Sergeant ETHAN ALLEN, Co. F, 86th Illinois & Co. A, 14th Illinois Cavalry
Ethan Allen was born about November 10, 1840 in or near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County, the son of John Billings Allen and Belender (Bull) Allen. John Billings Allen was born on March 11, 1798 in Vermont, possibly in Royalton, and died on __________ __, 1881, while Belender Bull was born on __________ __, 1800 in Maryland (possibly Baltimore) and died on __________ __, 1879. They were married on ____________ __, 18__ at __________, __________ and at least 6 children were born to them. They include;
1. Dixon S. Allen; born c. 1820/21 in Ohio.
2. Elias Allen, born c. 1831/32 in Ohio.
3. Marion Allen (son), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
4. Zenina or Zemira Allen (daughter), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
5. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois.
6. Ethan Allen, born c. 1840/41 in Illinois.
The Allen's moved to Ohio sometime before 1821 and remained there until sometime between 1831 and 1836, when they moved west to Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census the Allen family is found residing in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois. The family is listed as above. John is listed as a farmer.
John B Allen M 52 ?
Belender Allen F 50 Maryland
Dixon S Allen M 29 Connecticut
Elias Allen M 18 Connecticut
Marion Allen M 14 Illinois
Zenina Allen F 14 Illinois
Elizabeth Allen F 12 Illinois
Ethan Allen M 9 Illinois
Thadus Olinsteel M 22 Connecticut
Rebecca Bull F 24 Connecticut
Albina Allen F 22 Connecticut
Raymond Allen M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, J. B. Allen, his wife, listed as Belinda, and the last four children, are still found residing in Maquon Township on Knox County. J. B. is still listed as a farmer. His son Ethan Allen, who is still the only Ethen Allen found in Knox County is now listed as being 19 years of age.
J B Allen, birth c. 1798 Vt
Belender Allen, birth c. 1800 Md
Marion Allen, birth c. 1835 Ill
Zemira Allen, birth c. 1836 Ills
Elizabeth Allen, birth c. 1837 Ills
Ethan Allen, birth c. 1841 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, the Allens are still found in Knox County, Illinois;
John B Allen M 72y Vermont
Belender Allen F 70y Maryland
Dickson S Allen M 50y Ohio
Parley Bull M 15y Illinois
Albina Allen F 43y Ohio
Sidney Allen M 7y Illinois
Zemira Allen F 1y Illinois
Belender Bull Allen died on _____________ __, 1879, most likely in Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, John B. Allen is found residing with his son, Dixon Allen, and his family in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Vermont and Maryland, respectively;
Self Dixon Allen M 59 Ohio
Wife Albina Allen F 51 Ohio
Son Sidney Allen M 17 Illinois
Daughter Zemira Allen F 11 Illinois
Father John B. Allen M 76 Vermont
John Billings Allen died on ____________ __, 1881, almost certainly there near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County. His mortal remains were laid next to his wife's in the Maquon Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Ethan Allen;
On August 2, 1862, Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. Burkhalter is known to have resided very near the Allen family and is listed on the same census page as the Allens in the 1860 census. Ethan Allen claimed that he is 21 years of age, that he was born in Knox County and that he now resides in Knox County. Burkhalter most likely knew all this to be true as he was a neighbor, only 6 households between the two families. The Allens were also the immediate next door neighbor in the 1860 census with Nelson D. Combs and his family. Nelson D. Combs also joined the 86th at this time and was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as one of their Lieutenants.
Below is the information that was recorded in the Adjutant Generals reports;
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN Rank CPL
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 21
Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 2, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DESERTED NEAR PERRYVILLE KY OCT 7, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Ethan Allen was probably well known and well thought of by the men of Co. F and he was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 5th Corporal. Nelson D. Combs, as stated above, was elected to serve as a Lieutenant in Co. F.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the army commanded by Union General Buell. They were in pursuit of the last Confederate troops in Kentucky, who were under the command of Confederate General Braxton Bragg. In October of 1862, Buell's army caught up with that of Bragg's army and on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years.
However, the day before the Battle of Perryville, Corporal Ethan Allen apparently disappeared and he was officially reported as a Deserter as of October 7, 1862. It is not known whether he participated in the Battle of Perryville, whether he was wounded or sick or whether he was instructed to go home by a doctor. The Official Records are far from being errorless. Years later, he explained his absence while attempting to get a pension for his service to the satisfation of the government and was awarded a pension for his service. So the government was satisfied that he was not a Deserter.
