THEODORE J. ALLEN is a son of David B. H. Allen, a native of Allen township, Washington Co., Penn., who when a young man was married to Martina Springer, of Fayette county, Penn. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom Theodore J. is the fourth in order of birth. The father followed farming and land surveying all his life, and died in 1882; the mother is yet living on the old place. Theodore J. Allen was born July 28, 1854, in Westmoreland county, Penn., where his early education was obtained. He then entered the Southwestern State Normal School, at California, Penn., and, afterward, Bethany College, in West Virginia, graduating from the civil engineering department in 1875. He has since followed the profession of civil engineer, at the same time being engaged in business with a coal company, as well as in farming. On March 22, 1877, he married Isabelle, daughter of Maj. Thomas McGowan a son of John and Margaret (McGill) McGowan, natives of County Down, Ireland, who, about 1831, immigrated to America, settling permanently on a farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., where Mr. McGowan followed milling and general farming; he took an active interest in the politics of the Whig party. John and Margaret McGowan died several years ago, leaving children as follows: Martha, wife of Howard Kerr, of Foxburgh, Penn.; Thomas; Sarah Jane, living at Lock No. 4; John, who died at Lock No. 4, some years ago; and Nancy E., living at Lock No. 4, widow of Alfred Vanhorn. Thomas McGowan was born in 1826, in County Down, Ireland, and, coming to Washington county with his parents when but a child, was educated in the district schools in Fallowfield township. In April, 1844, he began life as a laborer on the Monongahela river, and since that time has mastered all the details of navigation. He was superintendent of Lock No. 4 and adjoining places for some time, being rapidly promoted from one position to another. For over thirty years he has been superintendent of repairs, which business calls him to all points between Pittsburgh and Geneva, Penn. On November 18, 1852, Major McGowan was married to Sarah A., daughter of Abram and Isabella Fry. Mr. and Mrs. McGowan settled on a home in the village of Lock No. 4, where he has erected an elegant residence, surrounded by beautiful grounds, and among other improvements, a handsome greenhouse adorns the place. In political opinion he is a member of the Republican party, and in religion Mrs. McGowan is a member of the Disciple Church. They are the parents of three children, namely: J. K. M., married, and now in charge of Lock No. 4; Isabelle, wife of T. J. Allen; and Abram F., married and residing at Lock No. 4. Major McGowan is one of the oldest navigators in Washington County, and is an expert in his vocation. To the union of Theodore J. and Isabelle (McGowan) Allen four children have been born, namely: Edwin R., Eva W., Mable N., and Donald M. Mr. Allen has been an extensive traveler, having visited about twenty of the States in the Union and Mexico, passing one year in Los Angeles, Cal., as an engineer. He has been a resident of Lock No.4, Washington Co., Penn., for twelve years. He has served as justice of the peace, school director and postmaster, at Lock No. 4.

Text taken from page 936 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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