Wright C. Allen, the subject of this sketch, is a worthy descendant of one of the early pioneers of Michigan, and belongs to a family renowned in the annals of early American history. His father, Hiram H. Allen, was in many respects a remarkable man, and left the impress of his individuality indelibly stamped upon various localities of Kent county. Hiram H. Allen was native of Chittenden county, Vt., born May 14, 1804, and a near relative of Col. Ethan Allen, who gained signal fame by the capture of Fort Ticonderoga at the breaking out of the war of American independence. He came to Michigan in 1830, served as a volunteer in the Black Hawk war, and became a resident of Kent county in 1838, though he had come here for a limited period two years prior to that date. His first residence was constructed of sawed planks, an indifferent affair, one of the first dwelling in this section of the county. This house, which was occupied by the family many years, stood on the main thoroughfare leading to Kalamazoo and was frequently used as a stopping place by the traveling public during the early days of the county. A part of the original structure is still standing, and incorporated into a dwelling where the immediate subject of this review now resides. Of Hiram Allen, and the part he took in developing Kent county, much might be written. By trade a tanner, he abandoned that vocation upon settling in Michigan, and turned his attention to farming and lumbering, in both of which he met with gratifying success. He was a true type of the rugged pioneer of seventy years ago, strong, industrious and fearless, and possessed unusual powers of mind which made him a valuable man in the community, as he was frequently consulted by the early settlers in matters of law and business, and for many years held important official positions. For thirty years he was a justice of the peace in Paris township, being chosen to that office at the first election, which was held under his own roof. It is also a fact worthy of note that he officiated at the first wedding ceremony ever held in the township, the contracting parties being Charles Kelly and Emeline Clark, the latter of whom is still living where their marriage was celebrated, in the township of Gaines, at that time included in Paris. During his long incumbency, Mr. Allen became widely and favorably known, and the justice and impartiality of his decisions attracted numerous litigants to his court. He was leading politician in that early day; a stench old-line whig and equally zealous as a republican after that party came into existence. Firm in his convictions, and a fluent talker, he was ever ready for argument, being no mean antagonist in many wordy encounters which characterized neighborhood assemblages, in these times, when everybody was a politician, and all took part in such discussions. His mind once formed concerning any matter seldom changed, and he defended his views with a tenacity advisers. He always aimed to do the right, and, though firm and antagonistic, no one ever accused him of a dishonorable motive or attributed to him aught inconsistent with the strictest integrity. He enjoyed political conclaves, and seldom, if ever, failed to attend the conventions of his party. Always a great pedestrian, he frequently walked many miles, either day or night, to be present at such meetings, and once there was one of the leading spirits, his good natured personality lending enthusiasm to the occasion. During the war no man in Kent county proved a warmer friend of the Union, and he contributed liberally of his means; besides exercising strong influence in inducing young men to enlist in the service of their country and in caring for the families of those who went to the front. In his religious opinions, Mr. Allen was also firmly established, and his church, the Episcopal, had no more enthusiastic supporter or liberal patron than he. In social circles he was ever a popular idol—full of life, and repartee-and nothing pleased him better than the annual gatherings of the Old Settlers association, where he was always called upon to; give graphic accounts of manners, customs, and life in the backwoods during the days, when the country was passing through the pioneer period. In early life he was active in Masonic circles, but did not affiliate with the lodge much during the latter years of his life. He was stockholder in the old plank road, and always seconded any enterprise looking to, the internal improvement of the county and state. Sufficient has already been said to give the reader an intelligent understanding of the characteristics of this representative pioneer, and the part he took in the growth, and development of the country. Personally he was always popular, and possessed a restless energy truly remarkable, the word "fail" not being in his vocabulary, and the expression, "It must go" being his favorite maxim. After a long and useful life fraught with good to the community, and possessing the esteem of all who knew him, on the 2^nd of January, 1890, this excellent citizen and old-time gentleman passed to that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler ever returns. His wife was born in Williston county, Vermont, April 20, 1804, and died January 10, 1878. She was of quiet and retiring disposition, a suitable balance to her husband’s restless temperament, and is held in loving remembrance by her children, whom she trained in high and noble ways of living. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were the parents of three children; Wright C., whose name introduces this biography; Lucy O., wife of James VanAuken and Mary A., wife of Jerome E. Phillips, of Grand Rapids. Wright C. Allen was born in the town of Tecumseh, Lenawee county, Mich., July 22, 1831, and has spent his entire life within the boundaries of his native state. Reared on the farm he early became acquainted with hard work, and while still quite young made a full hand in the "pineries," besides doing his share on the home place, attending in the meantime such schools as the county at that time afforded. He and his father worked together, their interest being mutual, and from the first success attended his efforts. His first real estate transaction consisted of eighty acres about one mile from the home farm, to which he has since added from time to time until he is now the possessor of quite a large tract, owning over 435 acres, including the original homestead of 180 acres. His valuable farm lies two miles south of the city limits and with its improvements makes one of the most desirable county homes. Besides this he has valuable property elsewhere, among which are five acres within the corporate limits of Grand Rapids. Mr. Allen possesses business abilities of a high order and every enterprise with which he has been identified has resulted in encouraging financial profit. He has faith in the dignity of his calling, and manifests an intelligent interest in everything pertaining to agriculture. Mr. Allen succeeded his father as justice of the peace, discharging the duties of that office with satisfaction to all concerned for a number of years. He has also been called to other positions, including those of township treasurer and constable, in each of which his aptitude for the successful conduct of public affairs has been exemplified. A republican in his political belief, Mr. Allen is no partisan. He always supports his party’s ticket in national and state sought. Mr. Allen was married February 18, 1869, to Miss Sarah J. Watson, daughter of Joseph J. and Catherine (Thomas) Watson, who came to Grand Rapids with her parents in 1852, her native place being Dansville, N. Y. The father of Mrs. Allen was for a number of years a contractor and builder, and had an enviable reputation as an architect, having taught architecture both in New York and in Michigan. In 1860 he settled in Paris township, and followed agriculture until his death, which occurred on the 18^th of May, 1899, at the advanced age of eighty-seven. His wife was born in Livingston county, N. Y., June 12, 1819, and departed this life March 13, 1891. To Wright C. and Sarah J. Allen have been born two children, the younger of whom Auril, died at the age of eight years. Florence E., the survivor, was born August 11, 1871, married Charles S. Smith, and has the following children: Auril, Amy, Wright Allen and Wallace Marion Smith. It is well that a work like this be carried to completion in this year, that closes the nineteenth century. But a few more years and all those honorable and respected pioneers will have passed from these scenes to the more beautiful "Land of the Leal." Their labor done, the tide comes in for the last time, and midst the falling of tears, they embark upon the "waveless sea."