James Allen (Mormon Battalion)

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James Allen (February 15, 1806–August 23, 1846) was the army officer who organized the Mormon Battalion.

Allen was born in Ohio. He graduated from West Point in 1829. He was sent to Utah Territory to recruit a battalion of 500 men to fight in the Mexican-American War. Initially the Mormons were suspicious of him, but after he met with Mormon leader Brigham Young, Young fully endorsed the plan.

Allen served as the commanding officer of the Battalion from the July 16, 1846 until his death the next month.