John Allen (1763-1812), originally from Great Barrington, Mass., attended the Litchfield Law School from 1784 to 1786. He set up practice in Litchfield and became active in politics, serving as in the Connecticut House of Representatives (1793-1796) and the U.S. House (1797-1799). He was later a member of the State council and of the Supreme Court of Errors from 1800 to 1806. The John Allen House, at 91 North Street in Litchfield, was built around 1799. The Federal-style house was expanded and altered in the Italianate style around 1865.
John Allen House (1799)
In his diary of 1777-1779, my distant grandfather, Sgt. Simon Giffin mentions stopping at “Johnny Allen’s” for the night of December 22-23, 1777. His regiment, the 9th CT was marching from New London, CT to their homes in Wethersfield, CT. Would this have been a precursor of the 1779 home in Litchfield? Perhaps an earlier family home?
I am just trying to keep up with him and fill in the blanks…. My best, Phil Giffin – Baggs, WY
Phil,
It could be. I don’t know the earlier history of the property.
Dan