Levi Allen

https://www.sec.state.vt.us/media/46737/Stevens_Collection.pdf

ALLEN, Levi (1745.1801) Papers, 1772·1801 2
Boxes, 13 Folders Microfilm reel number: F-1447

BACKGROUND Levi Allen was born on January 16, 1745, in Cornwall, Ct., the fourth son of Joseph and Mary (Baker) Allen. Levi married Mrs. Anne Allen (known as Nancy) of New Milford, Ct. and they had one daughter. Like his brothers Ethan, Ira, Heman, and Zimri, Levi was involved in land speculation in Vennont though he did not move there until later in life. Unlike his brothers, Levi was not ardent for the cause of the American Revolution and refused to identify himself with the Green Mountain Boys. Much speculation surrounded Allen and his purported association with the British. In 1779 Allen was charged with counterfeiting on Long Island and was jailed for six months. While he was in New York, Levi's brothers Ethan and Ira sold his Vennont estate under the State's Confiscation Act. Upon obtaining his freedom Allen is said to have joined the British Army in South Carolina.

Heading north in 1784, Allen found his presence in New England unwelcome and he continued to Canada where he purchased a
house at St. Johns, Quebec. He did, however, restore his relationship with his brothers and was active in Ethan's and Ira's political and business plans. While in Canada Levi was involved in merchandising and dealt in cattle, lumber, and hats.

Allen sailed to England in 1788 to further his mercantile business and took up residence in London. Allen returned to the States in 1792 and travelled about the East tending to his land speculations in the South and visiting his daughter in Pennsylvania. Allen eventually took up residence in Burlington, Vt. where he died as a
confined debtor on December 16, 1801.

DESCRIPTION

The papers of Levi Allen are an interesting set of both personal and business correspondence which reveal the character of a
little known Allen brother. The papers range from 1772-1801 and find Allen at many locales while pursuing his mercantile business. Letters from Allen originate in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Savannah, Quebec, and London. Many of Levi's letters are to his wife Nancy and brother Ira. Other notable correspondents are Samuel Peters, preacher and elected Bishop of Vermont, and Hugh Finlay, Canadian merchant who established the Provincial postal service. Box 2
folder 4
contains a
1797 note book full of poetry, historical observations, and memoirs written in a
humorous/sarcastic fashion. Though neither the diplomat nor frontiersman like his brothers Ira and Ethan, Levi maintained his own brand of the indefatigable character known to the Allen family.

Related material on Levi Allen in the Stevens Collection can be found in the papers of Ira Hnd Ethan Allen and Silas Hathaway. The Wilbur Collection at the University of Vermont holds related material as well.

A note on the condition:

The papers of Levi Allen have been damaged by fire and range in condition from poor to fair.

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Mar 27 2017, 1:44:59 UTC

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• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Mar 27 2017, 1:44:59 UTC