Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds

Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds Aubrey Haines Baldwin A F. TER MORE THAN three hundred years, Nathaniel Allen, one of the commissioners chosen by William Penn to assist in establishing his recently bestowed and royally named province in America, remains a 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, the archives of Pennsylvania, Friends minutes and scattered business and 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 of our respected ancestor, Nathaniel Alen. What were his antecedents in England, or what his calling there, we know no farther than that he was styled 'the sett cooper' of Bristol. The meaning of that term being, that he was appointed by the crown to inspect measures of wood of all sorts, and to affix upon them the stamp before they could be sold, that 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 choice of agents and his instructions given them. The present essay will attempt 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.2 Nathaniel Allen, the third son and child of Richard and Priscilla Allen, was born in 1633 in Keynsham, an ancient and attractive town lying about four and one-half miles east of Bristol and six miles west of Bath on the River Avon. His father was a "tucker" or cloth processor; his mother is not further identified. The location and date of their marriage also remains unknown; but it probably occurred in or about the year 1626. 3 The Allen name had long been identified with Bristol and the 189 190 The Pennsylvani a Genealogical Magazine 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 pounds, 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 I I granted a charter for a weekly market on Tuesdays, and a yearly fair on the festival of the Assumption.4 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. 5 Na 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.6 Upon the death of Richard Allen, we do not know by what means Priscilla 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 enactments also gave protection against outside competition. Bristol's coopers were especially singled out for these special privileges.8 Nathaniel's apprenticeship years witnessed a great in- Commissioner Nathaniel Alen, Citizen of Two Worlds 19 1 crease in Bristol's population. It became the second largest community in England. Wealth poured into the city due to the brisk trade enjoyed with the West Indies and the new colonial settlements in North America.9 In 1645 Bristol was visited with the plague, and again in 1650.10 But an even greater scourge that was to torment the authorities, erupt in violence, and disturb the citizenry for a full generation began in 1652 when Dennis Hollister, a prosperous grocer in High Street, invited anon-conformist Baptist congregation to form and to meet in his home." Soon he was accused by his critics of "sucking in some upstart 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. 12 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 4000 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 in j ured."13 Harsher persecutions awaited the new sect following Mrs. Marshall's demonstration on December 10th. She entered Nicholas steeple house where the Mayor was attending service and denounced the minister Ralph Farmer as "a dumb shepherd," then proceeded to bestow her own eloquence on 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 her procession through Bristol streets."14 Nathaniel Allen finished his apprenticeship on 28 January 1655 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 he married a year or two later, a daughter of his master (a common practice in those days)? Did he join forces 192 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 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. 15 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.16 The second event was the founding of a Quaker meeting house in Reddiff Street near Allen's lodgings.17 It was here that George Fox, the Quaker leader, James Nayler and four other ministers came the following year. Throngs stilt 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.'s Quaker merchants, now numerous in Bristol, abolished the observance of church holy days, 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 that 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.19 Nathaniel and Eleanor Allen probably joined the growing Quaker movement in Bristol about the time of Fox's visit in 1656. Na 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 Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 193 register of Bristol and Somerset. The birth of their eldest daughter Eleanor occurred 20 7th Month 1660.20 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 to 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 year's end, 4000 Quakers were in gaols throughout the kingdom.21 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 well as the most disorderly of the suburbs. To suppress crime, the Court of Aldermen notified about 530 of the principal householders to hang out at their respective doors during the winter months a lantern and a lighted candle from six to nine o'clock every night. Roving gangs, drunken seamen and a riotous citizenry were mounting problems.22 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. He had turned Quaker, and Butcomb Monthly Meeting in Somerset lists his wife Mary, and children: Martha, Anne, Sarah, Samuel and Priscilla. 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.23 194 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Gilbert Ironsides was appointed Bishop of Bristol in Dec. 