MRS. SUSANNAH ALLEN, a well-known and intelligent lady of Cross Creek township, was born November 21, 1823, a daughter of the late John Harper, of Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. On November 19, 1850, she was united in marriage with Josiah Allen, son of John Allen. John Allen was born in Chambersburgh, Penn., and, coming to Washington county about the year 1800, settled on the farm now occupied by his descendants. The land was then covered with dense forest, but two acres had been cleared off, and an orchard planted. Here the young pioneer constructed a cabin from round logs, and immediately brought his bride (Miss Anna Tweed) to assist in building the new home. He then began clearing the forest from the land, and soon the wild, uncultivated region assumed an air of civilization as various improvements were made. Time passed on, and the once lonely forest rang with the shouts of happy children, who came to bless the homes of the early pioneers. To John and Anna Allen were born Martha, John, Josiah, Nancy, Samuel and William, all now deceased. Josiah Allen was born November 15, 1808, on the home farm, in the house where his widow is now living. His boyhood days were passed at home, in attending to the usual farm duties. After his marriage to Susannah Harper they settled on the old farm, where children were born to them as follows: William Harper, born August 24, 1851, married to Emma Anderson, daughter of H. C. Anderson, of Cross Creek township, (they have four children, namely: John Ellsworth, Lemuel Harper, Emma M. (deceased in infancy) and William Earl); Anna Martha, born November 30, 1852; Phoebe Jane, born March 14, 1854; John Graham, born July 11, 1855; Ada Ethelinda, born May 26, 1857; Ella Agnes, born March 24, 1859; Francinia Elizabeth (wife of Joseph Marquis), born January 23, 1861; James Craig, born October 14, 1862; and Josiah Harvey, born December 19, 1865. Of this family, Phoebe Jane, John Graham and Ada Ethelinda are deceased. Mr. Allen was a stanch Democrat, but took no active part in politics. He was a consistent member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek village. He commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him, being one of the most useful, honorable and public-spirited men of the community. Josiah Allen died July 14, 1883. At the time of his death he owned 137 acres of land, which was left to his widow and children.

Text taken from page 1097 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/ .

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