BIOGRAPHIES
1879 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY ILLINOIS
Its Past and Present
Chicago; Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd Publishers
Page 720

     Years ago, when the emigrant wagons lined the banks of the Macoupin, Benjamin Allen, then in the flush of early manhood, became an inhabitant of Illinois; when Chicago was so deep in the wilderness that the news of Indian outbreaks on our western frontiers did not reach the adventurous men comprising its inhabitants, for many weeks; St. Louis, itself, now one of the wealthiest cities in the Union, a mere trading point for the Hudson Bay Fur Co., and others who, plunging into the wilds of the far west, hunted the fresh water streams for mink, otter and other fur bearing animals; but to the subject under consideration. Benjamin Allen was born in South Carolina, in 1792. In an early day he made his way to Kentucky where he subsequently married Miss Susan Taylor, and shortly after this important event, he made his way to Monroe Co., Illinois, two years later removing to Madison Co., thence to Greene Co., where he bought an improved claim; for a considerable length of time his only neighbor was John Taylor, who has long since been gathered to his fathers; in those days, wolves abounded, and deer and turkey in great numbers, sometimes formed a delicious repast for the vigorous backwoodsman; many a time he found it necessary to make a journey of thirty or forty miles and there patiently await the grinding of his grist. Years have flown since then, and Mr. Allen has long since reaped the benefit of his early labors in the far west. To follow step by step his career on the prairies, where he followed the plow, or swinging his ax among the timber, or assisted in the raising of a cabin, would perhaps be superfluous, as so many of the trials endured in frontier life are found in our general history. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan Taylor, departed this life in 1860, and was laid at rest in the Rockbridge Cemetery; the children born of this marriage now living, are John, who married Miss Amanda Huff; Margaret, who married Jefferson Dixon, and Mary, who married Anson Miller. In the war of 1812, Mr. A. became an active participant, and few indeed have witnessed a more eventful, progressive life than the aged veteran from whom this narrative is obtained.

     Benjamin Allen was the grandfather of Emily Hancock, second wife of Phillip Odell and mother of Theodore (Dick), Emma, Joe, and Ab Odell.  Emily's mother, Susan Allen Hancock Courtney was probably deceased when this biography was written.  As was the style of these biographies, only living children were named.

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BIOGRAPHIES
1879 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY ILLINOIS
Its Past and Present
Chicago; Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd Publishers
Page 722

DIXON, HENRY JEFFERSON, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 4, P. O. Rockbridge, although not among the earliest pioneers of Greene County, is worthy of more than a passing notice. He was born in McLean County, East Tennessee, on the 1st day of October, 1823, the second child of Solomon and Sarah Dixon; he passed the days of his youth on the old farm homestead, where he acquired that knowledge of agriculture that led to successful results, when he subsequently became an Illinois farmer; he was but seven years of age when the family removed to this state; on the 20th of December, 1829, this overland route to the West was made in what is familiarly called a prairie schooner, or covered wagon; on their settlement, near what is now Fayette, on farm property, where a log cabin, composed of round logs, was soon in process of erection and completion; not long after the family settlement, the deep snow ushered in a monotonous winter for the new comers; this event, well remembered by many who have grown to an advanced age, of the pioneers of Greene County, caused much suffering and hardships; the snow accumulating to a depth of from three to five feet, caused many wild animals to perish, causing a scarcity of game in subsequent years; the old folks have long since been gathered to their fathers, after an eventful life in Southern Illinois. Jefferson, from whom this narrative is obtained, grew up amid pioneer associations, and received his preliminary education in a log school house, with a fireplace as large as a modern bedroom and the hard beaten earth answered the place of flooring; in 1848, he was married to Miss Margaret Allen, a daughter of Benjamin Allen, one of the first pioneers within the borders of Greene County. He now turned his attention to blacksmithing and wagon making, continuing in this vocation for a period of twenty-five years, thereby gaining his first start if life, his first purchase of farm property was made in 1849, and consisted of 20 acres; since this date he has added materially to his possessions, and now owns 100 acres in this township of valuable land; of the marriage above referred to six children were born, four of whom are living: Sarah J., who married Isaac Hardin; Clark, Albert and Benjamin F.; John H. and (an) infant child, deceased.

BIOGRAPHIES
HISTORY OF GREENE & JERSEY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS - 1885
Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Co.
Page 905

HENRY JEFFERSON DIXON, a native of McMinn county, Tenn., was born Oct. 1, 1823, and is a son of Solomon and Sarah (Burger) Dixon, both natives of Tennessee. With his parents, Henry came to Greene county, Ill., in 1829, and located one mile west of Fayette, in Rockbridge township, and has ever since resided in the township. At the age of 16 years, he began blacksmithing, and, in connection with farming, worked at his trade from 1839 to 1866, when he sold his business. Henry J. Dixon and Margaret Allen, a native of this county, and the daughter of Benjamin Allen, were united in marriage in the year 1848. By their union they have been blessed with seven children, two of whom are now living - Clark, born Feb. 1, 1861; and Benjamin F., born Dec. 26, 1870, both now living at home. Of the five deceased - John H., died Feb. 23, 1858, aged four years; an unnamed infant; Sarah, born June 6, 1849, married Isaac Hardin, and died April 23, 1885; Albert, born Feb. 7, 1864, died Feb. 2, 1882. Mr. Dixon owns 100 acres of improved land in Rockbridge township, but now leads a retired life. The cost of improvements on his land are: house $1,200, barn $500. For a man of his age, Mr. Dixon enjoys remarkable health. At present he resides in the village of Rockbridge, and is much respected by his friends and acquaintances.

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BIOGRAPHIES
1879 HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY ILLINOIS
Its Past and Present
Chicago; Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd Publishers
Page 686
MILLER, ANSON, farmer, Sec. 21, P. O. Greenfield. Mr.. Miller moved to this State as early as 1818, in company with his parents, who came from Kentucky when Anson was about four years of age, he being born March 10, 1814; they located at Kincaid's Point, town 10, range 10; during his youth he thinks he attended the first school that was taught in this township; did not attend but about two years, all put together; after he was grown he contracted with John W. Hewitt three years; and in consideration of these services he was to receive two months' schooling, his clothes, and $100 in money, which contract was fully complied with by both parties. Mr. Miller was married Jan. 7, 1841, to Rebecca Mitchell; had one child, but died soon, his wife dying Sept. 9, 1843. He was married the second time to Mrs. Mary Allen, born Jan. 22, 1845, in Madison County. Mrs. Miller had five children by her first husband (Barnett): (children by Miller) Sarah C., born Dec. 10, 1847, since the wife of Elias Crane, died February, 1875; Andrew M., born May 1, 1849; now in Kansas. In the year 1871 Mr. and Mrs. Miller moved to Kansas; remained three years, and then returned; they are not satisfied, and will probably return as soon as circumstances will permit; they are now living at their home, three miles south of Greenfield. Mr. Miller and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. M. is very retiring in his nature, and has never sought publicity; has been long known by the people of this community, and respected by all who have known him.