Re: Nancy Steel(e) Bedford or Mercer Co PA, 1799
-
In reply to:
Re: Nancy Steel(e) Bedford or Mercer Co PA, 1799
Kirt Murray 12/26/11
Dear Kirt,
Joseph Z. Allen was born in Pennsylvania on 9 June 1793. At this time, we do not know any specifics about his parents or what motivated the Allen family to locate to Pennsylvania, or more specifically Mercer County, PA. The earliest record indicates Joseph was a farmer (at 19 years old) from Mercer County, PA, in 1813.
Joseph served in the War of 1812 as a private under Captain Dawson, in the 135th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Militia commanded by Col. Andrew Christy. He would have been 19 years old. He is listed as a farmer with black hair, blue eyes, and 5’-9” in height. He is listed as a 2 time volunteer from Mercer County, PA, beginning on July 26, 1813 and again on January 2, 1814.
For his service he received a Bounty Land Warrant (No. 11182 – 120 - 55) for 120 acres, on 14 August 1855, as provided by the Act of March 3, 1855. Records also indicate a second Bounty Land Warrant (No. 71001 – 40 – 50) for 40 acres was provided. It is unclear whether or not bounty land was ever claimed.
On March 2, 1820, in Bedford (then Mercer County), Pennsylvania, Joseph and Nancy Steel were married by a minister, Reverend Wood. From 1820 to 1837 it is unknown where they resided however census records indicate all children were born in Pennsylvania. Their first son, Robert G. Allen was born on 23 July 1821. Records indicate he was born in Pennsylvania but the specific location is not known. Their first daughter, Jane Allen, was born on 17 July 1823. A second son, John Steel Allen was born on 13 November 1824. Their second daughter, Catherine Allen, was born on 26 December 1826.Third son, William A. Allen was born on 3 April 1829. Over the next few years 3 more daughters would be born; Mary Allen on April 24, 1831, Sarah A. Allen on October 31, 1833, and Elizabeth E. Allen on December 12, 1838. In all, Joseph and Nancy would have a total of 8 children – 3 boys and 5 girls.
Land records indicate that “James Allen” sold a farm of 119+ Acres to Joseph in 1837. The farm, located in Salem Township, Mercer County, PA, became Joseph and Nancy’s principal residence for the remainder of their lives. Here is where they raised their children. The farm was eventually split into 3 pieces and sons John Steel Allen and William Allen operated the farm.
1840 Census records indicate that the entire family is residing on the farm in Salem Township, Mercer County, PA. Likewise the 1850, 1860, and 1870 US Census data indicate Joseph, son John and son William are residing on the farm.
Joseph signed his last will and testament on January 26, 1876 and died a few days later on January 30, 1876. He was 82. Joseph Z. Allen is buried in Stevenson Cemetery, Salem, Mercer, Pennsylvania. His will appointed his son John as the executor of his estate.
Nancy and the family continued to live and work the farm. She applied for a War of 1812 Pension on April 17, 1878, and after quite an effort to establish Joseph’s war service record and her marriage to Joseph, an $8/month pension benefit was granted. To establish that she was married to Joseph she had to submit an affidavit and provide the family bible records as proof of the marriage. The bible is currently in the US National Archives
Nancy Allen died on October 2, 1884, in Leech’s Corner at the home of her daughter Elizabeth E. (Allen) McKenzie. She was 85. Nancy (Steel) Allen is buried next to her husband of 56 years, Joseph Z. Allen, in the Stevenson Cemetery.