Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers.  "An
Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam,
Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties")  Spokane, WA: Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1905.  p. 583.
 
F. H. ALLEN

     is one of Oregon's earliest pioneers. He has traveled and wrought all over
the west and northwest and has constantly been on the frontier. He has displayed
those qualities that make the true pioneer and is today one of the substantial
citizens of Gilliam county. He resides five miles east from Condon and gives his
attention to farming and stock raising.  Mr. Allen's birth occurred in Michigan
in 1852. His father, C. K. Allen, was born in Canada in 1810 and participated in
the Mexican War, crossing the plains with ox teams in 1860. He died in Phoenix,
Oregon in 1882. He had married Mrs. Wealthy Spencer, who was born in Condon on
March 23, 1814, and died March 12, 1901. Our subject came with his parents from
Michigan, when only a year old, to Beloit; Wisconsin, where they made their home
for six years. Then they moved to Missouri and in 1860 crossed the plains with
ox teams. The parties that went by the Ladders cut-off were attacked by Indians,
who stole a good portion of their stock. What was left was divided among them
all and they made their way slowly to Goose Lake. Owing to the steep grades to
climb there the train was divided and all the stock taken to pull up a part of
it. While engaged in this, the Indians took the part that was left, plundered
four wagons but no lives were lost.  For four days they labored on without
provisions, then fell in with some soldiers where they received provisions and
ammunition. Settlement was made at Phoenix, Oregon, and the next spring, the
father went to Virginia City, Nevada and labored in the silver mines. Later our
subject and his mother joined him but owing to her ill health they removed to
Phoenix, where our subject remained until 1880. Then he worked on the 0. R. & N.
Railroad for two years and returned home, owing to his father's sickness, and
there remained until his death. Then we find Mr. Allen in Portland and in 1884
he settled in Lost valley. He operated a blacksmith shop there for eighteen
months and finally settled on the place that he now occupies. Here he continued
blacksmithing for twelve years, also did general farming and stock raising. He
now has a section of land, some stock and is one of the prosperous men of the
county.
     In 1888 Mr. Allen married Miss Johanna Reed who was born in Germany in 1852
and died June 26 1890. In 1892 Mr. Allen contracted a second marriage, Mrs.
Minnie Reed, a sister of his first wife, then becoming his wife. She was born in
Germany on December 15, 1871 and died in June, 1902. Mr. Allen has six children,
Charlie, Welthie, Hattie, Spencer, Frank and Elmer.
     Our subject is a good strong Republican and is an enterprising citizen, a
kind neighbor and a man who enjoys the esteem and respect of his fellow
citizens.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2011 by Diana Smith.  Submitter
has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.