Allen, Charles H., son of Zenas and Caroline (Randall) Allen, was born in Boston, June 14, 1828.
He received his early educational training in the public schools of Boston.
He began his business life as youngest boy in a dry goods jobbing store. Subsequently he became bookkeeper fro Francis Skinner & Co., commission merchants engaged in selling cotton and wollen fabrics for manufacturers; afterward a member of the firm of Leland, Allen & Bates in the same business. He is now president of the Central National Bank of Boston, also of the Home Savings Bank.
Mr. Allen was married in New Ipswich, N. H., July 2, 1849, to Caroline F., daughter of George and Caroline (Muzzey) Sanders. Of this union are two children; Charles F. and Francis S. Allen.
Mr. Allen was a member of the Mercantile Library Association and a member of its government from 1846 to 1853, being elected its president in 1851; member of the common council of Boston 1867-’68, the last year acting as its president; member of the Cochituate water board of Boston 1869 to 1872, serving as president of the board 1871 and ’72; member of the House of Representatives 1878 and ’80; member of the state Senate 1881 to ’82; member of the board of aldermen of Boston 1885-’88; elected as chairman of the board in 1886 and again in 1888. From 1855 to 1860 Mr. Allen was an active member and lieutenant of the famous Boston Light Infantry.
Mr. Allen has filled a well-rounded career of official life, and has honorably earned the respite he now claims from such responsibilities. In all public emergencies, however, he is ever ready with wise counsel and practical support to lend his friendly aid, and the public have come to look to him with others as fitting representatives of their sympathy and natural almoners of their bounty.