Rhys:
I know this thread is old but I picked up a Robert Allen item last summer and haven't had much time to look into it until recently. I tracked down this thread after researching my item. I believe I have a salary statement from the Smith and Hughes Bag Company who may have been one of the owners of the Davenport Iowa team that Robert Allen managed in 1889. Here is the scan of the statement and original envelope addressed to R.G.Allen if you would tell me what you think. Hope it is of interest to you. If you need to contact me, my e-mail is
ddm4236@gmail.com