San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1566
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 9/26/2009
JAMES LEONARD ALLEN
The owner of an alfalfa ranch comprising 162 acres on Muller Road, Roberts Island, James Leonard Allen was born near Hannibal, Mo., April 27, 1867, a son of William H. and Catherine (Triplett) Allen, both natives of Missouri. The grandparents on both sides were pioneers of Marion County, Mo., coming there in the early days and homesteading the virgin soil, the Allen family, of German ancestry, coming from Kentucky, while the Tripletts were of Scotch descent and early settlers of Virginia. James L. remained on the home farm until he was twenty-two, when he went to the lumber camps of Puget Sound, Wash., and eastern Oregon, remaining there until 1890, when he embarked for San Francisco, coming directly from there to Turlock, where he first found employment with the Turlock Irrigation District, then went to work on the Hickman ranch at Hickman for one season. The following four years were spent as foreman on the large Patterson ranch on the Merced River. In 1895 Mr. Allen bought a tract of 240 acres near Snelling and by subsequent purchase added to it until he had 720 acres which he devoted to grain farming, meeting with success. He continued here until 1912, when he had an opportunity to dispose of his holdings at a good profit. He then removed to Merced and leased the Central Hotel, conducting it for two years. In 1914 he came with his family to Roberts Island and purchased the tract of land that is now his home. At the time of his purchase the prospect was far from attractive, but through careful planning and hard work, he now has the ranch in alfalfa and under irrigation. Mr. Allen markets his hay independently and over a period of six years he has received from $12 to $25 per ton. Mr. Allen's ranch is in the Woods Irrigation District and he has taken an active part in its development.
Mr. Allen's marriage, which occurred at Snelling, Cal., November 30, 1902, united him with Miss Elizabeth Grubb, a native of Madisonville, Monroe County, Tennessee, and the daughter of Daniel H. and Sarah (Carson) Grubb, honored pioneers who were for many years residents of Snelling. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of one son, Lorin C. Allen, attending Stockton College of Commerce.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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