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 herd with criminals of the vilest character in Bridewel1. 24 Allen was committed to Bridewell for refusing the oath on 3 July 1664, and he was re-committed for further refusal on 7 August.25 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.26 Despite the plague which was particularly noisesome 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 1st 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 Quakers' meeting house Margaret Fell, termed "the widow of a judge and a remarkable woman who was held to exercise unaccountable influence over the King."27 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 Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 195 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 not proving sufficient, the magistrates locked up the chapels and surrounded them by the trained bands, forcing the congregations to gather in suburban lanes and fields. 28 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:29 "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 touchinge Nathaniel! Allen, and Thomas Hollister, and John Jones their business." "The 13th of ye 3rd Month (May) 1671: Being informed that there is a difference between Nathaniel Allon & Edward Bennet, and that proposal) hath been made by ye said Nathaniel) for the ending thereof by persons indifferently chosen or by any lower friends that the said Edward himself shall choose, which Edward Bennet hath refused, therefore for the better reconcilleing thereof, Miles Dixson, Wm. Foord, Tho. Whitehorne &Charles Jones be desired to speake with the said Edward & use indeavers with him to reconcile it & if they cannot prevaile therein to give an accowmpt thereof to this meeting." And this minute dated 3 5th Month 1680 which set forth: "Wm. Lloyd compliaineing 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 Sir William Penn." Penn's corpse was brought from London to Bristol at 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 . "3 1 The Admiral's remains were buried in 196 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 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 .32 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 Bristo1.33 Harassment of Quakers continued throughout the decade of the 1670's. We learn, however, that in 1672 they again were 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 Aliens 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 dissensions that were to continue to involve Friends throughout England until the year 1683, caused many Friends in Bristol to drop membership.34 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 Priscilla 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 ail- Commissioner Nathaniel Alen, Citizen of Two Worlds 197 meets, perhaps the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in Redcliffe Street, or the practice of feeding infants "bristol milk."35 This series of bereavements, the continuing hostility of the authorities towards Friends again fanned by newly appointed Bishop William Guiston, and a series of destructive fires in the early months of 1681,36 certainly predisposed Nathaniel and his brother, 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 infer that Allen was well aware of both the risks and the opportunities 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 Free 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, and their names head the list of sales in that city. The selection thereafter of Nathaniel as one of Penn's commissioners followed.37 The excitement, stir and difficult decisions faced by the Aliens can well be imagined. That the families had but little over a month in 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 but 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 this time.38 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.39 II The "Holy Experiment" now began. The Bristol Factor, Roger 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.4° Once at sea, the two Allen families would be busy with future plans, with becoming acquainted with their small band of fellow shipmates, and day-by-day awaiting news "land, ahoy." Commissioners Allen and Bezar certainly conferred and thought about the duties that 198 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 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 by 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),4' 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. 42 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 Aliens did remain awhile in Chester where Nathaniel sat as juror in the court of Upland on 30 janualy 168 U2. 45 But other accounts tell of the Aliens 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 Lasse 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:" Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 199 In May, Penn delivered further instructions to Thomas Holme, 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 no blame on the commission." Allen was present at the Proprietor's first General Court held 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 Fairrnan.49 His commissioners are depicted by artists of later times, gathered with the great white father. Mrs. Wood writes, "From his position as one of the commissioners . he (Allen) was, no doubt, with him when that treaty, 'sealed by no oath, but never broken', was made with the red man. And we can easily fancy Grandfather Allen under one of those formidable cocked hats, and longtailed drab coats, that stand beside the Proprietor and Governor of Pennsylvania beneath the famous Treaty Tree."5° The next few months were crucial in the