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Allen, Beverly

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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a Methodist Episcopal minister, concerning whose birth, early life, and conversion there is no accessible record. He entered the itinerancy in 1781, was elected for ordination at the Christmas Conference; and in 1785 was commissioned to introduce Methodism into Georgia, where he became very prominent, having an almost unparalleled popularity as a preacher; but, like David, in an evil hour, fell into sin, violated the laws of the country, and a writ was issued for his apprehension. He warned the sheriff not to enter his room, with the threat of death if he did. The sheriff rushed in and Allen shot him, fled the country, and settled in Logai County, Ky., then called "Rogue's Harbor," where his family followed him, and where he resided until his death, practicing medicine. He ever remained a warm friend to the Methodist Church, which struck his name from her list of workers in 1792; but, to ease his troubled conscience, he drank in the doctrine of Universalism. Peter Cartwright, in his schoolboy days, boarded some time with Mr. Allen; and, on becoming a preacher, visited the doctor on his dying-bed, and records Mr. Allen's last sentiments as being a belief in the salvation of all but himself. We are unable to find the date of his decease. Mr. Allen was in his early career an earnest and devout preacher, and a man of extraordinary talents and zeal. See Sprague, Annals of the Amer. Pulpit, 7:113; Stevens, Hist. of the M. E. Church, 2, 165, 249, 301; 3, 101, 336; Minutes of Annual Conferences, 1781-92.