Martin F. Allen

Martin Fletcher Allen (November 28, 1842 – May 24, 1927) was a Vermont banker, businessman, farmer and politician who served one term as lieutenant governor.

Martin F. Allen

Early life

Martin Fletcher Allen was born in North Ferrisburgh, Vermont on November 28, 1842. He attended Eastman Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York and became a merchant and store owner. Allen was also involved in several other businesses, including banking, farms and a grist mill, in addition serving as North Ferrisburg's Postmaster.[1][2][3][4]

Political involvement

A Republican, Allen served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1882 to 1883 and the Vermont Senate from 1890 to 1891. He was elected Vermont's Lieutenant Governor in 1900 and served until 1902.[5][6][7]

Criminal trial

In May 1901 Allen was one of several officers of the Farmers' National Bank who were arrested and accused of being complicit in embezzlement by the bank's Cashier. The officers of the bank were tried in 1902 and found not guilty, while the Cashier was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison.[8][9][10]

Retirement and death

After leaving office Allen resumed his business pursuits, remaining active until complications of Alzheimer's disease caused him to withdraw from active pursuits, after which he lived in retirement in North Ferrisburgh. Allen died in North Ferrisburgh on May 24, 1927. He was buried in North Ferrisburgh Cemetery.[11]

References

1. Genealogical and Family History of the State of Vermont, edited by Hiram Carleton, 1903, pages 71 to 72
2. Who's Who in New England, published by A. N. Marquis, Chicago, Volume 1, 1909, page 33
3. Biography, Martin F. Allen, The Vermonter magazine, November 1900, page 57
4. Vermont Legislative Directory, published by Vermont Secretary of State, 1900, page 373
5. Magazine article, Republican nominees, The Vermonter magazine, July 1900, page 230
6. Vermont: The Green Mountain State, by Walter Hill Crockett, Volume 4, 1921, page 331
7. General Election results, Lieutenant Governor, 1813–2008, Office of the Vermont Secretary of State, State Archives and Records Administration, 2008, page 15
8. Newspaper article, Vermont Official Arrested, New York Times, May 28, 1901
9. Arrest High Official: Lieut. Gov. Allen of Vermont Under Indictment, Chicago Tribune, May 28, 1901
10. Newspaper article, Bank Wrecker Sentenced: Clerk Ketchum of Vergennes (Vt.) Institution Given Seven Years – Lieut. Gov. Allen Acquitted, New York Times, April 27, 1902
11. Vermont Death Records, 1909–2008, Record for Martin F. Allen, accessed December 31, 2011