William Allen (1704-1780)

One of colonial America's wealthiest men, Allen supported construction of the state house, now Independence Hall. He helped establish Pennsylvania Hospital and the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which became the University of Pa. He founded the City of Allentown and was Chief Justice of the Pa. Supreme Court. Initially supporting colonial interests, he became a Loyalist until he died here at his estate, Mt. Airy, for which the community is named.