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