Biographical notes

The OPR for the birth of Francis Allan has not been traced and the earliest surviving record is in the 1851 Census where he is listed as Francis Allan (24, unmarried), son of John and Jean Allan, Shoemaker Journeyman, born Ayrshire - Irvine

In the 1861 Census he is recorded as Francis Allen (31), un-married, born in Scotland, Shoemaker, a lodger in Northamptonshire.

In 1865, he married Ann Solomon

The family are listed in the 1871 and 1881 Census returns. In the 1881 Census they are living at 50 Regent Street, St Sepulchre and are recorded as Francis Allan (61), head, Shoemaker, born Scotland, Ann Allan (48), wife, born Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, Francis Allan (13), son, Janet Allan (11) daughter, Walter Allan (9) son, Gertrude Allan (8) daughter, Annie Allan (6), daughter.

The family are also listed in the 1891 Census where the age of Francis is given as 62 and his birthplace given correctly as Irvine, Scotland

The final appearance of the family is in the 1901 Census where his age is listed as 74 and his birthplace is given as Irvine, Ayrshire

Frances died in Northants in 1909 with a recorded age of 79 although it seems possible that his true age was about 82.