W.P. Allen, in 1833, came from near Petersburg, Va., to Kentucky, settling in McCracken County. soon after removing to that county, he married Miss Lucinda Stanley, and they are still among the honored citizens of McCracken County, living in their old homestead, where they have passed a full half-century, the old gentleman still retaining much of his youthful vitality and actively superintending his farm. They have four living children, who are residents of their native county. William E. Allen was born April 25, 1837, was reared to manhood in McCracken County, where he has most of his time engaged in the pursuits of the farm.
In 1872 however, he abandoned the farm, removed to Paducah and embarked in the manufacture of brick, which pursuit still occupies his entire attention, and in which he employs a large number of laborers. In 1876, in McCracken County, he married Mollie Lang, a daughter of William C. Lang of that county. Their union has resulted in the birth of three children, viz; Richard Maynard, Nellie L. and Irene Allen. In 1862, Mr. Allen espoused the cause of the Confederate Army, and served until disabled in 1863. He is a member of the Masonic order and K. of H.