“[John H.] ‘Ginger’ Allen, as he is more familiarly known, came to Ithaca with his father in the fall of 1866, and worked on the first building started for Cornell University….He was born in Seneca Falls on December 3, 1841…
‘Ginger’ Allen is recalled as having been a versatile athlete. He was not a professional boxer although he had studied that sport since he was a boy. He has boxed with R.H. Treman and instructed him in the manly art of self defense. About 33 years ago when Allen was then in his prime as an athlete he was considered the best amateur boxer for his weight and an expert skater as well.”