During the “Great Rebellion” the most common occupation, on either side, was that of farmer.  So it was with Charles W. Allen who was born in Johnston, New York on May 8, 1842.  His father, Hiram Washburn Allen (1816-1863) came from a farming family in the Penfield, New York area and would continue in this occupation until his death.  His mother, Martha St .John, also came from a farming family and together his parents would produce nine children; Hiram B, James N., Charles W., Calvin H., Peter A., Walter S., Sarah E., Roe H., and Harry H.  and were members of the Episcopalian Church. According to the New York State Census of 1855, the family enjoyed living in a comfortable framed house, had $2,000 worth of real estate and some $800 worth of income. 

Walter would enlist in the 62d on June 10, 1861 in New York City and was mustered into Company G on June 30, 1861.  About the same time his brother, Calvin, enlisted into Company B. of the 9th New York Heavy Artillery. In 1862, Charles W. married Emily Sweets and they would eventually have five children; Hiram B, Ivan J., Howard , Hattie (Harriet) V. and Allison E..  Charles Allen fought with his Regiment and re-enlisted as a veteran on January 1,1864 at Brandy Station.  He was promoted to Full Corporal on May 31, 1864 and was later wounded at the Battle of Cedar Creek during the Shenandoah campaign under General Sheridan.  While the nature of the wound could not be found, it was serious enough to keep him hospitalized until he was discharged from De Camp Hospital, David’s Island, in New York harbor on October 3, 1865.  

 After his discharge from service, Charles returned to Penfield and continued farming.  The 1870 Federal Census,  the 1875 New York State Census ,and  the 1880 Federal Census continued to show his occupation as farmer.  By the 1900 Federal Census, Charles, Emily,  their daughter Hattie, and Granddaughter Mary had moved to Rochester, New York, where he was listed as head of household, but no occupation was given.  The 1905 New York Census revealed that the family continued to live in Rochester, and that  his occupation was now a mason contractor.  Hattie was employed as a phone operator.

 In December, 1910 Charles Wesley Allen, formerly of the 62d New York, died and was buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield , New York.  No record for the cause of death or that he received any pension for his service to his country could be found.  Emily would follow him in 1927.