A Salute to Our Friend

by Barbara Olivier

JIM IS ONE OF OUR MOST LOVED CHATTERS, as well as, a terrific research helper.

James M. Allen (a.k.a. TROMBIDIIDAE) born 3/8/35 in Nashville, TN graduated from Cohn High School and immediately entered the U.S. Marine Corps.

His service took him through the ranks from Private to Captain of Marines and service in NC, MD, RI, TN, KY, Okinawa, Japan, GA, Washington, D. C., Vietnam where he was Adjutant of an Infantry Battalion engaged in combat, and then back to Washington, D. C. as Legislative Research Officer and finally VA where he suffered a heart attack and was Retired from the service.

His service to Corps and Country earned him the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with Silver; Navy Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal with 4 Stars; National Defense Service Medal with Star, Vietnam Service Medal with Stars and the Combat Action Ribbon.

After retirement he entered Nashville State Technical Institute where he earned an Associate of Science degree in banking.

He married Sydna Frances Dunn, September 21, 1955 at Dillon, SC, of Sykes, LA, daughter of Sidney Clyde Dunn and Laura Gregory. She was serving as a Lady Marine when they met at Military Justice School in MD. They have three sons and one Daughter.

Paternally, his father was Shepard Lester Allen (1898-1971), Railroad worker/Service Station owner - opened the Sinclair Station on the corner of Main and Frey in Ashland City circa 1956, son of James Madison Allen (1870-1953), Stagecoach operator between Ashland City and Nashville in the late 1800's and Ferry Boat Operator on the Cumberland at Ashland City and retired Postal Carrier and Lillian Brinkley who was recognized locally in Ashland City as a Nurse and Midwife.

His great grandfather was Dr. George Sugg Allen (1835-1924). who practiced in Nashville was owner of several properties in/near Ashland having at one time owned Sydney's Bluff, the property where the Ferry crossed the Cumberland and property on Elizabeth Street on which the Central High School was built and now where the Elementary School is located. He owned the Ferry at Ashland City at one time. m. Jenetta Oakley.

His great, great, grandfather was James Russell Allen ( 1806-1884) farmer and grocery store owner on River Road; He owned property where River Bluff Park is located in Ashland City and sold 44 acres of land in that vicinity to James Lenox in order that Lenox in turn might sell 6 acres of the land to the County to assure the County seat, Ashland City, would have a river landing area.

He and other family members are buried just inside the Cheatham County line on River Road. The cemetery was leveled in the 1960's and a metal commercial building was placed over the gravesites. He was a Deacon of the Methodist Church and authorized to perform marriages and officiate at funerals. m. Polly W. Patterson.

His ggg grandfather was George Sugg Allen (1776-1853), who was a Magistrate when Cheatham County was formed and farmer in the area of River Road at what is now known as Lost Hollow where he and wife and other family members are buried on a hill behind the first house on the right which was built circa 1778-1802 and still stands though completely renovated. m. Pharaba Russell who's father was James Russell, scout and dispatch rider for James Robertson when the Nashville area was first settled - he also owned a Ferry Boat permit to operate a ferry at Pond Creek.

His gggg grandfather was Gabriel Allen (circa 1750-55-1820) who was instrumental in the establishment of Dickson County, TN and who went on to MS and established a community there, m. Anne McKinney.

His ggggg was Jacob Allen (unknown-1762) m. Priscilla Sugg Maund. All, with the exception of Jacob Allen, were residents of what is (since 1856) Cheatham County - Gabriel and George Sugg having settled in the area in the late 1790's and early 1800's.

Maternally, his mother was Mattie Jordan, daughter of Thomas H. Jordan (1866-1952) farmer and part owner of the Farmers Mercantile in Ashland and at one time ran the County Poor House near the mouth of Marrowbone Creek. m. Sarah Cornelia Work who's father was a River Boat Pilot..

His great grandfather was Drewry McLean Jordan (1836-1909) farmer, m. Virginia L. Crouch - daughter of Thomas Crouch and Heneritta W. Shelton.

His gg grandfather was Norfleet Jordan (1805-1875), farmer in the River Road area of Cheatham County, m. Emmaline Shadoin.

His ggg grandfather was Drury Jordan, Jr. (1765-67-1835), farmer in the River Road area, m. Sarah (Sally) Cato.

His gggg grandfather was Drury Jordan, Sr., (1733-after 1812) m. Mary (unknown). All, with the exception of Drury Jordan, Sr., were residents of what is now Cheatham County.

Since retirement in 1972 Jim has participated in the society of Cheatham County as a Cub Scout Master; member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Cheatham County Memorial Post, as Commander, Adjutant and Chaplain; been a member of the Cheatham County Historical and Genealogical Association since its' formation as Newsletter Editor, Corresponding Secretary, Membership Chairman and Board of Directors Member.

He has been President of the Forest Hills Cemetery Association since 1993. He was selected Cheatham County Volunteer of the Year in 1996, the Tennessee Bicentennial Year. He is currently Co-Host of the Cheatham County WebPage on the TNGenWeb. His political leanings are strongly with the democratic party. His religious leanings are not church oriented though he maintains a strong belief in God and the Bible as the word offered for salvation.

JIM IS INVOLVED IN A NEW BOOK: "Family History Book" that CCHGA is currently working to put together.

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