Malissa Allen
Malissa Allen, P.O. Range. The lady whose name heads this sketch is a daughter of Coleman Hays, and the widow of Horace Allen, deceased. She was born February 5, 1853, and now occupies 273 acres of land, which she owns, in this township. She is one of a family of nine children born to her parents, of whom four are now living, viz., Margaret L., Calvin, John and Malissa. The latter was married when quite young. and by her marriage had five children, viz., Coleman, Robert, Samuel, Rarus and Orth. Mr. Allen was born November 9, 1834. and died while a resident of this county.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]