Rollin D.H. Allen was born in Middlebury, Vermont. He taught school in the old academy in Cromwell, then known as Upper Middletown, and studied theology in Andover, Massachusetts, and New Haven, Connecticut. He entered the ministry but his health prevented him from staying in the profession. He became a teacher in New Hampshire and New York. In 1850 Allen moved to Terryville, Connecticut, where he became bookeeper and secretary in the offices of James Terry & Co. He was also an incorporator and treasurer of the Eagle Lock Company, where he stayed for many years in several roles including director. In 1890 Allen was married to Mary Elizabeth Bushnell of Cromwell, Connecticut.
From the description of Rollin D.H. Allen incoming correspondence, 1835-1890. (Hartford Public Library). WorldCat record id: 704901590