orderly settling of Penn's colony. Penn and his Council met almost daily to settle the many problems arising among the settlers. Aside from matters of governance ther.e were the petty regulations: bills for planting flax and hemp; building a house of correction; prohibitions against selling servants into other provinces; about the burning of woods and, marshes; of properly marking cattle and fencing and erecting bounds; for dueling and brawling; for destroying wolves; for hog stealing; drunkenness and the ordering of public houses; sale drum 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 had could a servant to Henry Bowman for Six hundred weight of beefe, wth ye hide & Tallow, and Six pounds steri., which ye said Bowman delayed to pay ye said Petitioner, shewing likewise that ye said Henry Bowman & Walter Humphrey, hired a boat of ye sd Petitioner only for one month, & kept ye same boat 18 weeks from ye petitioner, to his great prejudice; then it was ordered yt Wm. Clarke, John Simcox &dames Harrison, should speak to Henry Bowman concerning this matter."52 200 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine After Holme had plotted and laid out lots in newly named "Philadelphia," Nathaniel Allen had a draft for a lot on Spruce Street, but he seems to have kept to his cozy cave for some years while at great expense he built "a good home next to Thomas Wynne's" on the west side of Front Street south of Chestnut Street.53 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 Co. Brother Samuel Allen in 1682 moved his family to his large tract of land, on the west bank of the Neshaminy Creek, near present Middletown in Bucks County.54 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 note in either of the Allen families was the marriage of Samuel's daughter, Priscilla Allen to Thomas Smith allowed by the Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia on 9 11th Mo. 1682/3. It was noteworthy as being the first Friends marriage in Philadelphia. Samuel also was busy developing his plantation white still plying his trade of shoemaker. Samuel and Mary had a lively family and they took an active part in Friends meeting. We learn of their attending marriagesi 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 1685.55 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 infancy 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 Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen Y. Two Worlds 201 the Delaware of events transpiring in Bristol—such gossip as the death of the Proprietors' mother, Margaret jasper Penn, and her burial 4 March 1632 at Walthamstow, Sussex; activities of the Free Society of Traders then busily selling land and certifying purchasers who were arriving in ever .greater numbers; news that Bishop Guiston was this year translated to Chichester and that in Bristol non-conformists again were being persecuted and lodged in gao1.56 On the brighter side, Nathaniel's son, Nehemiah was married to Mary Eariman (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 and 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. 57 Nathaniel and Eleanor became grandparents for the first time upon the birth 16 6th Month 1686 of a namesake, Nathaniel, Jr., to Nehemiah and Mary. In 1687 Eleanor Emlen's first infant was born and died.59 The marriage of Joyce Allen to John Brewer took place in Bristol (England) Meeting House after the manner of Friends on 29 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 sea, delicacy of health at that time (she lived to a ripe old age), or a romantic attachment that prompted her request to remain in 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 Nathaniel l Allon late of this city, cooper, signified to this meeting their intention of marriage and desire to accomplish the same in the way and manner of friends. Friends doe expect some farther satisfaction that her parents are concenting." And again: "On 5 of 10th 202 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 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 Aloe Hignill, William Noble, George fisher John Herne, to whom Nathaniel Allen left the care of his daughter, who doe therin 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, silkweaver 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 Cook 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: "Uppon John Brewers application to this meeting for assistance in his great necessity, Charells Hanford, Rich'd Sneade and John Hem 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 padre person above one shilling for diggin the grave, or of 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 shale 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 friends 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. ,11 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 Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 203 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 VIA omens' 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 1685/6 it was Thomas Harding and Mary Bullock that she presented for the first time. Nathaniel appears next in the capacity of Constable. On 9 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."58 And when James Claypoole, prominent Philadelphia merchant died in 1687, Nathaniel was listed in the estate inventory as among the creditors owing the deceased. After ten years as Citizen in Penn's new world, Nathaniel was still 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 at 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 1692/3 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 Emien. 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 Aliens. 