Hon. Valentine C. Allen. an eminent lawyer of Dayton, is a native of Mississippi, born in Tippah County September 2, 1842. His parents, Valentine and Ann (Frazier) Allen, were both of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was a native of Kentucky, born July 13, 1809; is still living. The mother was born in Knox County. Tenn.. in 1814. and is still living. They were married in Rhea County, Tenn., January 19, 1836, and with the exception of the four years that they lived in Alabama, soon after marriage, and one year in Mississippi, have made Rhea County their home ever since.
The father was a farmer and a decided Democrat in his political views, casting his first vote for James K. Polk for Congress. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject is one of eight children, seven of whom are still living. He assisted on the farm and secured a liberal education in Rhea County.
In April, 1862, he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in Company D. Fifth Tennessee Cavalry: J. G. M. Montgomery being captain of the company, and G. W. McKenzie, colonel of the regiment. In the following June, on account of ill health, he returned home and remained two months. In September following he joined the Third Tennessee Infantry, Col. N. J. Lillard. served with Company I the remainder of the war, and surrendered at Washington, Ga.. May 9. 1805. In the fall of the same year he commenced the study of law under Judge Frank Locke, of Rhea County, and in November, 1866, he obtained license to practice. and since that time to the present his name has been on the roll of Tennessee attorneys.
February 13, 1866, he wedded Miss Emma King,a t native of Meigs County. born February 13, 1845. She is the daughter of Dr. Aaron and Jane (Lillard) King. The fruits of this union are five children, all living – one son and four daughters.
Published by The Goodspeed Publishing Co 1887
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