Allen Palmer
Allen Palmer, who was once one of Island Creek's most respected citizens and exceptionally successful farmers and stock raisers, was born on the farm on which his widow still resides, in Island Creek Township, Jetterson County, Ohio, March 29, 1833, and died on the same farm November 3, 1881. He was a son of George and Elma (Coulter) Palmer. The Palmers were among the earliest settlers of Island Creek Township and both the parents and grandparents of the late Allen Palmer lived on this farm.
Allen Palmer obtained a district school education. His whole life from youth up was devoted to agricultural pursuits which he followed carefully and intelligently and resulted in the amassing of an ample fortune. He was married on October 11, 1853, to Miss Nancy Alban, who was born in Island Creek Township, .Jefferson County, Ohio, March 16, 1833, a daughter of George and Nancy (Cox) Alban. Her father was a native of Island Creek Township and her mother of West Virginia, and her paternal grandfather, George Alban, settled in this township when forests covered the land where now richly cultivated fields are seen. Mrs. Palmer has one sister, Mary, who is the widow of Samuel Magill, formerly of Island Creek Township but she now lives at Newcastle, Pa.
To Mr. and Mrs. Palmer five children were born, namely: George and John H., residing in Island Creek Township; James W., residing in California; Samuel E., residing in Brooke County, West Virginia; and Charles S., who lives in Colorado. One son, John H., resides on the homestead and carries it on for his mother. He married Miss Susie Green, a daughter of Henry Green, late of Island Creek Township, and they have three children: Harold M., Earl and Eima G. Mrs. Palmer is a member of the Presbyterian Church, as was her husband. He was a Democrat in his political views but never was willing to accept office.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910