In 1893, Rusk County native Walter Payne Allen (1870-1943) wed America "Meck" Peyroux Cartwright (1874-1959), a native of San Augustine. A banker, Walter was an organizer and later president of American National Bank. He served as city alderman and commissioner, responsible for utility services, and was instrumental in the transition to a city commission form of government. Active in many local businesses, he also worked to get a Royal Air Force training center at Terrell during World War II. The Allens built this Tudor Revival house in 1928. Designed by the Dallas firm of Fooshee and Cheek, it features half-timbering, decorative masonry work and a jetty, and overhanging second floor supported by brackets. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2004