4 at Abington Presbyterian Church. They had a daughter Elizabeth, who appears in Orphan Court records. In December 1750 the court records reveal: a petition entered for Elizabeth Boore, under five years of age, by Thomas Hopkinson, her next friend. That the petitioner’s father, Joseph Boore is dead having first made a will and appointed the petitioner’s mother, Elizabeth Boore and he, the said Thomas Hopkinson, the executor. That the widow Elizabeth Boore remarried one, Richard Allen, of Philadelphia, brass founder, and she is since dead also. That said Richard Allen has possessed himself of the estate. Order that Richard Allen shall render an account, and the said Thomas Hopkinson is appointed Guardian. On 10 April 1751 the court record reveals that Joseph Boore owned land in Lower Dublin Township which he left to wife and daughter Elizabeth, share and shore alike; and that the petitioners’ mother in her life time transferred her moiety of said land to Richard Allen with whom she remarried. Partition of the land is requested. The court granted the partition and ordered that Evan Thomas, Joseph Paul, Silas Titus, George Heap, John Keene and Jacob Hull do make partition. Richard is thought to have died soon afterwards, but no record of his death or burial is entered at Christ Church. Richard and Rebekah (Howard) Allen had issue: 61. Lydia,
bap. 15 Feb. 1742, age 3 weeks, 3 days; d. 2 Sept. 1742
Fifth Generation 31. Nathaniel Allen, son of Nehemiah and Rebecca (Roberts) Allen, was born 16 5th Month 1744, Philadelphia. He married by license at the Old Swedes Church on 21 April 1773 Mary Dean. The Philadelphia census of 1780 show them living in the Lower Delaware Ward. He died 12 December 1784, aged 40 years, and was buried in Friends burial ground. Their only known child was Rebecca, born 1779 and died 25 April 1808, aged 18 years. 33. Nehemiah Allen, son of Nehemiah and Rebecca (Roberts) Allen, was born 1 10th Month 1747, Philadelphia, and died there at his residence in the south part of Dock Ward, on 3 1st Month 1785, aged 37 years, according to records of Pine Orange Monthly Meeting of Friends. He was probably unmarried and living with his father at the time of his death. There appears to be no will or administration. 47. Nathaniel Allen, son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Hewes) Allen, was born 10 4th Month 1755. He was adopted at the age of nine by his maternal uncle, Joseph Hewes, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and first Secretary of the Navy. Nathaniel grew up in Edenton, N.C. and became a wealthy land owner and eminent Citizen of North Carolina. He served as an officer in the Revolutionary army and later was a member of the North Carolina convention, which ratified the Federal Constitution. He was appointed a Commissioner for improving the navigation of Albremarle Sound. Nathaniel’s first wife was Mary Dawson, who died one year after marriage with her child at childbirth. In January 1781, he married Mary Granberry by whom he had two children. Upon her death, he married his third wife Sarah Colburn, who bore four sons, only one of whom, William, grew to manhood. Nathaniel died shortly before his uncle, Josiah Lownes, of Philadelphia, drafted his will in 1816. Children of Nathaniel Allen born in Edenton, N.C.: 66. Infant,
who died with mother, Mary Dawson 58. Joseph Allen, son of Joseph and Jane (Casdorp) Allen, born 2 1st Month 1771, died and was buried 26 11th Month 1837, aged 66 years in Friends burial ground, Philadelphia. He was a well-known druggist of Philadelphia. By his will all monies and personal goods were devised to his wife, Jane. He remembered all his children, and named is brother Charles, and nephew John C. Allen as his executors. It was witnessed 28 Sept. 1837 by Benjamin G. Mitchell and Philip F. Snyder; and proved 13 November 1837. (Phila. 12:642 No. 199). Children by Joseph and Jane Allen: 73. William
N., who married and had son William (born July, and died 3 August 1831, aged 16 days). He
was a druggist and already had his share of father’s estate when his will was drawn
up. 59. Thomas Allen, son of Joseph and Jane (Casdorp) Allen, was born 9 5th Month 1773 and died intestate 5 December 1816. In 180__ he was listed as a seaman residing in Southwark West, Philadelphia County. He probably died unmarried. 60. Charles Allen, son of Joseph and Jane (Casdorp) Allen was born 14 4th Month 1776 and died 26 1st Month 1843. He was a druggist and resided at 180 South Second Street (between Union and Pine Streets. His first wife was Sarah Budenhart by whom he had two sons. Sarah died 4 August 1807, aged 29 years. Charles’ second wife was Rebecca S. Jackson, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Jackson, whom he married in Pine Street Friends meeting 3 10th Month 1811. Rebecca died ____ 11th Month 1860, aged 78 years and 11 months, and was buried with her husband in Friends burying ground. Children of Charles Allen by his two wives as recorded in Friends’ records: 78. John
C. Philadelphia druggist; m. Rebecca Leeds and had issue: Sarah Leeds, Samuel Leeds,
the twins Charles L. and Henry L., Ruth Anna, John C., Jr., Elizabeth, Rebecca S., and
Hannah Warner Allen
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