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 leaping a daughter Elizabeth Pegg. Samuel Allen jr. took to wife Jane Wain, daughter of a prominent Friend on 27 1st Month 1691, and the following year on 29 1st Month (March) a daughter, Mary, was born to them. About .4 4. , 204 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine the same time Thomas Smith, the husband of Priscilla, 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 Eighth 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 Pryor, 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, NJ. 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 mill in Solebury Township, Bucks County, and died 24 11th Month 1774. Their children were: Thomas, Silas, 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 I 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 16%. 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 Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 205 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 must begin with Nehemiah Allen, only surviving son, who was born in 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 the 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 large importance, since the appointment was for life. His name appears regularly in the Minutes of Common Council. The last 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 city 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 wife Esther executed a deed. She died leaving no issue. His third wife was 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 ofJohn, late of Steaning, Co. of Sussex, maltster, deceased, and Rebecca Crispin, daughter of William Crispin, late of Kinsale, Ireland, deceased were married in the parish of Shiply and Horsham in Sussex 24 8th Month 1688. Penn named Blackfan to manage his estate of Pennsbury in Bucks County. He died before setting out for America. Instead, his widow Rebecca arrived about 1699 to take over the management. An only son, William Blackfan, came to America with his mother. He married Eleanor Wood, of Darby, and settled in Lower Solebury Township, Bucks County. ce 206 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 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 28 July 1 736: (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 l Z th Month 1759. The children of Nehemiah and Mary (Eariman or Earlishman) Allen: . I.+ Nathaniel, b. 15 6th Month 1686. Elizabeth, b. 11 10th Month 1688; d. 26 4th Month 1690; unm. 2. 3.+ Nehemiah, b. 16 3rd Month 1691. 4. ÷ Richard, b. 5 9th Month 1693. 5.-1- Mary, b, 19 3rd Month 1697. 6. John, b. 1699, d. as infant. THIRD GENERATION Nathaniel Allen, 2nd, eldest grandchild of Nathaniel and 1. Eleanor, was born to Nehemiah and Mary (Eariman) Allen 15. 6th Month 1686 in Philadelphia. He followed his grandfather's trade of cooper, carrying on 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 through 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/ R. 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 Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 207 children: Hannah Webb, Mary Webb later to marry Edward Pi!kington, Ann Webb who married Nicholas Pyle, Sarah Webb, and Joseph 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 is found in Mrs. Wood's account, "They were the owners of the pretty, old-fashioned copper tea-kettle given me by my grandmother; and it 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 folio Bible printed in 1750 given by Nathaniel Allen on his deathbed, 1757, to his daughter Hannah. He had ordered from England a Bible for his daughter, Mary, but as it had not arrived, she received instead as a keepsake a large gold coin with the inscription 'Philip III1 D.G. Hisp. 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) Alen: 7. Joseph, b. 22 7th Month 1714; d. 3 8th Month 1714. 8. Nathaniel, b. 24 6th Month 1715; d. 27 6th Month 1715. 9.+ Mary, b. 26 6th Month 1716. 10.+ Nehemiah, b. 8 9th Month 1718. 11. John, b. 14 ist Month 1720, was a merchant in the Lower Delaware ward, paying a higher tax than his father there in 1756 (14 pounds); and in 1761 a tax of 15 shillings. He was unmarried and a carpenter, who in 1772 was disowned by Philadelphia Monthly Meeting of Friends for his drinking and neglecting of business. He died 25 8th Month 1773 aged 52 years. 12.+ Nathaniel, b. 18 11th Month 1722/3. 13. Hannah, b. 4 11th Month 1724/5, resided unmarried with her family in Lower Delaware Ward, Philadelphia. Her will dated 2 March 1763 and proved 26 June 1765, three days following her death, names her brothers: John, Nathaniel, Joseph and Nehemiah; her sister Mary Richardson; a cousin Jane Clark; her brother-in-law Joseph Richardson; nephews and nieces Mary, Nathaniel, Anna and Hannah Allen; Hannah, Rebecca, Joseph, Nathaniel and Elizabeth Richardson; the poor of monthly meeting of Friends, and Contributors of Pennsylvania Hospital. Executors were Nehemiah Allen and Joseph Richardson; the witnesses: William Parham and John Riley. (Phila. N:254 No. 125). The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 208 14.+ Joseph, b. 27 9th Month 1728. 15. William, b. 9 9th Month 1730; d. 15 3rd Month 1731, and buried mext day in Friends burial grounds, Philadelphia. 3. Nehemiah Allen Jr. was born 16 Third Month 1691, died 14 8th Month 1746, and was buried in Friends burial ground in Philadelphia. On 26 7th Month 1718 the meeting approved his marriage to Hannah Lownes, daughter of James and Susannah Lownes, of Chester Township, Chester County. She was born 13 Ilth Month 1695 and died 3 7th Month- 1785, aged 90 years. She was one of the executors of her father's will dated 7 Feb. 1754, The Aliens resided in Southwark, but Nehemiah's occupation is not listed. Hannah, as widow, made her will 16 May 1785 in which she named her two daughters and three Drinker grandsons. The will was proved 20 July 1785 (Phila. T:172 No. 106). Children of Nehemiah and Hannah (Lownes) Allen: 16. 