Went to Geneseo, Livingston Cty, NY as an apprentice to his uncle James Percival, publisher of a newspaper there, in 1830. He joined, in 1831, the Presbyterian Church of Geneseo. In 1832 Samuel returned to Chenango Cty and worked on a farm for three years while attending school during the winters. The winter of 1834/5 he taught school at "Old Four Corners," and in 1835 returned to Livingston Cty where, in 1837 he established the newspaper "Livingston Republican". A year later he and Harriet Stanly of Mt. Morris NY were married. She was eighth in descent from John Stanly who came from England in 1644 (or 1684). Samuel sold the Livingston Republican in 1846 to purchase an interest in the "Rochester Democrat". Two years later, in 1848, he beame editor-in-chief of that newspaper.
During the Civil War president Abraham Lincoln appointed Samuel District Collector of Internal Revenue for Monroe and Orleans counties; shortly thereafter he entered a partnership with the Hon. B. G. Berry, publishing the "Chenango Telegraph." Five years later in the fall of 1874, at the age of 60 years, Samuel returned to Geneseo to re-purchase the "Livingston Republican".
Throughout his adult life Samuel was active in politics as befitted as publisher of newspapers and who, presumably, influenced political activities of upper New York State. In 1840 he was elected to clerk of the state senate, and from 1872 through 1879 he served as assistant clerk of the assembly.
At the time of his death 10-20-1881 it was said of Samuel Allen "He was a man of pure domestic nature, of a generous sympathetic spirit, firm impulses, sterling integrity, and genial humor. Few of the sons of Sherburne and Smyrna have filled a larger place among men with honor, and few are so kindly remembered among their fellowmen as Samuel P. Allen."