Isaac Fox Allman

Although he wasn't a native of Long Island, Isaac Fox Allman found himself and his 2nd wife, Mahala Delle Wright, living in Selden in the latter part of his years. A Civil War veteran and a patentee of a gas engine, Isaac was held in high regard within his community as a brave and influential man.

Isaac, born in 1842, was the son of Isaac Bailey Allman of England and New Jersey and his wife Matilda Mott. Although we are not sure how his middle name was chosen, it is assumed it was taken from Matilda's brother in law, Vincent Henry Fox. Perhaps Vincent and Matilda's sister Phebe were Isaac's god parents.

The Civil War: Isaac was a Corporal during the Civil War under the 13th New York Calvary and he was part of the Great Rebellion for 4 years.

The Inventor: Isaac invented the Allman Gas Engine. Paperwork on this patent is still held by his honored descendents, who have generously shared the photos you see here. The Allman Gas Engine was used in the mechanical refrigeration industry and was patented in 1891. His company, the Allman Gas Engine Company was located at 461 Canal St in New York City and was established in 1897.

Isaac was on Long Island as early as the year 1900 and lived there until his death, although he died in Jersey City at his half brother's home, whom he spent his winters with at the time. His half brother was Stephen Lynn, an Engineer who presumably worked with Isaac at some point, perhaps for his company.

Isaac and Mahala are buried with a husband and wife headstone at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Port Jefferson.

The Allman family is connected to the Randall family of long island through marriage. The Randall descendents have generously contributed to this blog post. Thank you to the Randalls and the Allmans!