17. Mary, b. Southwark, married first Joseph Richards, son of Philip and Mary, at Philadelphia meeting 29 11th Month 1746/7. He died 4 10th Month 1747, naming his wife Mary, and a negro Grace in his will. Mary Richards married secondly on 28 2nd Month 1749, Luke Morris, son of Elizabeth. His brothers who signed the wedding certificate were: Anthony, William and James; also a sister Sarah. In 1761, Luke resided on a thirteens acre tract in Southwark, and the tax list showed one cow, and 3 servants. He was assessed 278.11.8, and a Dock Ward return 1781/2 listed a property v4luation of $900 for which he was taxed 4.13.0. Luke was often called upon to witness wills and served as executor of the estate of Charles Willing, of Newtown, Chester County. He made his own will 6 September 1791, adding three codicils before he died 18 11th Month 1793. Mary was living then, but the couple had no issue. The will and codicils proved Philadelphia 28 November 1793 are important to genealogists since he left legacies to several generations of kin, and to charities. (Phila. W:393, #654) , The death of Mary occurred 27 12th Month 1804. Susannah was born 1721 in Southwark and married 29 December 1752 John Drinker, son of Joseph and Mary ( Janney) Drinker. John, who was born in Philadelphia in 1716 became a master mason and built several houses in a court between Union and Pine and Second and Third streets, that were once called "Drinker's Court." He and his wife lived in one of these houses, and there he died 13 March 1787 following shortly after the death of Susannah on 9 February 1787. In the will dated 6 March 1787 and proved 13 April appear the names of his three sons, who also were named executors along with his brother, Joseph Drinker. (Phila. T:482 #281). Their children were; Joseph Drinker, b. 1756, d. 23 Feb* 1798, d.s.p.; William Drinker, b. 1761, d. 1 November 1793 during the yellow fever epidemic, no issue; John Drinker, named 1798 in brother Joseph's will along with Aunt Mary Morris. John removed to Virginia; no further record. Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 209 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 Monthly Meeting on 30 3rd Month 1718; and their marriage was allowed 25 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 G-oforth'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: 18. Aaron, son, named in Aaron Goforth's will dated 17 February 1735/6 (Phila. E:362) resided in Southwark, but little is known about him. He is not found in the 1780 Philadelphia census, but it is possible that he was the "Arey" Allen who died intestate in 1804 and administration given William Wain. Na issue is known. 19. Sarah, named in uncle Nathaniel's will of 1755, probably died unmarried. 211+ Richard, married twice. 5. Mary Allen, daughter of Nehemiah and Mary (Eariman) 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 City, England. He died 18 9th Month 1731, and was interred 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. 22. Sarah, d. 24 9th Month 1722. Hannah, m. 7 5th Month 1741 Thomas James jr., mariner, of Philadelphia. 22%. William, d. 17 4th Month 1726. 23. Joseph, m. Esther Swertz, daughter of Cornelius Swertz at Newark Monthly Meeting in 1746. 24. Elizabeth (one of two infants named in letters of administration on mother's estate). 25. Buckeridge (second infant at time of estate settlement). FOURTH GENERATION 9. Mary, daughter of Nathaniel and Hannah (Webb) Allen, was 210 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 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 Morith 1743 and died 4 5th Month 1744. Hannah died 3 12th Month 1746/7. Children of Joseph and Mary (Allen) Richardson: 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Hannah, b. 26 10th Mo. 1748; m. Samuel Clark, carpenter, of Philadelphia; died 3 5th Mo. 1817. Mary, b. 30 9th Mo. 1750; m. 18 10th Mo, 1781 Samuel Taylor; died in 1835 leaving a daughter Mary, who m. Edward Randolph. Joseph, b. 4 12th Mo. 1752; m. Ruth Hoskins, dau. of John and Mary (Raper) Hoskins; d. Philadelphia 11 3rd Mo. 1831. He continued in the family tradition of great silversmiths. His wife was b. 26 5th Mo. 1756 and d. 14 January 1829. Nathaniel, b. 2 2nd Mo. 1754; d. unm. 2 9th Mo. 1827. He was both a silversmith and also an ironmonger. Rebecca, b. 5 4th Mo. 1758; d. unm., Philadelphia 27 Dec. 1826. 10. Nehemiah Alen, 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 I 1 th 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. 32. Thomas, b. 28 l ith Mo. 1 745; d. 6th Mo. 1749. 33.1- Nehemiah, b. 1 10th Mo. 1747. 34. Elizabeth, b. 18 11th Mo. 1749/50, m. Mr. Oakman. 35. Thomas, b. 19 8th Mo. 1751, d. before father made his will. 36. Rebecca, b. 23 1 1 th Mo. 1753, m. Mr. Huddle. . Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 211 John, b. 23 s 1th Mn. 1755; d. 18 8th Mo. 1757. Mary, b. 19 I 1€h 1\4o. 1757; unm, in 1787 when father made will. William, twin, b. 19 Ilth Mo. 1757; died as a baby. John, b. 1759, res. Lower Delaware Ward, Philadelphia in 1780; bur, 9 12th Month 1790, aged 31 years. Na known descendants. William, b. 1761; d. 1774. Hannah, b. 1763, unm. 1787 when father made will. Joseph, b. 1765; d. yellow fever 1797, aged 32 years. 