After leaving the 86th, Ethan Allen did return to Knox County. Within days of arriving back in Knox County, Ethan Allen volunteered at Maquon, Illinois on October 25, 1862 to serve in a company which was being raised in Knox County by Marvin S. Carr, of Galesburg, Illinois. This company was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. At this time he was recorded as being married, which was most likely as error.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 22 Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When OCT 25, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom CPT CARR Period 3 YRS
Muster In JAN 7, 1863 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks AS SERGEANT
On January 7, 1863, Ethan Ellen was mustered in with the rest of the Knox County men and they were designated Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Forty men from Maquon Township were among the men who served in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, including two other members of the Allen family, a William Allen, of Maquon, Illinois, who volunteered to serve in what was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry on the same day, January 7, 1863, as Ethan Allen, and also a James Allen. Could these be cousins of Ethan's? Interestingly, Adam Housh, of Maquon, also later joined Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He, like Ethan Allen, was an original member of Co. F of the 86th. He had served beside Ethen Allen for the better part of two months, got sick during the winter of 1862/63 in Nashville and was discharged from Co. F of the 86th on February 24, 1863 and returned to Knox County. After he had recovered sufficiently, Adam Housh then like Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in Co. A of the 14th. Another member of Co. A of the 14th was a man who is listed as Melville Buell. Melville is known to have been a neighbor of the Allens at the time of the 1850 census and he is believed to have been a cousin of Ethan's.
Ethan's service in the 14th Illinois Cavalry was much brighter than his short stint with the 86th. In fact, at some point during the war he was promoted, most likely, first to Corporal and by the end of the war was a Sergeant in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. So he, like his time in the 86th, was very well thought of by the Knox County men. The men of the 14th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry had a glorious career and were involved in the Knoxville, Tennessee Campaign as well as the Battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, along with numerous other battles and skirmishes and was involved with the famous Macon, Georgia raid. Sergeant Ethan Allen, of Co. A, of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, was mustered out of the service on July 31, 1865 at Pulaski, Tennessee along with the surviving members of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He then with the surviving members of Co. A returned to his home in Knox County. Ethan Allen had a wonderful career in the service and had much to be proud of.
After being honorably discharged from the service, Ethan Allen was married to Keziah Jane Patterson on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________. Jane was born on July 24, 1840 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee, the daughter of James Patterson and Mary (Witten) Patterson, who was born on 13 Apr 1805 and who died in October of 1885 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 55716979.
The children born to Ethan Allen and Keziah Jane (Patterson) Allen include;
1. Mary Allen, born c. 1868/69 in Kansas.
2. John Allen, born c. 1871/72 in Missouri.
3. Archy Allen, born c. 1874/75 in Kansas.
4. Lewis Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
5. Lucy Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
6. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1880 in Kansas.
7. Van Allen, born c. 1881/82 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Allens are found in Richland, Jewell County, Kansas. Ethan is farming and lists his father as having been born in Vermont, while his mother was born in Maryland;
Self Ethan Allen M 39 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 35 Tennessee
Daughter Mary Allen F 11 Kansas
Son John Allen M 8 Missouri
Son Archy Allen M 5 Kansas
Son Lewis Allen M 3 Kansas
Daughter Lucy Allen F 3 Kansas
At the time of the 1900 census, Ethan and his family are found in Mendocino Township in the City of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California. His birthdate is listed as October of 1840. Now his parents are listed as having been born in Ohio. Ethan and Jane are listed as having been married 34 years, which would place their marriage about 1866;
Head Ethan Allen M 60 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 60 Tennessee
Son John Allen M 30 Missouri
Daughter Lucy Allen F 22 Kansas
Daughter Elizabeth Allen F 20 Kansas
Son Van Allen M 18 Kansas
In 1920, Ethan, Jane and their son, John, are found in the 23rd Assembly District, 37th Precinct of San Francisco, California;
SELF Ethan Allan M 79y Illinois
WIFE Jane Allan F 79y Tennessee
SON John Allan M 47y Kansas
When Ethan Allen initially filed for his government pension, it was denied as he was still recorded as a Deserter from the 86th and was asked to explain his absence from the 86th. This was done by a hand written letter that was submitted along with his papers. After the submission, as stated above, his pension was approved and his wife was also granted her widowers pension after his death. Christina Ramos, a great granddaughter of Ethan Allen's, has copies of the original letters that he submitted. She states, "It is framed in my home. I must tell you that these are my most treasured possessions that I have. Fortunately I have a family who kept very good records and I love to share what I have."
On January 31, 1890, Sgt. Ethan Allen was granted an Invalid Pension and the amount was increased on March 25, 1907. His Pension Card states that he died on September 23, 1922 in San Francisco, California. His Pension Card also mentions he was a member of both Co. F of the 86th and Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Jane, as stated above, began collecting a Widow's Pension for his service in the Union Army on October 3, 1922. Jane died on Dec. 29, 1923 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California. Their remains were laid to rest in the San Francisco National Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III, FAG Contributor #47203738 and Christina Ramos, whose email address is [email protected].
(Baxter and Christina would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Allen family, who might be able to add to the biography of Sergeant Ethan Allen and the Allen family. Baxter and Christina would also love to get copies of any pictures which might still exist of Sergeant Ethan Allen, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies. Baxter has been searching from the 992 men who served in the 86th Illinois since 1985. He can be contacted at (309) 685-5861, 3013 N. Golf Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61604-2341 or at [email protected].)
