Prominent Philadelphian.

Member of the Assembly (1731-39). Mayor of Philadelphia (1735). Trustee of the Philadelphia Academy. Trustee of the Loganian library. Manager of the Pennsylvania Hospital. Active Freemason.

A supporter of proprietary interests in Pennsylvania and a Loyalist during the American Revolution, Allen was seldom of the same mind as Franklin concerning political matters.

Married in 1733 to Margaret Hamilton (daughter of Andrew).