BIO:  Edward Evans Allen, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Shrewsbury Township, Pg 169

REV. EDWARD EVANS ALLEN was born in Accomack County, Va., August 15, 1805 of very pious 
parents, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  His father, who was a planter of means, 
died while Edward was yet an infant, leaving three sons.  Their mother removed to Baltimore 
shortly after the death of the father, where she had the boys educated.  When seventeen years 
old, Edward attended Light Street Church at Baltimore, and there, influenced by a powerful 
sermon of Rev. Val. Cook, he embraced religion.  Choosing the ministry for his profession, he 
entered it in 1827, and was first assigned to the Bellefonte Circuit, Penn.  As he was a member 
of the Baltimore conference, he was, by request, transferred to Baltimore, where he was 
stationed many years, the members petitioning the conference to have him remain.  He was a 
zealous worker, and beloved by all who knew him.  He was of a kind, genial disposition, full of 
humor and wit.  Ex-President Buchanan and ex-Gov. Packer, of Pennsylvania, were warm friends of 
his, the former saying that he was one of the finest speakers he knew.  He was a member of No. 
45, A. Y. M. of Baltimore.  While in Bellefonte he was married to Senator Wilson’s daughter, of 
Williamsport, Penn., and had three children, the eldest died in infancy:  Thomas Edward and 
Mrs. Mary R. Campbell, of Baltimore.  His second wife, Lizzie Wiley, of Baltimore, left five 
children.  He died in Shrewsbury, May 28, 1872, to which place he came to recruit his health.  
As one of the old ministers remarked:  “He died in the harness, and did not rust out.”  He was 
buried in the Baltimore Cemetery.