“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  
Western Historical Company.   1879.


JAMES A. ALLEN,  lawyer and insurance agent, Palmyra; born in 
York, Livingston Co., N.Y., May 9, 1824; spent the early part of his life 
in New York, where he was educated, and where he learned the harness-
making business; came to Palmyra in 1844, where he carried on the 
harness-making business eighteen years.  He affiliates with the 
Democratic party, and was elected Justice of the Peace in 1849, and has 
held the office continuously since – a thirty years’ term, or longer, it is 
supposed, than any man in the State; has also been Chairman of Town 
Board, Town Supervisor, Town Clerk and Constable.  Was appointed 
Chief Doorkeeper in Wisconsin Assembly in 1878.  Mr. Allen is a 
Master Mason, a member of Palmyra Lodge, No. 68.  He married Miss 
Augusta Jones , of Erie Co., N.Y., in 1847, who died in 1870, leaving 
four children – Mendana (now deceased), J. Edgar, Willis A. and Leona.  
Mr. Allen married Mrs. Caroline Adams, of New York City, in 1871.  
As will be seen, Mr. A. is prominently identified with the history of 
Palmyra.


Submitted by:  Linda Pingel  (LPingel@worldnet.att.net)