Lauderdale, Colbert, and Limestone Counties, Alabama
Thurston Harvey Allen was born February 22, 1864, in Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia. He was the son of John Brown and Nancy (Harvey) Allen. Thurston was the grandson of James S. and Rebecca Allen, and of Col. John and Nancy Harvey. His paternal grandparents were natives of Dundrod, north of Belfast, Ireland, while his maternal grandparents were born in Rathangen, County Kildare. The former were Orangemen and strong Protestants, but the latter were Catholics. On emigrating to America they located in Botetourt County. The family seat of the Allens was the “Stone-House,” and that of the Harveys was “Cherry Lane.”
The father of Senator Allen was for years a representative in the Virginia house of representatives,’ and was for a long period a commissioner of revenue of his county. Col. John M. Harvey was a soldier in the War of 1812. James S. Allen, one of his grandfathers, was for many years president of the county court, holding a commission under George III.
Mr. Allen was educated at Beaver Dam academy, the Fincastle high school, and the University of Virginia, LL. B., 1884. For a short period he practiced at Fincastle, but in 1888 he removed to Florence and pursued his profession. Until elected to the State senate of 1911 he had n«ver held public office. He was a Democrat; a Presbyterian; and an Elk.
Senator Allen married, Willie Frank Steele, daughter of Dr. John M. and Sallie (Moore) Steele, of Fincastle. Dr. Steele was a prominent physician both in Augusta and in Botetourt Counties, Va.
Senator Allen and Willie Frank Steele Allen had the following known children:
Grace Steele Allen, married and resided in Fresno, California where her husband was a member of the faculty of one of the larger institutions of learning in the state.
They resided in Florence, Alabama. Senator Allen passed away January 30, 1919 and is buried in Florence Cemetery, Florence, Lauderdale County, Alabama. His wife passed away before 1900.
SOURCES:
History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume 3 By Thomas McAdory Owen, Marie Bankhead Owen
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