Allen T. Wickoff, Gen.
Gen. Allen T. Wikoff was born in Adams County, Ohio, on November 15, 1825. the son of John and Nancy (Jones) Wikoff, and was reared on his father's farm. He received such education as the common schools afforded and afterwards improved himself by private study. He began life as a farmer and continued it until July 25, 1862, when he enlisted in the 91st O. V. I., as First Lieutenant of Company I. He was promoted Captain of the company, November 20, 1862, and served until the twenty-fourth of June, 1865. After his return from the army, he resided in Columbus and studied law.
In 1867, he was admitted to the bar but never actively engaged in the practice of law. In 1871, he was appointed Chief Clerk in the office of the Secretary of State, which position he held until he was elected Secretary of State in 1872. In 1874, he was renominated for that office by his party, but was defeated with the State ticket. In 1874, he was made Chairman of the Republican State Executive Committee, and served as such until 1876, when he was appointed Adjutant General of Ohio by Governor Hayes, and was also elected as the Ohio member of the Republican National Committee. He resigned both last named positions in order to give his entire attention to the duties of Chairman of the Republican State Executive Committee in the campaign of 1876.
In February, 1877, he was appointed United States Pension Agent at Columbus, Ohio, by President Grant. He was reappointed to the same office by President Hayes in 1881, and reappointed by President Arthur in 1885, holding the office until July 1, 1885, when President Cleveland appointed one of his own party in his place.
In December, 1885, he was appointed by the United States Circuit Court at Columbus, Ohio, Receiver of the Cleveland & Marietta Railroad and sold it under order of the Court, July 1, 1886. On the reorganization of the road, he was made President, Director and General Manager, and as such had charge of the road until the close of 1893.
In April, 1896, he was appointed by Governor Bushnell as a member of the Ohio Canal Commission.
In December, 1852. Gen. Wikoff was married to Angeline Collier, daughter of John Collier, of Adams County, Ohio. They have four sons living. Wheeler R., John B., James E., and Charles A. Since 1872, his residence has been in Columbus. He is a man of high character, esteemed by all who know him. His record as a business man, an army officer, and a public official, is without a stain or blemish.
From "History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time" - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900