12. Nathaniel Allen, son of Nathaniel and Hannah (Webb) Allen, was born 18 I 1 th Month 1722/3, Philadelphia, and buried there 14 7th Month 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 to Chesterfield Monthly Meeting in New Jersey in order to marry Sarah Hewes. She was the daughter of Aaron and Providence Hewes, of Woodbury, NJ., 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. 45. Aaron, b. 11 1st Mo. 1747. No further record. Hannah, b. 25 12th Month 1749/50; m. 7 October 1772 at Christ Church, Philadelphia, Robert Gill. He was buried 13 July 1833, aged 90 years and 6 months. Their children: Sarah, Joseph H., Sarah, Robert, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Mary (m. Mr. Harvey). 46. Sarah, b. 19 4th Mo. 1752; d. 12 12th Mo. 1767, aged 15 years. 47.+ Nathaniel, b. 10 4th Mo. 1755. 48. Mary, b. 10 9th Mo. 1757; d. 16 9th Mo. 1757. 49. infant daughter, one is named Anna in Aunt's will. 50. infant daughter. 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 1754. 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 is wife and seven children a goodly estate in land, properties and monies. The family reunited with Friends and 212 The Pennsylvania Gtntalogical Magazine and were members of Pine Orange Street Meeting. Jane was buried, 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 1769 and buried next day in Friends burial ground. 52. Mary, b. 26 December 1756; m. Thomas McClintock and had several children. 53. Hannah, b. 5 January 1759; d. 10 January 1760. 54. Jane, b. 12 December 1760; d. 4 March 1835; m. Charles Thomson and had children: Peter and Charles. 55. Elizabeth, b. 5 August 1763; in. William Needles, and died before her mother. Had issue. 56. Frances, b. 19 December 1765; d. 11 November 1771 and buried next day. 57. Hannah, b. 23 September 1768; d. 24 September 1810; m. Lewden Sawyer, of Philadelphia and had issue: Hannah, Joseph, Jane and Margaret. He married secondly Ebby and died May 1818. In his will dated 25 March 1818 and proved 21 May 1818, he is termed a ladies' shoemaker. He remembered his second wife, and children by Hannah. 58.-1- Joseph, b. 2 January 1771. Thomas, b. 9 May 1773. el+ Charles, b. 14 April 1776. 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 Lower 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 Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 2.13 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 share alike; and that the petitioners' mother in her life time transferred her moiety of said land to Richard Allen with whom she intermarried. 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. 62. 63. 64. 65. Lydia, bap. 15 Feb. 1742, ae 3 weeks, 3 days; 41 2 Sept. 1742. Hannah, hap. 25 May 1743, ae 3 weeks, 4 days; d. 13 June 1744. William, bap. 10 April 1744, ae 15 days. Rebeckah, bap. 18 Sept. 1745; b. 25 Aug. 1745; d. 3 Aug. 1746. John hap. 27 Dec. 1746; b. 12 Dec. 1746; d. Jan. 1747. FIFTH GENERATION 31. Nathaniel Allen, son of Nehemiah and Rebecca (Roberts) Allen, was born 16 5th Month 1744, Philadelphia. He married by license at Old Swedes Church on 21 April 1773 Mary Dean. The Philadelphia census of 1780 shows 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 61808, aged 19 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 appers 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 Albermarle Sound. The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 214 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 Colbum, 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, NE.: Infant, who died with mother, Mary Dawson. Joseph Hewes, b. October 1782; d. 1783. Mary Granberry, b. 20 October 1789; m. 21 May 1811, Rev. Pleasant Thurman, and died 14 December 1851, Chillicothe, Ohio. Mary was a woman of great force of character and some education. She raised her half-brother William, who was deprived of both parents at an early age. He followed the Thurmans in their move from Lynchburg, Va. to Ohio, where he later became a congressman and Governor of Ohio. Mary's son, Allen Granberry Thurman, in turn, studied law with William. He later became a power in the Democratic party, leader in the U.S. Senate, a presidential candidate in Democratic Conventions of 1876, 1880, and 1884, and unsuccessful candidate for Vice-President with Grover Cleveland. 69-71. Three sons, died as infants. 72. William, b. 18 December 1803, congressman and Governor of Ohio; m. 1842 Mrs. Effie (McArthur) Coons, and died at his home, "Fruit Hill," near Chillicothe, Ohio 11 July 1879. His wife was the only daughter of General Duncan McArthur, who William defeated by a single vote in his race for Congress in 1832. 66. 67. 68. 58. Joseph Allen, son of Joseph and Jane (Casdorp) Alen, 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 his 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 of Joseph and Jane 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 59. William N., who was 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. Eliza, m. McCracken. Jane C., m. Wright. Mary FL, unmarried 1837. Joseph L., at home, 1837. Thomas Allen, son of Joseph and Jane (Casdorp) Allen, was Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 215 born 9 5th Month 1773 and died intestate 5 December 1816. In 1800 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). 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 19 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. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 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 Mien. George B., b. 1802; died 30 January 1822, aged 19 years. Joshua Maule, b. 30 Aug. 1812; d. 30 Jam 1829. Hannah, b. 22 Sept. 1814; m. 13 10th Mo. 1841 Friends Orange St. meeting house, Yardley Warner, son of William, deceased, and Letitia Warner, of Falls Township, Bucks County. Sarah, b. 20 July 1816; m. 3 Jan. 1866, when both her parents were deceased, to Edward Ritchie, son of Robert and Sarah Ritchie, also deceased. He was b. 27 Mar. 1812 Mt. Pleasant, i Ohio, and d. 14 Feb. 1888. Sarah d. 28 Feb. 1903, aged 90 years 11 months and 1 day. Mary N., b. 29 Aug. 1818. Elizabeth, b. 29 Sept. 1822; d. 1861. Charles J., b. 17 Dec. 1822, m. Martha D. House. FOOTNOTES 'Julianna R. Wood, Famgy Skekhes (Philadelphia, 1870), p. 8 2This is the second of four articles dealing with William Penn and his three Commissioners. Future issues of The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine will feature Commissioners John Bezar and William Haig. 3Kathleen Cottrell, clerk of Bristol and Frenchay Friends Monthly Meeting, undertook to research English records for Nathaniel Allen, his family and antecedents. First his apprenticeship in the Burgess' Books was discovered, which in turn led to his father's name in Keynsham parish. Present parish records begin in 1691, but earlier baptismal records were finally located in a typed transcript. Time did not permit seeking out earlier forebears. Further search through the parish registers of St. Mary Redeliffe, St. Thomas and other Bristol parishes did not disclose his marriage. One senses the thrill of discovery in Miss Cottrell's letter to the author, dated 21 October 1981. "The church secretary at Keynsham telephoned to tell me that, although Volume 1 of their Register couldn't be found, they have traced the typewritten transcript. So I went to see it on Tuesday with the following result; 216 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine "The dates of baptism of the Allen family: February 25th 1628 Samuel Allen, son of Richard John Allen, son of Richard May 17th 1631 Nathaniel Allen, son of Richard April 28th 1633 Priscilla Allen, daughter of Richard & Priscilla February 29th 1636 January 6th 1639 Thomas Allen; son of Richard and Priscilla "There was also a record of the father's Richard Allen's death on August 10th 1640. "These dates tie in nicely with the apprenticeship notice about which I wrote you. "Nathaniel must therefore have been brought up by his mother or by grandparents before being apprenticed to the Gilrords. "One thing is established—that originally the Allen's belonged to the English Church, not to the Baptists. It would be interesting to know whether all the sons of the family joined Friends. It is now obvious that their choice was their own, not their father's! "Interesting, isn't it? to see the family names repeated, Eleanor, Nathaniel, Priscilla, Richard, John." 'William Page, ed., The Victoria Histog of the Counties of England—Somerset, 2 Vols. (London,. 1906) i:527, 528. 5 ibid, ii:129s, 346, 566. Nbid, 11:66, 566, 567. 'Cottrell, letter 16 Sept. 1981. 8John Latimer, The Annals of Bristol in the Seventeenth. Centug (Bristol, 1900) p+ 25, 9David Douglas, general ed., Bristol Record Society Publications, Vol. xix intro "Merchants and Merchandise in Seventeenth-Century Bristol" by Patrick McGrath. vuLatimer, pp. 204, 228. "Edward Bean Underhill, ed., The Records of a church of Christ Meeting in Broadmead, Bristol 1546-1687, pub. by the Hauserd Knollys Society, (London, 1847) also Latimer, pp, 239, 240. '2Marian F. Pease, "Quakerism in Seventeenth Century Bristol'," The Friend, (April 23, 1937); also see Craig Ws Hark, "John Carom, Profile of a Quaker Minister During the Interregnum," Quaker History, Vol. 70, No. 2 (1981), p. 73. 'John Audiand returned with Thomas Airey, a convert. See Siwell's Hinto g of Friends, 1:142, "Rev. John Evans, The Histog of Bristol —Civil and Ecclesiastical (Bpistol 1816), ii:97; also Latimer, pp. 240, 241. 15Cottre11, Letter /1 Nov. 1981 "Jeremiah Hignell finished his apprenticeship and was admit.. ted into the liberties of the city on 8 February 1649, nearly six years before Nathaniel Allen whose name was entered in the Burgess' Book on January 28th 1655, Although they were both coopers, Jeremiah was apprentice to John Road, not to Hugh Gifford. However as they worked in the same district, they must have met early in Nathaniel's life in Bristol, perhaps even Jeremiah may have gone to work for the Giffords. Could it be that Jeremiah who was a strong influence amongst Bristol Friends was one cause of Nathaniel's joining the Society?" 16Frederick C. Jones, The Clog That Was Bristol (Bristol 1946), p. 135_ See also John Evans, A Chronological Outline of the Histoly of Bristol (Bristol 1824), p. 219. "Latimer, p. 259. 1 Bibid; see also Joseph Besse, A Collection of the Sufferings of the Ptapie Called Quakers, 2 Vols. (London 1753), ii:50 seq. 19Latimer, pp. 256, 257. "Births and Deaths of the Allen's children are recorded in Bristol Monthly Meeting of Friends. Gilbert Cope has transcribed these records to be found in the Collections of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. See Bristol and Somerseishire Quarkrly Meetings, a Digest of, Vols. E4:1F and E4:2F. 21 Latimer, pp. 300, 301. 22ibid. Cope, Coil, GSP English Friends' Records. Nicholas, George, William and Mary Allen were heads of families in North Division Monthly Meeting; John and Philip in Middle Division Meeting; Joseph, Robert, Jonathan and Philip in West Division Meeting; and John, Nathaniel the and the Widow Allen in Bristol Meeting. Commissioner Nathaniel Allen, Citizen of Two Worlds 217 24Underhiil, pp. 105, 106; see also Latimer, pp. 324-327, 25Cottreil, Letter of 16 Sept. 1981: From the Bristol Friends' Records is this record of his sufferings—committed to Bride ell July 3rd and August 7th 1664, and five shilling fine for a conventicle charge on 31st October 1670. 