James Allen was born in the Bethel neighborhood, south of Mt. Vernon on August 20, 1874. He was a descendant of pio­neer stock on both sides of his family.

His father was Lerner Blackman Allen (called Black), who fought in the Civil War.

His grandfather was Rhodam Allen. a circuit rider for the early Methodist Church, who gave the land for the West Salem Methodist Church. "Jim" was a great grandson of Rhoda Allen, the first adult buried in Jefferson County.

His mother was Elizabeth Pace, a daughter of Joseph Pace, who came to Jefferson County as a surveyor for the old Goshen Road. He was a twin brother of Joel Pace, Jr. Jim was a great grandson of Joel Pace, Sr., for whom the local D.A.R. Chapter is named.

For many years he was engaged in the hay and feed business with his brother-in-law, Albert Johnson. Later he engaged in the coal mining business. During the first World War he owned a large mine in southern Illinois. Because he was blind in one eye he did not serve in the armed force. At the age of 84 he was elected Justice of the Peace in Mt.Vernon.

On April 8, 1903 he was married to Emma Perle, who died November 8, 1950. She was born in Norris City April 8, 1880. They lived in the middle of the first block west of the Method­ist church on the south side of Main Street. They were life long members of that church.

They were the parents of one daughter, Beulah Nevada, b. March 22, 1908. Beulah married Clifford Douglas Ledbetter, of Huntsville, AR, and had June, b. in St. Louis September 23, 1937: James Allen, b. in E. St. Louis March 10, 1939; Milli­cent. b. April 5, 1940. Jane is now Mrs. Albert Glemza and lives in Elgin, IL. Allen is an electrical engineer and lives in St. Charles, IL. Millicent is connected with Southern Illinois Uni­versity and lives in Carbondale. On November 27, 1952 Beulah married High Stelle Winkle, a public school administrator.

After the death of his wife, Mr. Allen made his home with his daughter in Mt. Vernon. In 1964 the family moved to Avon Park, FL. where he died February 20. 1967, at the age of 92 years and 6 months.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are buried in Bethel Cemetery south of Mt. Vernon.

Source: Facts and Folks of Jefferson County, Illinois Page 76 & 77
Submitted by Sandy Whalen Bauer