A. Quinby Allen, teacher, surveyor, and auctioneer, taught the first public school opened in Mount Morris. It was known as the Pine Creek Grammar School and was the nucleus from which Rock River Seminary was established. He was the son of Capt. Isaac and Mary Allen, and was born October 4, 1814, at Little Britain, Pa. He came to Mount Morris in 1838 and taught school until 1841 when he returned to the east and was married to Elizabeth Swingley, daughter of Michael Swingley. They came to Mount Morris in 1845 and became the parents of seven children as follows: Samuel, Mary (Mrs. Menzo Keith), Emma J. (Mrs. Will Cosgrove), Lydia W., Robert Q., Edwin J., and Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert McClure). Mr. Allen became a very prominent citizen of Mount Morris and for 18 years served as County Surveyor of Ogle County. He passed away in 1883 at the age of 69 and Mrs. Allen died March 19, 1900, aged 77 years.

Mt. Morris, Past and Present, first published in 1900 by Kable Bros., 2nd edition published in 1938 by Harry G. Kable.

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