This township was the fifth in date of organization in Union County, and although from its geographical position it was not settled as early by several years as the southern townships of the county, yet settlers entered this territory quite early, and after the first settler located within its boundaries he was followed by others in rapid succession; and within the period of fifteen years from the time of the location of the first settler the township of Allen was quite thickly populated. The township is located in the southwestern part of the county. It is bounded north by Liberty and Paris Townships, on the east by Paris, on the south by Union Township and Champaign County, and on the west by Logan County. Just who was the first settler within the precincts of this territory it is difficult now to ascertain, as there were several who located here at nearly the same time. We have, however, concluded to commence our pioneer list with the name of Henry Vangordon, who, if not the first settler, was one of the first. He was a native of Pennsylvania, married Catharine Carter, emigrated to Ohio at an early age, came to Allen Township and settled on Buck Run, on land now owned by Jacob Leonard, it is believed, about 1820. Subsequently he removed to Illinois, where he died. His children were as follows: Henry, married Eliza Spain, became a minister in the United Brethren Church, and moved to the West; Samuel and Mary (twins), the former is deceased, the latter married Philander Spain, and now resides in Illinois; Elizabeth and Charles, died in early childhood; George, removed to the West, and Wesley was killed by a falling tree when a child. Mr. Henry Vangordon was one of thirteen voters at the first election after the township was constituted; also one of the first Trustees, and its fourth Treasurer. Named after Daniel Allen, a native of Pennsylvania, married Rachel Burwell, and about 1813 emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Madison County. Between 1820 to 1821 he came to Allen Township, where he settled and remained until his death in 1832. He fell from a load of oats and broke his neck. The township of Allen was named in his honor. As a man and citizen, he was highly esteemed and respected. He was one of the first thirteen voters, one of the three first Trustees and was an earnest and devoted Christian and a class leader in the Church.