Cuban-American lawyer Willy Allen recently shared a fascinating piece of his family's history during the 250th-anniversary celebrations of American independence. His lineage traces back two and a half centuries, interwoven with key moments in the nation's past—from the Revolutionary War battlefields to a quaint town in Maryland, where his cousin resides today.
This revelation came to light when Allen was about to discuss a case involving a Cuban mother detained by ICE. The show's host, Tania Costa, inquired about his Fourth of July experience, prompting Allen to share an intriguing family narrative.
"You know, one of my ancestors was Captain Edward Allen," the lawyer recounted. "He fought for American independence as part of the Maryland militia."
Allen explained that this ancestral connection has not been forgotten. Decades ago, a cousin conducted thorough genealogical research, uncovering remarkable details about Edward Allen's life post-war.
"Today, 250 years after America's independence, my cousin Roberto Allen resides on what used to be Edward's estate—not the original land, but the area he sold, which later developed into a town," Allen elaborated.
Uncovering Legal Battles and Family Roots
The family research also revealed that Edward Allen wasn't just content with his wartime service. In the early 19th century, he took legal action against the federal government. "We discovered that he filed a lawsuit over unpaid military retirement benefits and contested taxes," Allen detailed.
With a mix of pride and humor, the lawyer summed up the tale: "So, not only did we fight for independence from the American empire, but from the start, we also sued to recover his military pension and to reduce the taxes imposed on his land."
The Allen surname is a rarity in Cuba, as the show's host acknowledged. Allen clarified that his family has Icelandic-Scottish roots, arriving in the island via Missouri, Kansas, and ultimately New York. "There are actually two Allen families in Cuba, and we're not closely related," he noted.
In New York, the family story took another significant turn. Willy Allen's grandfather, Nesbitt Allen, met his grandmother, Rosalía Vives Vilches, while she was a student at the Sacred Heart in New York during the 19th century. The couple married in Manhattan in 1890.
Continuing the Legacy in Present Times
Allen also mentioned that his daughter lived for nine years just three blocks away from the historic apartment where Nesbitt and Rosalía resided after marrying. She has been on a waiting list for two years to rent that same apartment.
The program aired around July 4, 2026, as the United States marked its 250th independence anniversary with grand events in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and other cities.
Allen concluded his account with a reflection on the nation his ancestor helped build. "What I love is that a significant portion of the empire's strength comes from immigrants or their descendants. The empire benefits from the contributions immigrants bring."
Exploring Willy Allen's Family History
Who was Edward Allen?
Edward Allen was an ancestor of Willy Allen, who served as a captain in the Maryland militia during the American Revolutionary War.
What legal action did Edward Allen take against the federal government?
In the early 19th century, Edward Allen sued the federal government over unpaid military retirement benefits and disputed taxes.
How is Willy Allen connected to the historical apartment in New York?
Willy Allen's daughter lived near the apartment where his grandparents, Nesbitt and Rosalía, lived after marrying. She hopes to rent the same apartment.