Ephraim L. Allen
The Allen family first came to Fayette county, Ohio, nearly a century ago, and have been identitied with the history of Jasper township during all of these years. Ephraim L. Allen has spent the half century of his life within the limits of this township and consequently is well known by the residents of his township. His life has always been conducted along such lines as to merit the high esteem in which he is universally held, and he is conceded by every one to be one of the progressive and representative citizens of the township.
Ephraim L. Allen, son of Elijah and Mahala (Harper) Allen, was born September 11, 1860, on the farm where he is now living. His father, who was the son of Elijah and Sorilia (Hinkle) Allen, was born in Jefferson township, near Lancaster, this county, in 1827. Elijah Allen, Sr., came from Pendleton county, Virginia, and was one of the early pioneers of Fayette county, Ohio. Elijah Allen, Jr., and wife were the parents of twelve children, James, Mrs. Adelia Sanderson, Mrs. Selvelia Wilt, Mrs. Christina E. Street, Ephraim L., Emma, Ella, William S., Carrie and Maywood P. Of these children, Emma and Ella are dead.
The education of Ephraim L. Allen was received in the Milledgeville and Octa schools, finishing at the latter. He remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age and then began working out by the month. After his marriage he rented land of his father and subsequently purchased sixty nine acres where he is now living. He has always engaged in general farming, dividing his attention between the raising of grains and live stock in such a manner as to make his farm yield the best results. He has a good country home, excellent barns and outbuildings and everything which the successful farmer needs to farm to the best advantage.
Mr. Allen was married in 1893 to Frances Servis, the daughter of Phillip and Martha (Harrison) Servis. Phillip Servis was the son of Charles Servis, a native of New Jersey and an early settler in Fayette county. Phillip Servis and wife reared a family of nine children, Phillip, Ollie, Mrs. Elizabeth Lambert, Mrs. Martha Watts, James, Phoebe, Mrs. Frances Allen, Jacob and Charles. Four of these children are deceased, Philip, Ollie, James and Phoebe. Mr. Al!en and his wife have a family of seven children, five of whom are living, Oscar, Melvin, Grace, Ediith and Harry. Grace married Arthur Himser and has one daughter, Helen Lucile. The second and the last children born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Katie and Charles, are both deceased.
Politically, Mr. Allen is identified with the Republican party and has always taken an active part in local politics. He has served as road supervisor and school director, filling both positions with credit to himself and satisfaction to the citizens of the township. Mr. Allen is a whole-souled man, interested in everything which might benefit the general welfare of his community, and is a strong supporter of all worthy moral, educational and civic enterprises.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)