Allen, Samuel William (1826–1888)

Samuel Allen, cattleman, was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, on January 2, 1826. He was married in Harris County, Texas, on May 9, 1844, to Rebecca Jane Thomas, daughter of Ezekiel Thomas. Allen was not related to the Allen brothers who founded the city of Houston (see ALLEN, AUGUSTUS CHAPMAN). Samuel Allen was a rancher and a partner in the Galveston-based firm of Allen and Poole, the largest shippers of cattle in Southeast Texas, and later was a partner in a cattle enterprise with Abel Head (Shanghai) Pierce. He bought Pierce's interest for $110,000 in 1871. The Allen Ranch centered around the site of present South Houston and extended from Clear Lake to Harrisburg. When the Galveston, Houston and Henderson Railroad opened in 1860, one stop was at Allen's private station, known as Dumont. The name was retained for the railroad station in South Houston. Allen died on August 8, 1888, and was buried in Glendale Cemetery, Harrisburg.