Ethan Allen was born about November 10, 1840 in or near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County, the son of John Billings Allen and Belender (Bull) Allen. John Billings Allen was born on March 11, 1798 in Vermont, possibly in Royalton, and died on __________ __, 1881, while Belender Bull was born on __________ __, 1800 in Maryland (possibly Baltimore) and died on __________ __, 1879. They were married on ____________ __, 18__ at __________, __________ and at least 6 children were born to them. They include;
1. Dixon S. Allen; born c. 1820/21 in Ohio.
2. Elias Allen, born c. 1831/32 in Ohio.
3. Marion Allen (son), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
4. Zenina or Zemira Allen (daughter), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
5. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois.
6. Ethan Allen, born c. 1840/41 in Illinois.
The Allen's moved to Ohio sometime before 1821 and remained there until sometime between 1831 and 1836, when they moved west to Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census the Allen family is found residing in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois. The family is listed as above. John is listed as a farmer.
John B Allen M 52 ?
Belender Allen F 50 Maryland
Dixon S Allen M 29 Connecticut
Elias Allen M 18 Connecticut
Marion Allen M 14 Illinois
Zenina Allen F 14 Illinois
Elizabeth Allen F 12 Illinois
Ethan Allen M 9 Illinois
Thadus Olinsteel M 22 Connecticut
Rebecca Bull F 24 Connecticut
Albina Allen F 22 Connecticut
Raymond Allen M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, J. B. Allen, his wife, listed as Belinda, and the last four children, are still found residing in Maquon Township on Knox County. J. B. is still listed as a farmer. His son Ethan Allen, who is still the only Ethen Allen found in Knox County is now listed as being 19 years of age.
J B Allen, birth c. 1798 Vt
Belender Allen, birth c. 1800 Md
Marion Allen, birth c. 1835 Ill
Zemira Allen, birth c. 1836 Ills
Elizabeth Allen, birth c. 1837 Ills
Ethan Allen, birth c. 1841 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, the Allens are still found in Knox County, Illinois;
John B Allen M 72y Vermont
Belender Allen F 70y Maryland
Dickson S Allen M 50y Ohio
Parley Bull M 15y Illinois
Albina Allen F 43y Ohio
Sidney Allen M 7y Illinois
Zemira Allen F 1y Illinois
Belender Bull Allen died on _____________ __, 1879, most likely in Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, John B. Allen is found residing with his son, Dixon Allen, and his family in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Vermont and Maryland, respectively;
Self Dixon Allen M 59 Ohio
Wife Albina Allen F 51 Ohio
Son Sidney Allen M 17 Illinois
Daughter Zemira Allen F 11 Illinois
Father John B. Allen M 76 Vermont
John Billings Allen died on ____________ __, 1881, almost certainly there near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County. His mortal remains were laid next to his wife's in the Maquon Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Ethan Allen;
On August 2, 1862, Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. Burkhalter is known to have resided very near the Allen family and is listed on the same census page as the Allens in the 1860 census. Ethan Allen claimed that he is 21 years of age, that he was born in Knox County and that he now resides in Knox County. Burkhalter most likely knew all this to be true as he was a neighbor, only 6 households between the two families. The Allens were also the immediate next door neighbor in the 1860 census with Nelson D. Combs and his family. Nelson D. Combs also joined the 86th at this time and was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as one of their Lieutenants.
Below is the information that was recorded in the Adjutant Generals reports;
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN Rank CPL
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 21
Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 2, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DESERTED NEAR PERRYVILLE KY OCT 7, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Ethan Allen was probably well known and well thought of by the men of Co. F and he was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 5th Corporal. Nelson D. Combs, as stated above, was elected to serve as a Lieutenant in Co. F.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the army commanded by Union General Buell. They were in pursuit of the last Confederate troops in Kentucky, who were under the command of Confederate General Braxton Bragg. In October of 1862, Buell's army caught up with that of Bragg's army and on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years.
However, the day before the Battle of Perryville, Corporal Ethan Allen apparently disappeared and he was officially reported as a Deserter as of October 7, 1862. It is not known whether he participated in the Battle of Perryville, whether he was wounded or sick or whether he was instructed to go home by a doctor. The Official Records are far from being errorless. Years later, he explained his absence while attempting to get a pension for his service to the satisfation of the government and was awarded a pension for his service. So the government was satisfied that he was not a Deserter.
After leaving the 86th, Ethan Allen did return to Knox County. Within days of arriving back in Knox County, Ethan Allen volunteered at Maquon, Illinois on October 25, 1862 to serve in a company which was being raised in Knox County by Marvin S. Carr, of Galesburg, Illinois. This company was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. At this time he was recorded as being married, which was most likely as error.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 22 Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When OCT 25, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom CPT CARR Period 3 YRS
Muster In JAN 7, 1863 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks AS SERGEANT
On January 7, 1863, Ethan Ellen was mustered in with the rest of the Knox County men and they were designated Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Forty men from Maquon Township were among the men who served in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, including two other members of the Allen family, a William Allen, of Maquon, Illinois, who volunteered to serve in what was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry on the same day, January 7, 1863, as Ethan Allen, and also a James Allen. Could these be cousins of Ethan's? Interestingly, Adam Housh, of Maquon, also later joined Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He, like Ethan Allen, was an original member of Co. F of the 86th. He had served beside Ethen Allen for the better part of two months, got sick during the winter of 1862/63 in Nashville and was discharged from Co. F of the 86th on February 24, 1863 and returned to Knox County. After he had recovered sufficiently, Adam Housh then like Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in Co. A of the 14th. Another member of Co. A of the 14th was a man who is listed as Melville Buell. Melville is known to have been a neighbor of the Allens at the time of the 1850 census and he is believed to have been a cousin of Ethan's.
