Solomon Allen

At least two individuals named Solomon Allen lived in Albany prior to 1820. This sketch attempts to separate and to focus on the Albany resident who filed a will and died during the Fall of 1790. The coexistence of a number of prominent contemporaries and of a younger Albany businessman of the same name suggests caution going forward.

We seek defining information on this Solomon Allen's origins and path to Albany.

Traditional sources tell us that "Mr. Solomon Allen" was a New Englander and a hatter who carried the flag when he marched in the Constitution ratification parade in August 1788.

In 1788, his house and holdings in the first ward were valued moderately on the Albany assessment roll. Two years later, his household in the same location was configured on the census. At that time, his "family" included two men, two boys, and two unspecified females.

Solomon Allen of Albany filed a will in September 1790. It named his wife Lucretia as his heir. The will passed probate in Albany County on November 20, 1790.

In 1813, the residence of another Solomon Allen was listed in the first city directory at 71 Court Street. That individual was identified as a broker and probably was his son. Another son, Moses Allen, later became a prominent banker and Christian layman in New York City.

Sources: The life of this Solomon Allen is CAP biography number 7123. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.