Holless Wilbur Allen had been experimenting for years with block and tackle rigs and on this date the mechanic patented his new invention, the compound hunting bow. H. W. Allen was from Kansas City and Billings, MO.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.