Ethan's service in the 14th Illinois Cavalry was much brighter than his short stint with the 86th. In fact, at some point during the war he was promoted, most likely, first to Corporal and by the end of the war was a Sergeant in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. So he, like his time in the 86th, was very well thought of by the Knox County men. The men of the 14th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry had a glorious career and were involved in the Knoxville, Tennessee Campaign as well as the Battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, along with numerous other battles and skirmishes and was involved with the famous Macon, Georgia raid. Sergeant Ethan Allen, of Co. A, of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, was mustered out of the service on July 31, 1865 at Pulaski, Tennessee along with the surviving members of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He then with the surviving members of Co. A returned to his home in Knox County. Ethan Allen had a wonderful career in the service and had much to be proud of.
After being honorably discharged from the service, Ethan Allen was married to Keziah Jane Patterson on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________. Jane was born on July 24, 1840 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee, the daughter of James Patterson and Mary (Witten) Patterson, who was born on 13 Apr 1805 and who died in October of 1885 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 55716979.
The children born to Ethan Allen and Keziah Jane (Patterson) Allen include;
1. Mary Allen, born c. 1868/69 in Kansas.
2. John Allen, born c. 1871/72 in Missouri.
3. Archy Allen, born c. 1874/75 in Kansas.
4. Lewis Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
5. Lucy Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
6. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1880 in Kansas.
7. Van Allen, born c. 1881/82 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Allens are found in Richland, Jewell County, Kansas. Ethan is farming and lists his father as having been born in Vermont, while his mother was born in Maryland;
Self Ethan Allen M 39 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 35 Tennessee
Daughter Mary Allen F 11 Kansas
Son John Allen M 8 Missouri
Son Archy Allen M 5 Kansas
Son Lewis Allen M 3 Kansas
Daughter Lucy Allen F 3 Kansas
At the time of the 1900 census, Ethan and his family are found in Mendocino Township in the City of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California. His birthdate is listed as October of 1840. Now his parents are listed as having been born in Ohio. Ethan and Jane are listed as having been married 34 years, which would place their marriage about 1866;
Head Ethan Allen M 60 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 60 Tennessee
Son John Allen M 30 Missouri
Daughter Lucy Allen F 22 Kansas
Daughter Elizabeth Allen F 20 Kansas
Son Van Allen M 18 Kansas
In 1920, Ethan, Jane and their son, John, are found in the 23rd Assembly District, 37th Precinct of San Francisco, California;
SELF Ethan Allan M 79y Illinois
WIFE Jane Allan F 79y Tennessee
SON John Allan M 47y Kansas
When Ethan Allen initially filed for his government pension, it was denied as he was still recorded as a Deserter from the 86th and was asked to explain his absence from the 86th. This was done by a hand written letter that was submitted along with his papers. After the submission, as stated above, his pension was approved and his wife was also granted her widowers pension after his death. Christina Ramos, a great granddaughter of Ethan Allen's, has copies of the original letters that he submitted. She states, "It is framed in my home. I must tell you that these are my most treasured possessions that I have. Fortunately I have a family who kept very good records and I love to share what I have."
On January 31, 1890, Sgt. Ethan Allen was granted an Invalid Pension and the amount was increased on March 25, 1907. His Pension Card states that he died on September 23, 1922 in San Francisco, California. His Pension Card also mentions he was a member of both Co. F of the 86th and Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Jane, as stated above, began collecting a Widow's Pension for his service in the Union Army on October 3, 1922. Jane died on Dec. 29, 1923 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California. Their remains were laid to rest in the San Francisco National Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III, FAG Contributor #47203738 and Christina Ramos, whose email address is [email protected].
(Baxter and Christina would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Allen family, who might be able to add to the biography of Sergeant Ethan Allen and the Allen family. Baxter and Christina would also love to get copies of any pictures which might still exist of Sergeant Ethan Allen, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies. Baxter has been searching from the 992 men who served in the 86th Illinois since 1985. He can be contacted at (309) 685-5861, 3013 N. Golf Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61604-2341 or at [email protected].)
Sergeant ETHAN ALLEN, Co. F, 86th Illinois & Co. A, 14th Illinois Cavalry
Ethan Allen was born about November 10, 1840 in or near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County, the son of John Billings Allen and Belender (Bull) Allen. John Billings Allen was born on March 11, 1798 in Vermont, possibly in Royalton, and died on __________ __, 1881, while Belender Bull was born on __________ __, 1800 in Maryland (possibly Baltimore) and died on __________ __, 1879. They were married on ____________ __, 18__ at __________, __________ and at least 6 children were born to them. They include;
1. Dixon S. Allen; born c. 1820/21 in Ohio.
2. Elias Allen, born c. 1831/32 in Ohio.
3. Marion Allen (son), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
4. Zenina or Zemira Allen (daughter), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
5. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois.
