The Biographical Dictionary of America/Allen, Ira Wilder

ALLEN, Ira Wilder, educator, was born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., July 5, 1827, the eldest son of the Rev. Ira Allen, pastor of a church at Potsdam for nearly fifty years, and a direct descendant of Ira Allen, the Vermont patriot. The son was taught at home and in the local seminary, and from 1843 to 1846 was employed in teaching school. He entered the sophomore class of Hamilton college in 1847, and was graduated in 1850, when he took charge of Manlius academy, New York. He was elected professor of mathematics, astronomy, and civil engineering in Antioch college, Ohio, in 1851; took an extra course in mathematics at Hamilton and Harvard colleges and studied in the Universities of Gottingen and Berlin. He also investigated the school systems while in Europe. On assuming his duties at Antioch college he found the financial affairs in poor condition. Its educational standing was excellent. He aided in founding a new college in Indiana, which he managed for the first year, and then he went to Albany, N. Y., where he studied law and was admitted to practice. His love of teaching, however, impelled him to return to the school-room, and he opened Allen academy, Chicago, Ill., in 1863. He was elected a life member of the National teachers' association, also a member of the American archœological society, and of the Astronomical society. The degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him in 1874, by Union Christian college.