ALLEN, Theodore La Vern (Elmira, NY)

THEODORE LAVERN ALLEN

Identification on photo: Sincerely your grandson Theodore LaVern Allen, 4mo old
Photo taken: Howe Studio, 137 E. Water Street, Elmira NY, circa 1889-96
Purchased: 2018 Madison-Bouckville Antiques Week

Babies are tough to date, but I can guess this was taken between 1888-1896 based on the style of card. It has rounded edges and a single gold rule line, common design in those years. Also, the photographer Howe, according to Elmira City Directories, was in business in Elmira at the 137 E. Water Street address from at least 1884 through 1897.

1905 NY State Census > Yates Co. > Milo Township > Penn Yan
ALLEN, Charles J., head, 45, salesman medical supplies
ALLEN, Emily, wife, 41, housework
ALLEN, Theodore L, son, 17, at school
ALLEN, Beulah M, daughter, 9, at school

He appears on the 1910 Federal Census NY> Monroe > Rochester
ALLEN, Emily L, head, 48 wd, born in NY of NY parents, no occupation
ALLEN, Theodore L, son, 22 single, born in NY of WV and NY parents, com. traveller for Drug Com.
ALLEN, Beulah M, daught, 14, born OH of WV and NY parents

Theodore's father Charles J. Allen died sometime between 1905-1910.

His mother born Emily Laura Bertholf (1861-1920), daughter of William Bertholf and Amelia Minerva Tomer.

1918 WWI Draft Registration Card contains a wealth of information:
Theodore La Vern Allen, born 10 Sept 1887 in Elmira, residing in Rochester NY. Employed as a (illegible) at Pfaudler Co. 217 Cutter Bldg. Mother and Sister dependent upon him. Previously in Nat. Guard of NY. Medium height, slender, hazel eyes, brown hair.

I find that Pfaudler was a manufacturer of equipment such as glass-lined laundry chutes of a high quality suitable for use in hospitals.