George H. Allen Biography



As published in
"The City of Kenosha and Kenosha County Wisconsin: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement"
by Frank H. Lyman Vol. 2, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916.




From a district which is largely the center of brass manufacturing activity in the United States, George H. Allen came to the middle west and entered upon business of the same character, his steady advancement bringing him to the position of vice president of the Kenosha, branch of the American Brass Company. He has most intimate and accurate knowledge of every phase of the business and is thus splendidly qualified to carry on the work which is now conducted under his immediate direction and supervision. He is concentrating his attention upon constructive effort and administrative direction, and the wise policy which he has inaugurated has brought about continued growth in the enterprise.

Mr. Allen is a native of Connecticut, his birth having occurred at New Milford on the 4th of August, 1879, his parents being William and Caroline (Weaver) Allen. His parents were also natives of the Charter Oak state, where the family had been represented from early colonial days.

At the usual age George H. Allen became a pupil in the public schools of his native town, thus pursuing his education to the age of fifteen, when his textbooks were put aside and he started out in the business world, securing employment with the Coe Brass Company. He adapted himself so readily and thoroughly to the business, that after two years he was transferred from the mill, in which he had gained valuable experience concerning the manufacturing end of the business, into the offices, being given a clerical position by the Coe Brass Manufacturing Company at Torrington Connecticut. There he remained for eight years and gradually worked his way upward until he gained comprehensive knowledge of every phase of the industry. In 1905 he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the company, devoting three years to that branch of the service. In 1908 George H. Allen was elected assistant treasurer of the Chicago Brass Company, and occupied that position until 1910, when he became treasurer and manager. He then remained in the dual office until 1912, when the Chicago Brass Company sold out to and was merged into the American Brass Company, of which Mr. Allen was made manager of the Kenosha branch. Later he was chosen vice president of the Kenosha branch, and so continues. It is said that few men are so thoroughly acquainted with the brass industry in all of its departments of manufacture and sale as Mr. Allen. He has won his promotions through ability, fidelity, and trustworthiness, and step by step has advanced until he occupies a most prominent place in manufacturing circles in the middle west.

On the 1st of June, 1907, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Alice R. Randall, of Connecticut, and to them have been born four children: George, Richard, Charles, and David William. In his political views Mr. Allen is an earnest republican, and though not an office seeker, keeps well informed on the issues and questions of the day. He is prominent in Masonic circles as a member of the lodge, chapter and commandery, and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which are his. He has never depended upon outside aid or influence to win his advancement, but placed his dependence in the substantial qualities of industry, determination, and commercial integrity. His life illustrates what may be accomplishd when determination and energy lead the way and his career proves that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.

Typed by: Michelle Laycock