6. Ethan Allen, born c. 1840/41 in Illinois.
The Allen's moved to Ohio sometime before 1821 and remained there until sometime between 1831 and 1836, when they moved west to Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census the Allen family is found residing in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois. The family is listed as above. John is listed as a farmer.
John B Allen M 52 ?
Belender Allen F 50 Maryland
Dixon S Allen M 29 Connecticut
Elias Allen M 18 Connecticut
Marion Allen M 14 Illinois
Zenina Allen F 14 Illinois
Elizabeth Allen F 12 Illinois
Ethan Allen M 9 Illinois
Thadus Olinsteel M 22 Connecticut
Rebecca Bull F 24 Connecticut
Albina Allen F 22 Connecticut
Raymond Allen M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, J. B. Allen, his wife, listed as Belinda, and the last four children, are still found residing in Maquon Township on Knox County. J. B. is still listed as a farmer. His son Ethan Allen, who is still the only Ethen Allen found in Knox County is now listed as being 19 years of age.
J B Allen, birth c. 1798 Vt
Belender Allen, birth c. 1800 Md
Marion Allen, birth c. 1835 Ill
Zemira Allen, birth c. 1836 Ills
Elizabeth Allen, birth c. 1837 Ills
Ethan Allen, birth c. 1841 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, the Allens are still found in Knox County, Illinois;
John B Allen M 72y Vermont
Belender Allen F 70y Maryland
Dickson S Allen M 50y Ohio
Parley Bull M 15y Illinois
Albina Allen F 43y Ohio
Sidney Allen M 7y Illinois
Zemira Allen F 1y Illinois
Belender Bull Allen died on _____________ __, 1879, most likely in Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, John B. Allen is found residing with his son, Dixon Allen, and his family in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Vermont and Maryland, respectively;
Self Dixon Allen M 59 Ohio
Wife Albina Allen F 51 Ohio
Son Sidney Allen M 17 Illinois
Daughter Zemira Allen F 11 Illinois
Father John B. Allen M 76 Vermont
John Billings Allen died on ____________ __, 1881, almost certainly there near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County. His mortal remains were laid next to his wife's in the Maquon Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Ethan Allen;
On August 2, 1862, Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. Burkhalter is known to have resided very near the Allen family and is listed on the same census page as the Allens in the 1860 census. Ethan Allen claimed that he is 21 years of age, that he was born in Knox County and that he now resides in Knox County. Burkhalter most likely knew all this to be true as he was a neighbor, only 6 households between the two families. The Allens were also the immediate next door neighbor in the 1860 census with Nelson D. Combs and his family. Nelson D. Combs also joined the 86th at this time and was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as one of their Lieutenants.
Below is the information that was recorded in the Adjutant Generals reports;
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN Rank CPL
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 21
Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 2, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DESERTED NEAR PERRYVILLE KY OCT 7, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Ethan Allen was probably well known and well thought of by the men of Co. F and he was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 5th Corporal. Nelson D. Combs, as stated above, was elected to serve as a Lieutenant in Co. F.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the army commanded by Union General Buell. They were in pursuit of the last Confederate troops in Kentucky, who were under the command of Confederate General Braxton Bragg. In October of 1862, Buell's army caught up with that of Bragg's army and on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years.
However, the day before the Battle of Perryville, Corporal Ethan Allen apparently disappeared and he was officially reported as a Deserter as of October 7, 1862. It is not known whether he participated in the Battle of Perryville, whether he was wounded or sick or whether he was instructed to go home by a doctor. The Official Records are far from being errorless. Years later, he explained his absence while attempting to get a pension for his service to the satisfation of the government and was awarded a pension for his service. So the government was satisfied that he was not a Deserter.
After leaving the 86th, Ethan Allen did return to Knox County. Within days of arriving back in Knox County, Ethan Allen volunteered at Maquon, Illinois on October 25, 1862 to serve in a company which was being raised in Knox County by Marvin S. Carr, of Galesburg, Illinois. This company was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. At this time he was recorded as being married, which was most likely as error.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 22 Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When OCT 25, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom CPT CARR Period 3 YRS
Muster In JAN 7, 1863 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks AS SERGEANT
On January 7, 1863, Ethan Ellen was mustered in with the rest of the Knox County men and they were designated Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Forty men from Maquon Township were among the men who served in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, including two other members of the Allen family, a William Allen, of Maquon, Illinois, who volunteered to serve in what was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry on the same day, January 7, 1863, as Ethan Allen, and also a James Allen. Could these be cousins of Ethan's? Interestingly, Adam Housh, of Maquon, also later joined Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He, like Ethan Allen, was an original member of Co. F of the 86th. He had served beside Ethen Allen for the better part of two months, got sick during the winter of 1862/63 in Nashville and was discharged from Co. F of the 86th on February 24, 1863 and returned to Knox County. After he had recovered sufficiently, Adam Housh then like Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in Co. A of the 14th. Another member of Co. A of the 14th was a man who is listed as Melville Buell. Melville is known to have been a neighbor of the Allens at the time of the 1850 census and he is believed to have been a cousin of Ethan's.
