I am constantly amazed by new web posts and new material being scanned and added to the World Wide Web on a daily basis. In digging around on the Allen family of Galesburg, Il, I have discovered some remarkable history.
First, Sheldon W. Allen lived in Oneida, NY. Historians and sociology students will all recall the Oneida Colonies and their significance in American History. Then, Sheldon had a son, believed to be the first white baby born in Knox County.
Local History sites note Sheldon to have been quite wealthy as an investor and developer as well as staunchly opposed to slavery and offering support and shelter to those seeking refuge. There is subdivision that bears his name in Galesburg and Allen's Ave. is yet another reminder.
Sheldon O. Allen, is noted to have installed the first electric street lights in Galesburg after working with none other than George Westinghouse on lighting for the Columbian Exposition World's Fair in Chicago where Galesburg was well represented by the work of the Ferris Family with the gigantic Ferris Wheel towering over the Midway. Ferris St. runs almost kiddy corner across town from Allen's Ave. Is it any wonder that items once displayed at the fair made it into the collection of F. S. Allen
Another member of the Ferris family lived in West Park or Bush Park in Joliet. F. S. Allen is believed to have designed his Arts & Crafts style home and was also appointed commissioner of West Park in 1904.
Also of note, the obituary lists F.S. Allen as a 'car builder' in Chicago. A new lead to research.
Finally, I will be launching a parallel blog to this site, following the history of a fishing camp in Canada. Stay tuned for more information.
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