Allen Family and Descendants of Latimerstown, Wexford, Ireland [1663-1900 ] -
Notes for Rev. John ALLEN:
John was "the son of Robert, a farmer in Wexford Co." He entered Trinity College Nov.1, 1779 at the age of 18 and got his B.A. in Feb. 1784 (Alumni Dublinenses and preface to his "Euclid."). "Ferns Clergy and Parishes..." by James B. Leslie also records that he was nominated by C. Grogan on July 23, 1790 and licensed to him Feb. 7, 1791; 'went to America.'
The Wexford Parish Registers which Benjamin W. Allen copied, record the marriage of "John Allen of Latimerstown to Brasseya Johnston" prior to his departure to America.
Rev. John Allen also crops up in "The Hall Family of West River..." This book (which is quoting Benjamin W. Allen) indicates that some of the Allen family immigrated to the US just prior to the 1798 Rebellion, because of their liberal views. Rev. John Allen, a Rector of St. George's Church in Spesutia Parish, Perryman, MD from 1795-1817 is specifically mentioned. He also may have been associated with the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore.
In addition, Rev. John Allen was a well-documented professor, scholar, essayist on political concerns and noted mathematician. He was a professor at St. John's College, Annapolis. He later edited "Euclid"
while he was a professor at the University of Maryland, which he dedicated to his friend John Quincy Adams.
In the year 2000, I held a copy of his rare book in my hands at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore.
Rev. John Allen's memorial, which was erected by his "affectionate granddaughter Ann Elizabeth Allen," is a tall spire in St. George's (Spesutia) Churchyard in Perryman, Maryland. He is buried with his wife
and several of his children; his wife's sister Dorothy and her niece Sarah are buried under separate monuments next to his; a little further area monuments to Rev. Thomas White and several Halls, also names which were associated with the Allen family.
His inscription reads: "Rev. John for 20 years the faithful, untiring minister of this church, a profound Scholar and able Divine, a sincere and humble Christian." A Biblical scripture from Numbers c.23, v.10?
also reads: "Let me die the death of the Righteous and let my last end be like His."
