Alfred G. Allen
On March 4, 1911, Alfred G. Allen, of Cincinnati, assumed his duties at Washington as member of congress from the second district of Ohio and in the opinion of many friends who have for the past ten or fifteen years been interested in his advancement as a lawyer and his growing influence in Ohio politics, he will right creditably acquit himself of the responsibility. He is a native of Ohio, born on a farm near Wilmington, Clinton County, July 23, 1867. His father, Isaac B. Allen, was born in New York State and settled at Wilmington in 1851. He studied law and was admitted to the bar. In 1861 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Clinton County and, like many noble-hearted patriots of the Civil War period, resigned from a lucrative office in order to enlist in his country's defense. He organized Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was elected its captain. After serving most honorably he lost his health from exposure and was invalided home in the fall of 1863. He devoted his attention principally to farming from the time of the Civil War until his death, in August, 1891. He was a man of many sterling qualities and a true lover of the republic. In 1855, he married Miss Eliza W. Gaither, of Wilmington, a daughter of Henry Gaither, formerly of Frederick County, Maryland. Of their children two are now living: Effie who makes her home at Wilmington; and Alfred G.
After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools Alfred G. Allen became a student of the Wilmington High School from which he was graduated in June, 1886. He studied law in the office of Bateman & Harper of Cincinnati and was graduated from the Law School of Cincinnati College with the degree of LL.B. in June, 1890. He began practice in Cincinnati and upon the death of Mr. Bateman, in 1897, became a partner of J. C. Harper. In 1908 J. W. Curts was admitted to the firm and the title became Harper, Allen & Curts, their offices being in the First National Bank building. This is one of the well-known law firms of Cincinnati-one which has been identified with much important litigation in the state and federal courts. Mr. Allen has been especially prominent in city affairs during recent years. He served as councilman at large in 1906-1907 and also as a member of the board of sinking fund trustees in 1908-9. In the positions named he showed a clear discernment and business judgment which proved of marked benefit to the interests of the city and reflected high credit upon himself. He was elected to congress upon the democratic ticket in November, 1910, after one of the most exciting campaigns southwestern Ohio has known for many years.
On the 10th of December, 1901, at St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. Forbes, a daughter of M. S. Forbes, president of Forbes Brothers' Tea and Spice Company of St. Louis, and one of the leading business men of that city. Mrs. Allen is a lady of unusual intellectual and social accomplishments. She was educated at Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, and is an active worker in the Woman's Club of Cincinnati and also in the Tourist Club. Two children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Mildred F., and Edward Randall.
Fraternally Mr. Allen is a member of Price Hill Lodge No. 524, A. F. & A. M. and of the Phi Delta Phi college fraternity. Socially he occupies a prominent place in the community and is president of the Orpheus Club, a well known musical organization; a member of the board of directors of the Cuvier-Press Club; and a valued member of the Business Men's Club, the Duckworth Club, the Elberon Country Club and the Cincinnati Democratic Club. He is a staunch believer in the principles of Christianity and is a member of Price Hill Methodist Episcopal Church. Ever governed by the highest ideals of integrity and honor, he has steadily progressed in his profession and ranks as one of the able members of the Hamilton County Bar. He is a student who spares no pains in arriving at the truth in any subject to which he directs his attention and as an attorney none has ever been more faithful in advancing the cause of his clients or more zealous in behalf of the right. He is known as a man of pronounced convictions, a lover of justice and uncompromising in his battle against wrong. He is now just in the prime of life and there is scarcely a doubt that he will gain high rank among the leaders in his party and at the bar of the Buckeye state.
From Cincinnati, The Queen City, Vol. 3; Rev. Charles Frederic Goss, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912