The present sheriff of Clinton county, Illinois, is a native of Montgomery county, this state, and was born Aug. 28th, 1833. His father, Covington Allen, was a native of East Tennessee. He emigrated to Illinois in 1827, and settled in Sangamon county, and afterwards removed to Montgomery. On the 16th of November, 1844, he came to Clinton county and settled in Town 2, where he remained until his death which took place in April, 1865. He was a farmer by occupation, and followed that business during the greater part of his life. While a resident of Montgomery county, Ill., he married Mrs. Lucinda LOOMIS, nee EARLY, a native of Tenn. She was the widow of William Loomis. She had three children by her first marriage, Covington Allen having four children by a former marriage, two sons and two daughters. By the marriage of Covington Allen and Mrs. Loomis, there were five children born to them, three of whom are living—all sons. The mother died in november, 1872. Thomas E. in his youth had but limited means for receiving an education. He was raised on the farm, and did a man’s work while he was yet a boy. In 1857 he was elected constable of his township, and since that time has been continuously in office, either as constable, deputy marshal, deputy sheriff or sheriff. In 1874 he was appointed to fill the vacancy in the office of sheriff, caused by the resignation of Charles HAGER, and in November of the same year he was elected sheriff. He had been deputy sheriff under Hager. In 1876, he was regularly nominated for the office of sheriff, and was elected, becoming his own successor. He received a majority of 1,036 votes, which was largely in excess of his party’s vote. In 1880, he was again nominated and elected by a majority of 656 votes. He is now discharging the duties of the office in a manner that gives complete satisfaction to his many friends. Few sheriffs in Illinois have had more experience that Mr. Allen. He is a terror to evil-doers, and criminals give him a wide berth. He has the reputation of taking a man when he goes for him, no matter who or what he is. On the 18th of March, 1858, he married Miss Mary Jane COOPER, who was born and raised in Fayette county, Illinois. By this union there have been born to them six children, three of whom are living. One died in infancy. Ellen died in her twenty-first year. Hattie was the wife of John HARBICH. She died in February, 1881, from consumption, aged nineteen years. The surviving children are William T., Lucinda and Mary. His wife is a member of the Catholic Church. Politically, Mr. Allen is a sound uncompromising Democrat, and has voted that ticket since 1854.

Mr. Allen is a genial companion, a firm friend, and a good citizen, and has a host of warm personal friends throughout the entire county.

Source: History of Marion and Clinton Counties, Illinois, 1881, Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia

Submitted by: Pamela Safriet

Click on the letters below to see an index of obituaries starting with that letter