The Biographical Dictionary of America/Allen, Robert (soldier)

ALLEN, Robert, soldier, was born in Ohio about 1815 He was graduated from the United States military academy in 1836, served in the Seminole war, and also in Mexico, acting as assistant quartermaster in the march to Monterey. He distinguished himself at Vera Cruz, and received the brevet rank of major for his conduct at Cerro Gordo. He saw service at Contreras and Churubusco, and at the taking of the city of Mexico. He was chief quartermaster of the Pacific division until the opening of the civil war, when he was transferred to the department of the Missouri, in charge of supplies and transportation for the armies in the Mississippi valley. He was raised to the rank of major, 1861; colonel, 1862; brigadier general of volunteers, 1863; brigadier-general U.S. army, 1864. He fitted out Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina expeditions, and Gen. Sherman's army for the march to Chattanooga, acting as chief quartermaster of the Mississippi from 1863 to 1866, and was brevetted major-general in 1865. On the cessation of hostilities he was made chief quartermaster of the Pacific, and was placed on the retired list in 1878. He died in Switzerland, Aug. 6, 1886.