Seth Allen

Seth Allen was an early resident on the site of the present city of Chester. We find him there in 1829, when he began operating a cooperage shop. Flour mills and slaughterhouses required the services of coopers, since most of their products were shipped in barrels. When the growth of castor beans became common in this area, still more barrels were needed. Since there was a ready sale for the barrels made in his shop, Seth prospered and was a prominent citizen Chester. He served in various public offices and as a Justice of the Peace, performed the first marriage ceremony in the new town.