William R. Allen was mentioned in the 8 January 1843 will of his father-in-law, James Dunn, proved 16 January 1843. 10th I lend to my son in law Wm R Allen one seventh part and at his death I give the same to his Wife Drusilla M Allen & her children — Wm: R Allen has heretofore appeared dissatisfied with my settlement of Craddock Segar’s Estate — I therefore refer the Settlement of the said estate to Washington H. Purkins & Muscoe Garnett and should the said Wm R Allen not abide by their report he is to have no part of my estate. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 25, pages 49–50.]

In 1843, orators and oratrices James William infant of James Dunn decd who sued by Virginia F. Dunn his mother and next friend, Peter T. Duff and Olivia Duff his wife who was Olivia D. Dunn daughter of the said James Dunn decd, Thomas Parron and Julia D. his wife who was Julia D. Dunn another daughter of James Dunn decd, Charles C. Smith and Emily his wife who was Emily Dunn another daughter of James Dunn decd, William R. Allen who married Drusilla another daughter of James Dunn since dead, Arthur F. Allen an infant of William R. Allen and Drusilla by his father and next friend, Cordelia Dunn another daughter of James Dunn, and Dorinda M. Dunn another daughter of James Dunn an infant who sued by James A. Dunn her next friend, complained that James Dunn died about __ January 1843, testate. For division of his estate. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 40, item 40-D-7.]

On 21 June 1847, Richard Dunn and Sthreshley Dunn were bound $200 for Richard Dunn’s administration of the goods, chattles and credits of William R. Allen. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 181–182.]

An inventory and appraisal of the estate of William R. Allen was made on 21 June 1847 by A M Trible, R: J Muse, and Robt T Shakelford. Total valuation $108.62. Ordered recorded 16 August 1847. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 208–209.]

Sales of the estate of William R. Allen were made on 21 July 1847 at White Hall, Essex County. Ordered recorded 17 December 1849. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 494–495.]

The estate of William R. Allen in account with Richd D. Dunn from 1847 to 1848 was ordered recorded 21 January 1850. [Essex County, Virginia, Will Book 26, pages 501–502.]