Introduction / Barbara Allan / Westray Allans / George Gray and Margaret Irvine / John Allan and Jean Harcus / John Allan and Elizabeth Balfour

John Allan (Allen) and Betsy Bain

John Allan was born 7th January 1861 on Westray, to John Allan and Elizabeth Balfour. He married Betsy Bain in Racine, Wisconsin on 3rd May 1890. Betsy was probably the daughter of Donald Bain and Barbara Deerness, born on Westray 9th July 1865. They had three children in Racine:

• Thomas Allen, b. 25th Apr 1891

• Robert B. Allen, b. 30th Oct 1896, m. abt 1927 and d. 1977

• Child, died in infancy

John had worked as a stonemason on Westray before immigrating to the US in 1887. All records in the US reflect his surname spelled Allen. It is not known if that was done intentionally; it is thought more likely to be an error by immigration officials. Betsy immigrated about 1890, just before the couple was married. In Racine, John was a masonry contractor, following in his father's footsteps. The 1930 census indicates John had retired and both sons were living in his household in Racine with him and Betsy. The census indicates Robert was married but his wife was not enumerated with the family. He worked in the post office, and Thomas worked in a bank.