Ethan's service in the 14th Illinois Cavalry was much brighter than his short stint with the 86th. In fact, at some point during the war he was promoted, most likely, first to Corporal and by the end of the war was a Sergeant in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. So he, like his time in the 86th, was very well thought of by the Knox County men. The men of the 14th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry had a glorious career and were involved in the Knoxville, Tennessee Campaign as well as the Battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, along with numerous other battles and skirmishes and was involved with the famous Macon, Georgia raid. Sergeant Ethan Allen, of Co. A, of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, was mustered out of the service on July 31, 1865 at Pulaski, Tennessee along with the surviving members of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He then with the surviving members of Co. A returned to his home in Knox County. Ethan Allen had a wonderful career in the service and had much to be proud of.
After being honorably discharged from the service, Ethan Allen was married to Keziah Jane Patterson on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________. Jane was born on July 24, 1840 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee, the daughter of James Patterson and Mary (Witten) Patterson, who was born on 13 Apr 1805 and who died in October of 1885 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 55716979.
The children born to Ethan Allen and Keziah Jane (Patterson) Allen include;
1. Mary Allen, born c. 1868/69 in Kansas.
2. John Allen, born c. 1871/72 in Missouri.
3. Archy Allen, born c. 1874/75 in Kansas.
4. Lewis Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
5. Lucy Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
6. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1880 in Kansas.
7. Van Allen, born c. 1881/82 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Allens are found in Richland, Jewell County, Kansas. Ethan is farming and lists his father as having been born in Vermont, while his mother was born in Maryland;
Self Ethan Allen M 39 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 35 Tennessee
Daughter Mary Allen F 11 Kansas
Son John Allen M 8 Missouri
Son Archy Allen M 5 Kansas
Son Lewis Allen M 3 Kansas
Daughter Lucy Allen F 3 Kansas
At the time of the 1900 census, Ethan and his family are found in Mendocino Township in the City of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California. His birthdate is listed as October of 1840. Now his parents are listed as having been born in Ohio. Ethan and Jane are listed as having been married 34 years, which would place their marriage about 1866;
Head Ethan Allen M 60 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 60 Tennessee
Son John Allen M 30 Missouri
Daughter Lucy Allen F 22 Kansas
Daughter Elizabeth Allen F 20 Kansas
Son Van Allen M 18 Kansas
In 1920, Ethan, Jane and their son, John, are found in the 23rd Assembly District, 37th Precinct of San Francisco, California;
SELF Ethan Allan M 79y Illinois
WIFE Jane Allan F 79y Tennessee
SON John Allan M 47y Kansas
When Ethan Allen initially filed for his government pension, it was denied as he was still recorded as a Deserter from the 86th and was asked to explain his absence from the 86th. This was done by a hand written letter that was submitted along with his papers. After the submission, as stated above, his pension was approved and his wife was also granted her widowers pension after his death. Christina Ramos, a great granddaughter of Ethan Allen's, has copies of the original letters that he submitted. She states, "It is framed in my home. I must tell you that these are my most treasured possessions that I have. Fortunately I have a family who kept very good records and I love to share what I have."
On January 31, 1890, Sgt. Ethan Allen was granted an Invalid Pension and the amount was increased on March 25, 1907. His Pension Card states that he died on September 23, 1922 in San Francisco, California. His Pension Card also mentions he was a member of both Co. F of the 86th and Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Jane, as stated above, began collecting a Widow's Pension for his service in the Union Army on October 3, 1922. Jane died on Dec. 29, 1923 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California. Their remains were laid to rest in the San Francisco National Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III, FAG Contributor #47203738 and Christina Ramos, whose email address is [email protected].
(Baxter and Christina would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Allen family, who might be able to add to the biography of Sergeant Ethan Allen and the Allen family. Baxter and Christina would also love to get copies of any pictures which might still exist of Sergeant Ethan Allen, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies. Baxter has been searching from the 992 men who served in the 86th Illinois since 1985. He can be contacted at (309) 685-5861, 3013 N. Golf Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61604-2341 or at [email protected].)
Ethan Allen was born about November 10, 1840 in or near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County, the son of John Billings Allen and Belender (Bull) Allen. John Billings Allen was born on March 11, 1798 in Vermont, possibly in Royalton, and died on __________ __, 1881, while Belender Bull was born on __________ __, 1800 in Maryland (possibly Baltimore) and died on __________ __, 1879. They were married on ____________ __, 18__ at __________, __________ and at least 6 children were born to them. They include;
1. Dixon S. Allen; born c. 1820/21 in Ohio.
2. Elias Allen, born c. 1831/32 in Ohio.
3. Marion Allen (son), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
4. Zenina or Zemira Allen (daughter), born c. 1835/36 in Illinois.
5. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1837/38 in Illinois.
6. Ethan Allen, born c. 1840/41 in Illinois.
The Allen's moved to Ohio sometime before 1821 and remained there until sometime between 1831 and 1836, when they moved west to Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census the Allen family is found residing in Maquon Township in Knox County, Illinois. The family is listed as above. John is listed as a farmer.
John B Allen M 52 ?
