Historic Pelham Blog Archive
December 12, 2007

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On a number of occasions I have written about Frederick Hobbes Allen, an owner of Bolton Priory during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. See, e.g.:

Thursday, March 1, 2007: Biographical Data Regarding Frederick Hobbes Allen, President of Pelham Manor and Owner of Bolton Priory in the Early 20th Century.

Tuesday, May 3, 2005: Colonel Frederick Hobbes Allen, An Owner of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting provides yet another biography of Frederick H. Allen. This one appeared in a book published in 1913. The text of the biography and a citation to its source follow.

"FREDERICK H. ALLEN.

Frederick Hobbes Allen, a former President of the village of Pelham Manor, Corporation Counsel, Chairman of the Democratic County Committee, etc.

His parents were Hon. Elisha Hunt Allen and Mary Harrold (Hobbes) Allen, and his birth-place, Honolulu, where his father was Chief Justice and Chancellor. He is a descendant of the puritan fathers, in an unbroken line from a member of Cromwell's famous 'Ironsides,' Edward Allen who settled in Northfield, Mass., in 1685. The property then acquired by him has been in the family up to the present day.

He was graduated from Harvard University with the degree of A. B. in 1880 and three years later received the degree of LL. B, in course, also the degree of A.M.

At this period, 1882, he became secretary to the Hawaiian legation at Washington, D. C., over which his father then presided as Hawaiian Minister and held the further distinction of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Upon his father's death the following year he was appointed Charge d'Affaires. Mr. Allen's association with representative men in Washington life gave him a taste for matters of State and politics and an experience which became useful to him later.

Leaving Washington in 1884, Mr. Allen came to New York and entered the law office of Holmes & Adams. He was admitted to the bar during the same year and became managing clerk for Messrs. Miller, Peckham & Dickson. A few years later he became associated with Col. Hugh I. Cole, with offices at 59 Wall Street and in 1896 formed the firm of Adams & Allen. This partnership continued until the death of Mr. Adams in 1900, after which a new firm was formed known as Allen & Cammann, and which still exists.

Soon after arriving in New York he came to Pelham Manor to reside, and there soon became interested in local affairs. It is a testimony to his good work in the town's behalf that he was first chosen Corporation Counsel of Pelham Manor which position he held three years; and then President of that village, the only Democrat ever elected to latter office.

In 1904 Mr. Allen was chosen chairman of the Democratic County Committee of Westchester County, which position he held until the fall of 1911, when he voluntarily retired.

His ability, as an organizer and manager has been further recognized in his appointment to be a member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic State Committee for New York State, a position high in the councils of the party.

Mr. Allen was married June 30, 1892, to Adele Livingston Stevens. Six children have been born, Frederick Stevens, Mary Dorothy Adele, Barbara Frances Gallatin, Joan Livingston, Julian Broome Livingston and Priscilla Alden Sampson. The family hme, Bolton Priory, is beautifully situated at Pelham Manor, one of New York's exclusive suburbs.

It is one of the historical spots of that section for here lived Anne Hutchins [sic], who was killed by Indians in 1643.

Mr. Allen's social affiliations include the Union Club, the Knickerbocker, the City Club, New York Athletic Club, and the Westchester Country Club, of which he is president; is a member of the patriotic society of the Colonial Wars and the Sons of the Revolution.

Possessing recognized ability in his profession and an enviable position in the Democratic organization of his County and State, of which he was a delegate to the Denver convention of 1908, Mr. Allen has ably maintained the dignity and traditions of his worthy ancestor."

Source: Smith, Henry T., Westchester County in History Manual and Civil List Past and Present - County History Towns, Hamlets, Villages and Cities - Truly This People Can Say, We Have Made History - 1683-1914, Vol. III, p. 190 (White Plains, NY: Henry T. Smith, Publisher, 1913).

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posted by Blake A. Bell @ 4:49 AM Comment

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