Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
ALLEN, William Paggett
ALLEN, William Paggett. (Mason County, KY, Sept. 18, 1824-Dubuque, IA, Mar. 3, 1898). Inventor. Allen received a patent on his formula for friction matches. One of the first and the longest serving pharmacists in the early history of Dubuque, Allen moved to Dubuque in 1844 and temporarily worked in the mines. He left Dubuque but returned permanently in 1847. Allen clerked for Dr. Timothy MASON from 1848 until 1851 when he opened his own store, W. P. ALLEN in 1852 at 256 Main Street.
Allen was active in the MASONIC LODGE. He was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 1886.
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Source:
History of Dubuque County Iowa. Chicago: Western History Company, 1880