JAMES RHODAM ALLEN
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 busine 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 8 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