Allen was born enslaved in Westmoreland County, Virginia around 1840 on the estate of Major Richard Beale.

[3][4][2] These groups helped the women share resources needed by their families and communities.

[2] During the war, Allen lived in Danville, Virginia where Davis operated the Methodist College for Females.

[2] After the Civil War, Allen was involved with African American economic self-help and fraternal organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star and the United Order of Tents, with whom she was a senior matron and board member.

[2] Allen joined the Grand United Order of True Reformers when it was reestablished in Richmond, Virginia in 1875.

[2] She continued to serve on the grand board as the Governess who oversaw the Rosebuds, the girl's arm of the order, from its founding in 1885 to 1892.