2004.007.15

The Allen family owned a prosperous woolen mill on the banks of Allen’s Creek (now called by its original Seneca name of Oatka Creek) in Mumford, New York. Oliver Allen I built his first mill in 1821 and it was one of the first mills west of the Genesee River. In 1829, he built the large stone mill called Allen’s Woolen Mill. He ran it until 1844 when his son Oliver Allen II (1823-1903) took over the running of the mill. The Allen’s Woolen Mill was passed down through three generations and was known for its fine wool and quality fabric. However, it could not compete with the larger woolen mills in the northeast and closed in 1902. Oliver II began courting Catherine Huchins Seaman (1827-1908), daughter of a wool merchant from Palmyra, New York, and they were married in 1848. Oliver designed this china set and sent the designs to England to be produced for his new bride. This was somewhat unusual as there were many standardized patterns to choose from, but he wanted something special for his future wife. Oliver and Catherine were well known for their hospitality in their home in Mumford and one can imagine this beautiful set being used by them. They had eight children, the oldest of whom was Frances Seymour Allen who passed the china to her daughter Ruth Campbell, grandmother of the donor. Oliver and Catherine were laid to rest in the Mumford Rural Cemetery under the largest monument in the cemetery. The tall stone plinth sits on a small rise and can be seen easily from the road.

Genesee Country Village and Museum