Frances*
was the daughter of a pro Southern** cabinetmaker and musician. She
met and married Orrin S. Allen in Harmony, NY in 1857. She had 3
children Della C. Allen Fisher, Clarence Wade Allen and my
grandfather E. Floyd Wade Allen.
Della married Earl Fisher, whom later became a State Representative,
of the State of Oregon.
Clarence Wade Allen became an Engineer was instrumental in building
the main highway along the Columbia River that flows along the
southern boarder of Washington State.
My grandfather E. Floyd Wade Allen worked very hard as the father of
a very large family. He tried his hand at Farming, Sheep Ranching,
Butcher, Store keeping, Worked in the shipyards during WWII and
worked as a night watchmen. His sons and daughters were strong
hardworking people, they served and supported this nation during
times of war and trouble.
Frances kept many mementos from her life and up until her death in
1906. If it was not for her we would not have these letters to read
today, for she kept a large trunk that contained photos, letters and
newspaper clipping from 1857 till her death. If it were not for
young uncaring or irresponsible little hands over the decades more
letters would be available to all of us today.
* Spelled both as Francis and Frances in her many letters.
** Orrin refers to Pro Democrat, Pro Slavery, Pro Southern as
"Snakes" or "Copperheads" as most Americans of the period did