Belender Allen F 50 Maryland
Dixon S Allen M 29 Connecticut
Elias Allen M 18 Connecticut
Marion Allen M 14 Illinois
Zenina Allen F 14 Illinois
Elizabeth Allen F 12 Illinois
Ethan Allen M 9 Illinois
Thadus Olinsteel M 22 Connecticut
Rebecca Bull F 24 Connecticut
Albina Allen F 22 Connecticut
Raymond Allen M 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1860 census, J. B. Allen, his wife, listed as Belinda, and the last four children, are still found residing in Maquon Township on Knox County. J. B. is still listed as a farmer. His son Ethan Allen, who is still the only Ethen Allen found in Knox County is now listed as being 19 years of age.
J B Allen, birth c. 1798 Vt
Belender Allen, birth c. 1800 Md
Marion Allen, birth c. 1835 Ill
Zemira Allen, birth c. 1836 Ills
Elizabeth Allen, birth c. 1837 Ills
Ethan Allen, birth c. 1841 Ills
At the time of the 1870 census, the Allens are still found in Knox County, Illinois;
John B Allen M 72y Vermont
Belender Allen F 70y Maryland
Dickson S Allen M 50y Ohio
Parley Bull M 15y Illinois
Albina Allen F 43y Ohio
Sidney Allen M 7y Illinois
Zemira Allen F 1y Illinois
Belender Bull Allen died on _____________ __, 1879, most likely in Knox County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1880 census, John B. Allen is found residing with his son, Dixon Allen, and his family in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed and his father and mother are listed as having been born in Vermont and Maryland, respectively;
Self Dixon Allen M 59 Ohio
Wife Albina Allen F 51 Ohio
Son Sidney Allen M 17 Illinois
Daughter Zemira Allen F 11 Illinois
Father John B. Allen M 76 Vermont
John Billings Allen died on ____________ __, 1881, almost certainly there near Maquon, Illinois in Knox County. His mortal remains were laid next to his wife's in the Maquon Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Ethan Allen;
On August 2, 1862, Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. Burkhalter is known to have resided very near the Allen family and is listed on the same census page as the Allens in the 1860 census. Ethan Allen claimed that he is 21 years of age, that he was born in Knox County and that he now resides in Knox County. Burkhalter most likely knew all this to be true as he was a neighbor, only 6 households between the two families. The Allens were also the immediate next door neighbor in the 1860 census with Nelson D. Combs and his family. Nelson D. Combs also joined the 86th at this time and was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as one of their Lieutenants.
Below is the information that was recorded in the Adjutant Generals reports;
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN Rank CPL
Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 21
Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BROWN
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER
Nativity MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When AUG 2, 1862
Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER
Period 3 YRS Muster In AUG 27, 1862
Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DESERTED NEAR PERRYVILLE KY OCT 7, 1862
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, he was elected by the men of the Maquon company to be their Captain and Captain Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers were mustered in as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Ethan Allen was probably well known and well thought of by the men of Co. F and he was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their 5th Corporal. Nelson D. Combs, as stated above, was elected to serve as a Lieutenant in Co. F.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, down to the railroad depot. There they were joined by the men of the 85th Illinois, who had been mustered into service at Camp Peoria. At the depot the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois boarded trains bound for Camp Joe Holt in Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade in the army commanded by Union General Buell. They were in pursuit of the last Confederate troops in Kentucky, who were under the command of Confederate General Braxton Bragg. In October of 1862, Buell's army caught up with that of Bragg's army and on Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years.
However, the day before the Battle of Perryville, Corporal Ethan Allen apparently disappeared and he was officially reported as a Deserter as of October 7, 1862. It is not known whether he participated in the Battle of Perryville, whether he was wounded or sick or whether he was instructed to go home by a doctor. The Official Records are far from being errorless. Years later, he explained his absence while attempting to get a pension for his service to the satisfation of the government and was awarded a pension for his service. So the government was satisfied that he was not a Deserter.
After leaving the 86th, Ethan Allen did return to Knox County. Within days of arriving back in Knox County, Ethan Allen volunteered at Maquon, Illinois on October 25, 1862 to serve in a company which was being raised in Knox County by Marvin S. Carr, of Galesburg, Illinois. This company was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. At this time he was recorded as being married, which was most likely as error.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name ALLEN, ETHAN
Rank PVT Company A Unit 14 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 22 Height 6' 3 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity KNOX CO, IL
Service Record
Joined When OCT 25, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom CPT CARR Period 3 YRS
Muster In JAN 7, 1863 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out JUL 31, 1865
Muster Out Where PULASKI, TN Muster Out By Whom CPT JACKSON
Remarks AS SERGEANT
On January 7, 1863, Ethan Ellen was mustered in with the rest of the Knox County men and they were designated Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Forty men from Maquon Township were among the men who served in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, including two other members of the Allen family, a William Allen, of Maquon, Illinois, who volunteered to serve in what was to become Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry on the same day, January 7, 1863, as Ethan Allen, and also a James Allen. Could these be cousins of Ethan's? Interestingly, Adam Housh, of Maquon, also later joined Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He, like Ethan Allen, was an original member of Co. F of the 86th. He had served beside Ethen Allen for the better part of two months, got sick during the winter of 1862/63 in Nashville and was discharged from Co. F of the 86th on February 24, 1863 and returned to Knox County. After he had recovered sufficiently, Adam Housh then like Ethan Allen volunteered to serve in Co. A of the 14th. Another member of Co. A of the 14th was a man who is listed as Melville Buell. Melville is known to have been a neighbor of the Allens at the time of the 1850 census and he is believed to have been a cousin of Ethan's.
