Tewksbury State Hospital began as an almshouse in 1852. “Reflecting its changing mission, the Tewksbury Almshouse became Tewksbury State Hospital in 1900, the Massachusetts State Infirmary in 1909, and Tewksbury State Hospital and Infirmary in 1938. Over the years, facilities were added for treating tuberculosis and other contagious diseases such as smallpox, venereal diseases and typhoid fever. Meanwhile it continued to serve as a last resort for many patients in need of shelter and supervised care, especially during the late 1920's and 1930's.”44

Had a number of occupations:
1916 - milkman36
1924 - chauffeur8
1930 - chauffeur in the garbage collection industry37
1940 - no occupation listed (said he was in the same house in 1935)32
1951 - working at the meat center of Noone’s Market, Water Street38

He was living in Marblehead with his father in 1918. 39

He deserted the family when his wife became an invalid. His children were raised by relative/foster homes. Wilfred was raised in a wealthy home. Harvey and Hollis and Florence were raised in a harsh/abusive one, according to family stories (Daniel and Lillian Hargraves, their mother’s sister).14 Each time he visited the children they complained about their treatment. He finally took Florence to Maine with him. Hollis and Harvey each joined the military from Maine as well. Caleb returned later and tried to make up for some of the hurt by caring for Hollis' family while he was in the Navy.40

Where was he? Since he had moved to Marblehead with his father in 1918, I looked there. The city directories listed a Caleb H. Allen as a laborer in 1930 and as a cook in 1935 and 1937.41

He lived in Maine for several years with Hollis, Harvey and Flroence (also a woman named Irene - who took good care of the kids). Florence remembers living on a lake and having to row a boat across the lake to get to school on the other side.42

He was living with his aunt Mary Pierce (Florence Mary Blaisdell) in 1940. (Same sister his mother lived with in 1920 and 1930.) The Haverhill city directory shows his son Wilfred at the same address (West Newbury, 119 Main St).

After Maine he lived with a woman named Yvonne Gilbert in Haverhill until he died. He worked at Mohigan's Market (Haverhill).42

He served in the Navy during World War I. He served for 5 months and was a Seaman 2nd class when he was discharged May 14, 1918. He began another tour of duty three days later, May 17.27,43