David Allan in Nachez, Mississippi - 1837

[Robneve]

The above is the only information I have on David's arrival from Scotland in The United States.  I need to know if he is the David Allan in my tree.  MY David was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire on April 4, 1808. His parents were William Allan and Marion Kerr.  I am trying to prove that the Mississippi David Allan is the same person. Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Lisa in California]

There is at least one tree on Anc*try that states facts about "her" David Allan:
born c1807, Scotland
arrived 1837, Mississippi
married (Margaret Ann Robinson) 23 Apr 1839, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
children: David Allan, Jr., James, Alexander and Anna
residence in 1850: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
occupation in 1850: Steam engineer (?)
  1850 St. Louis, Missouri census - David Allen; wife - Ann

His parents are unknown.  No date of death for David.  Margaret Ann passed away in 1896.  I don't see any records that "prove" his David arrived in 1837 but there was a David Allen (and a female) living in Cincinnati in 1840 (according to the 1840 census).

[Lisa in California]

Perhaps you already have the following, but adding in case you don't -

According to burial information for David Allan, Jr., the surname was spelled Allan (not Allen, as written in at least one census return).

Photo of David, Jr. and burial information for the family (unfortunately, David, Sr. is not included).
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61296813/david-allan

Note:  I've not seen a lot of old photographs, but I don't believe I've ever seen one where the individual has his arms "crossed".  Perhaps I need to look at more photos or be more observant? 

[Robneve]

Thanks Lisa for all your data.  I do know about a David Allan arriving in Mississippi in 1837.  My problem is in finding out if he is MY David Allan. As you have said, there is much on Ancestry about a David Allan born in 1807 / 1808 and I do have such a person.  BUT I am unable to confirm if there is any real connection to my family.  For what it is worth, around 24 David Allan's were born in all of Scotland at this time.  Also, "Steam Engineer" is a faint possibility but The David in my tree was from farming stock.

[usaPetticrew]

Just following up with more info on the son David, working off the info on his gravestone.

https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=5BC1587A-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A

 Allan, Jr., David

Battle Unit Name:
    29th Regiment, Missouri Infantry
Side:
    Union
Company:
    F&S
Soldier's Rank In:
    Private
Soldier's Rank Out:
    Captain
Alternate name:
    David/Allan
Film Number:
    M390 ROLL 1
Plaque Number:
Notes:
    Company Note - I
    Battle Unit Note - H


https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UMO0029RI

29th Regiment, Missouri Infantry

    Organized at Benton Barracks, Mo., and St. Louis, Mo., July to October, 1862. Moved to Cape Girardeau, Mo., Companies  A through K, by October 22, 1862.  Mustered out June 12, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 68 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 291 Enlisted men by disease. Total 369.