Ethan's service in the 14th Illinois Cavalry was much brighter than his short stint with the 86th. In fact, at some point during the war he was promoted, most likely, first to Corporal and by the end of the war was a Sergeant in Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. So he, like his time in the 86th, was very well thought of by the Knox County men. The men of the 14th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry had a glorious career and were involved in the Knoxville, Tennessee Campaign as well as the Battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, along with numerous other battles and skirmishes and was involved with the famous Macon, Georgia raid. Sergeant Ethan Allen, of Co. A, of the 14th Illinois Cavalry, was mustered out of the service on July 31, 1865 at Pulaski, Tennessee along with the surviving members of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. He then with the surviving members of Co. A returned to his home in Knox County. Ethan Allen had a wonderful career in the service and had much to be proud of.
After being honorably discharged from the service, Ethan Allen was married to Keziah Jane Patterson on __________ __, 18__ at __________, __________. Jane was born on July 24, 1840 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee, the daughter of James Patterson and Mary (Witten) Patterson, who was born on 13 Apr 1805 and who died in October of 1885 in Ten Mile, Meigs County, Tennessee. See her Find A Grave Memorial # 55716979.
The children born to Ethan Allen and Keziah Jane (Patterson) Allen include;
1. Mary Allen, born c. 1868/69 in Kansas.
2. John Allen, born c. 1871/72 in Missouri.
3. Archy Allen, born c. 1874/75 in Kansas.
4. Lewis Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
5. Lucy Allen, born c. 1876/77 in Kansas.
6. Elizabeth Allen, born c. 1880 in Kansas.
7. Van Allen, born c. 1881/82 in Kansas.
At the time of the 1880 census, the Allens are found in Richland, Jewell County, Kansas. Ethan is farming and lists his father as having been born in Vermont, while his mother was born in Maryland;
Self Ethan Allen M 39 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 35 Tennessee
Daughter Mary Allen F 11 Kansas
Son John Allen M 8 Missouri
Son Archy Allen M 5 Kansas
Son Lewis Allen M 3 Kansas
Daughter Lucy Allen F 3 Kansas
At the time of the 1900 census, Ethan and his family are found in Mendocino Township in the City of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California. His birthdate is listed as October of 1840. Now his parents are listed as having been born in Ohio. Ethan and Jane are listed as having been married 34 years, which would place their marriage about 1866;
Head Ethan Allen M 60 Illinois
Wife Jane Allen F 60 Tennessee
Son John Allen M 30 Missouri
Daughter Lucy Allen F 22 Kansas
Daughter Elizabeth Allen F 20 Kansas
Son Van Allen M 18 Kansas
In 1920, Ethan, Jane and their son, John, are found in the 23rd Assembly District, 37th Precinct of San Francisco, California;
SELF Ethan Allan M 79y Illinois
WIFE Jane Allan F 79y Tennessee
SON John Allan M 47y Kansas
When Ethan Allen initially filed for his government pension, it was denied as he was still recorded as a Deserter from the 86th and was asked to explain his absence from the 86th. This was done by a hand written letter that was submitted along with his papers. After the submission, as stated above, his pension was approved and his wife was also granted her widowers pension after his death. Christina Ramos, a great granddaughter of Ethan Allen's, has copies of the original letters that he submitted. She states, "It is framed in my home. I must tell you that these are my most treasured possessions that I have. Fortunately I have a family who kept very good records and I love to share what I have."
On January 31, 1890, Sgt. Ethan Allen was granted an Invalid Pension and the amount was increased on March 25, 1907. His Pension Card states that he died on September 23, 1922 in San Francisco, California. His Pension Card also mentions he was a member of both Co. F of the 86th and Co. A of the 14th Illinois Cavalry. Jane, as stated above, began collecting a Widow's Pension for his service in the Union Army on October 3, 1922. Jane died on Dec. 29, 1923 in San Francisco, San Francisco County, California. Their remains were laid to rest in the San Francisco National Cemetery.
by Baxter B. Fite III, FAG Contributor #47203738 and Christina Ramos, whose email address is [email protected].
(Baxter and Christina would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Allen family, who might be able to add to the biography of Sergeant Ethan Allen and the Allen family. Baxter and Christina would also love to get copies of any pictures which might still exist of Sergeant Ethan Allen, especially any showing him in uniform from his days in the service, for his Find A Grave site and for the local Historical Societies. Baxter has been searching from the 992 men who served in the 86th Illinois since 1985. He can be contacted at (309) 685-5861, 3013 N. Golf Drive, Peoria, Illinois 61604-2341 or at [email protected].)
Family Members
Siblings