26Latimer, pp. 327, 333. ibid, p. 351. 28ibid, pp. 354, 355. 29Bristol Record Sad pt Publications, Vol, xxx, David Douglas, gen. ed., "Minute Book of the Hens' Meeting of the Society of Friends in Bristol 168E-1704." 30j. F. Nichols and John Taylor, Bristol Past and Present, 3 Vols. (Bristol, 1881/2). 31 Karl Baedeker, Great Britain, Handbook for Travelers (Leipzig 1910) p. 123; see also Evans, Hisiog ii:273-293. 'Bristol Record Society Publications, Vol. 'cc (Bristol 1957) W. E. Minchinton "The Trade of Bristol in the 18th Century"; see also Latimer, p. 259. "Cottrell, Letter of 11 Nov. 1981. it am Braithwaite, The Beginnings of Quakerism (London, 1912) pp 46, 77, 78. 3 sBaedeker, p. 123. "The hospitality of the wealthy sugar-boilers of Bristol was famous, and one of their favorite beverages made of Solera sherry, was widely known as 'Bristol Milk,' Fuller relates that this concoction was the first 'moisture' given to infant Bristolians, and it is mentioned with approval in Pepys's Diary (13th June 1668)." Comp. Bristol Past and Present by Nicholls and Taylor (1881-2) and Bristol (Historic Town Series) by the Rev. W. Hunt (1887). 36Latimer, p. 404. "Richard Ryerson, "William Penn's Commissioners," The Pennsylvania Genwilogical Magazine, Vol. xxxii:107, 108. "Joyce Allen was left under the guardianship of Alice Hignell, wile of Jeremiah, William Noble, George Fisher, and John Herne (Bristol Friends' Minutes); see hereafter re marriage. 39Hannah Benner Roach, "The Planting of Philadelphia, a Seventeenth-Century Real Estate Development," Pennsylvania Magazine of Histo9P and Biography 92 ( 1968): 17. 4°Marion Balderson, "William Penn's Twenty-Three Ships, With Notes on Some of Their Passengers," PGM 23:31-34. 41John F, Watson, Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania in the Olden Time, etc., 3 Vols. (Philadelphia, 1905) 1:13; see also Robert Proud, The Histog of Pennsylvania in North America, etc. (Philadelphia 1797) i:193. 42Balderson, PGM 23:31; also Howard M. Jenkins, Pennsylvania Colonial and Fetkind,•2 Vols., (Philadelphia, 1903) i:241. "Balderson, PGM 23:47n. "Wood, Fatnity &etches, p. 8. Watson-Hazzard, Annals, p. 536. 46Proud, History 1:223; see also Roach, PMBH, 92:42, and Pa. Archives, 2nd Series, 19:130. "Roach, PAIBH, 92:12, 20; see also Jenkins, Pa. Colonial 1:241. "Charles Keith, Chronicles of Pennsylvania, 2 Vols. (Philadelphia, 1917) 1:84; see also Roach, PMBH, 92:26. 49P'roud, Histog 1:212. "Wood, Famqy Sketches, p. 9. "Pa. Archives—Colonial Records, Vol. 1 (Philadelphia, 1852); "Minutes of the Provincial Council; see under year 1683, pp. 37 seq. "ibid. The name of the savant is not given but it may have been Christian Stewart, see Pa. Archives, Second Series, Vol. XIX:470. 53Scharff Westcott, fish of Philadelphia, (Philadelphia, 1884), map by Thomas Holme, facing p.108, also p. 2292 quoting letter of Robert Turner 3rd 6th• Mo. 1685; see also Roach, PMHB, 92:40. See also Cottrell letter 7 April 1982: "Reading Mr. Ryerson's article, the fact that Nathaniel Allen was one of the cave dwellers in that first winter struck me. Do you know that the area of Redcliffe in Bristol has caves which are used for the storage of wines by the importers? There's no doubt that the caves have been there for centuries, so Nathaniel Allen would have known the value of cave dwelling before he ever reached Pennsylvania." 218 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine "Pa. Archiues. Second Series, Vol. XI X, pp. 242, 230, 325, 352, etc., 411, 440. 55See in Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, and Minutes of Middletown, Monthly Meeting of Friends (Bucks Co.). 56Latimer, p. 497. 57William Wade Hinshaw; Ed., Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, Vol. ii (Ann Arbor, Mich., 1938). The Allen families were Friends (Quakers) and their family records can be found in Philadelphia, Falls, Burlington and other Friends' Meeting Records available in the Pa. Genealogical Society Collections. From this point onward all meeting and legal sources will be noted within the text. Dating: Until the beginning of 1752, Quaker records began in March (First Month) and ended with February (12th Month). After January 1, 1752, January became First Month and December the 12th Month. The period between 1 January and 25 March prior to 1752 is sometimes written with both the old and new year expressed for example as 5th 11th Month 17[7/8. 58Mary T. Seaman, Thomas Richardson of Durham, England and His Descendants in America, (New York, 1929) p. 91. 59Bristol Friends Meeting, also Latimer p. 475. The Other Aliens Samuel and Nathaniel Allen, first purchasers, were not the only Allen families in Pennsylvania in early Colonial times. At least eight other lines can be established from: 1. William Allen, b. Ireland, arrived Pa. cir. 1699, became a prosperous merchant in Philadelphia, and d. 1725. 2. John Allen, early arrival in Chester Co., m. 1718 Alice (b. 1697) dau. of George Smedley Sr. and wife Sarah Kitchen; and d. before 1722. Alice m. 2nd 1722 Edward Woodward. 3. John Allen, b. Ire. 3 8th Mo. 16%, arrived Pa. 1713, and d. London Grove, Chester Co., Pa. 16 9th Mo. 1771. 4. Richard Allen, negro stave in Germantown, founder of Mother Bethel Church, and Methodist Bishop. 5. Joseph Allen, b. Co. Antrim, Ire. and an early settler in Dauphin (then Lancaster) County, Pa, 6. William Allen, brother of Joseph, b. Ire* and also settled with him in now Dauphin Co., Pa. 7. Robert Allen, b. Scotland, arrived in Pa. 1784, and d. in Londonden-y, Chester Co., Pa., 1755. 8. Robert Allen, b. Scotland, settled 1737 in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Pa. where he m. Mary Walkenshaw.