Hon. B. F. ALLEN, attorney at law, of Gallatin, was born in Sumner County in 1826, a son of John and Latitia (SAUNDERS) ALLEN. The father was of Irish descent, born in 1776, in Pennsylvania. In his youth he went to Virginia; soon after immigrated to Smith County, Tenn., and spent several years. He came to Sumner Co. about 1807, locating in Gallatin, when the following eighteen or twenty years he was engaged in merchandising. He then purchased about 800 acres of land on the Cumberland River and began farming, so continuing until his death in 1833. His wife was of Scotch origin, a native of North Carolina, born in 1792, and died in 1832. His parents came to Sumner Co. about 1792 and settled on the Cumberland River. His father was an extensive land holder of that day. Our subject was bereft of his parents when a mere lad, and made his home with his brother. His education was acquired in the academy at Gallatin, and the University of Nashville where he graduated in 1844, receiving the degree of A. B. The following year he began the study of law, under tuition of his brother, Judge George W. ALLEN, and two years later was admitted to the State bar. After the war he formed a partnership with the above mentioned brother, which continued until the death of Geo. W. in 1881. Judge G. W. ALLEN was attorney-general of Sumner, Davidson and Williamson Counties for eight years, and judge of Sumner County Court the same length of time. He was one of the most brilliant and able members of his profession. January 31, 1850, our subject married Miss Laura, eldest child of Gen. Wm. and Mary (BUGG) TROUSDALE. Mrs. ALLEN was born in Gallatin in 1823; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and mother of Alice, wife of W. W. BERRY, a druggist of Nashville; Wm. T. and M. D. of Gallatin; Valerie, Frank C. and Louise. Our subject is a life-long Democrat; cast his first presidential vote for Lewis CASS in 1848. He belongs to the I. O. O. F.; has taken all the degrees. He is a competent and successful lawyer, efficient business man, and honored citizen. He has devoted himself to the practice of his profession, and has never sought public office.