From the December 23, 1887 issue of the Hornellsville, NY Weekly Tribune:
Yesterday afternoon at 3:57 train 29 ran into a freight at White House about half way between Cuba and Hinsdale. The cause of the wreck is supposed to be a misunderstanding of orders on the part of Engineer Smith of the freight train, which was an eastbound train. The engineer on 29 was Mr. Charles Allen and the fireman Mr. Perry.

Engineer Smith had pulled on to the switch to allow train three, which was several hours late, to pass and when 3 had gone by, it being so near the time for 29, he forgot all about it and started to pull out on to the main track. He, however, had run out but six or seven car lengths when he discovered his mistake and made every effort to get back to the switch. In this he was nearly successful, so much so that the brakeman who was tending the switch turned it and kept 29 on the main line but when it came up it grazed the side of the engine, disabling it for use. The engine of 29 was made a total wreck and struck with such force that it was turned completely over on its side. None of the cars on either train were damaged and it is said that there was one passenger on the westbound passenger train that was not awakened from his slumbers.

At this point there is a deep cut which obstructs the switch from view and thus the engineer on train 29 was totally ignorant of any danger whatever and had hardly time to reverse his engine and set the brakes before the crash. Both Mr. Allen and his fireman jumped and had they not they both would undoubtedly have been seriously injured but as it is neither are dangerously hurt.

We called upon Engineer Allen this morning and found him at the breakfast table heartily enjoying his morning repast. He is badly bruised up but further than that his injuries are thouht to be very slight. He said that all was done for his comfort that was possible both by the new Superintendent, Mr. Knibloe, and others. Supt. Knibloe took with him to the scene the company's physician, Dr. Green, and had a carriage in waiting for him when he arrived on train 12 at 2 a.m. last night. He is feeling very well considering everything and a few days will probably make him all right.

The wrecking gangs from this place and from Salamanca were sent to the scene of the wreck and cleared it up. Just where the blame lies has not yet been ascertained. All the parties involved are old and reliable men in the company's employ but mistakes and accidents must happen. It is hoped that the injured may soon be running on their old tours as well as ever.

From the January, 1909 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine, P. 680.
C.N. Allen, Hornell, New York.
Engineer C.N. Allen, who has been running on the Allegany Division for the past 52 years, is on an extended vacation and expects to make quite a trip through the western and southern parts of the United States. While we wish Mr. Allen a pleasant journey, we regret to see such men leave the Erie's service, as by his steady and faithful performance he sets an example that young employees will do well to follow. Mr. Allen has the reputation of seldom having his name appear on the engine failure sheet.

From the February, 1909 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine, P. 741:
C.N. Allen was born Dec. 28, 1838 and was raised on a farm near Ripley, Chautauqua County, New York. In his boyhood days he was employed as a locomotive fireman on the Lake Shore Railroad, serving a short time and later coming to the New York and Erie, securing employment as engineer in January, 1857, a few days after he had passed his eighteenth birthday. He remained here until the Civil War broke out, when like thousands of others, he felt it his duty to offer his services to his country. He served as a soldier until his health failed, and he was mustered out on account of physical disability. During the year 1864 he regained his health and returned to the Erie employ, and has since been continuously in passenger service, always giving excellent satisfaction.

In September, 1865, at the age of 27, when the special train conveying Sir Morton Peto and party was run from Salamanca to New York, Mr. Allen was selected as the engineer, and covered the whole distance at the throttle. A special time card was prepared for the trip and every other train was required to be off the main track at least ten minutes before the special was due, and all went well. The Engineer to whom we are indebted to for these facts was himself on a siding at Hinsdale with his train, and he says no one seeing the train pass would deny that it was making schedule time.

Mr. Allen has headed the roster since the Erie was changed from broad to standard gauge in 1880. While Mr. Allen has experienced several narrow escapes from death and has several times been severely injured, and his engine has been down the bank, turning over twice on the way, no passengers have lost their lives: and he has managed, owing to his splendid physique, to live the allotted time of man, and now having attained to the age limit, retires from active service in excellent health to live the benefits of his life-long good habits. Mr. Allen leaves the company's service with a clean record extending through nearly 52 years, and all engineers familiar with his work are willing to take off their hats to him, recognizing the fact that he has left a record that is hard to beat.

From the June, 1909 issue of the Locomotive Engineers' Monthly Journal, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, P. 396-397:
Brother C. N. Allen in Service 1857-1909.
HORNELL, N.Y. March 13, 1909.
TO THE EDITOR, JOURNAL: At a regular meeting of Subdivision 47, held on Monday evening, December 14, 1908, it was unanimously voted that we present Brother C.N. Allen a set of embossed resolutions, the occasion being his retirement from active service, and being placed on the honorary list. And therefore deemed it no more than proper that Brother Allen should have some memento from his Division, that in the years to come he could refer to and have the satisfaction of knowing that Div. 47 appreciated his long and faithful membership and loyalty to the fraternity.

Brother Allen was employed as an engineer on the Erie railroad, January 1, 1857, and assigned to passenger service in 1864, and has been in continuous service up to January 1, 1909, with the exception of two years' service in the Army.

Brother Allen during his railroading had two or three accidents and was quite seriously injured himself, yet no passengers were ever seriously injured on his train. He has been at the head of the roster on the Alleghany Division for a good many years, and although he has reached the age of 70 he is still hale and hearty, and we sincerely hope he and Mrs. Allen, who is one of those true and loyal helpmates and esteemed ladies, may enjoy many years of contentment and happiness, and in the far distant future be prepared for that caller to whom all must respond to make the last run. May it be their portion to safely arrive at that Grand Central station, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides, to go out no more forever.

Brother Allen having served 62 years as a locomotive engineer, 45 years of this time as a member of our Brotherhood in good standing. And on account of age has retired from active service; be it therefore,
Resolved, That Subdivision 47 extend to him a vote of thanks for his loyalty to, and support of the Order, and a wish that he and his family may have many happy years in the future. F.E. BLAKE, W.A. HOOD, C.W. BURDELL, Committee

From the July, 1909 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine, P. 290:
Engineer Charles N. Allen, recently retired under the age rule, has been appointed Crossing Inspector, and will make his residence at Jamestown.