Floyd Allen was born on July 5, 1856, in Carroll County, Virginia, specifically in the area of Cana. He grew up in a prominent family that owned a lot of farmland and a general store. His family was known as proud members of the Southern Democrats and were active in local politics. Floyd had a brother named Sidna, and both of them had legal licenses to produce alcohol.

Though Floyd was known for being generous, he also had a quick temper. He was easily offended, and this trait led him to be involved in several violent confrontations. For example, he was involved in the killing of a black man in North Carolina who was allegedly hunting on his property. He also had disputes with law enforcement, including an incident where he beat a police officer and shot a cousin during a family argument.

In May 1889, Floyd's brothers Garland and Sidna faced charges for carrying concealed weapons and assaulting a group of thirteen men. Floyd himself was indicted for assault that same year, but the charges were dropped later. The Allen family's reputation in the community was mixed; they held considerable political power, but many locals saw Floyd as a dangerous man. Judge Robert C. Jackson described him as overbearing and brutal, noting that witnesses often feared testifying against him.

Floyd had a complicated relationship with his family as well. He was involved in a gunfight with his brother Jasper over their father's estate, which resulted in injuries to both men. Despite this, they continued to hold political influence and were involved in law enforcement activities. In 1908, Floyd and a relative, Henry, faced charges for unlawful assault against prisoners, but they received a light sentence after petitioning for clemency.

As time went on, Floyd's life was marked by conflict both at home and in his community. His family, despite their history of violence, managed to maintain their political power. However, shifts in Virginia’s judicial system began to reduce local influence in court matters. This changing landscape would soon set the stage for more confrontations that would change the course of many lives, including Floyd's.

In December 1910, a fight broke out in Hillsville between Wesley Edwards and Will Thomas over a girl. Wesley's brother Sidna joined him, and both were charged with several offenses. To avoid arrest, they fled to North Carolina, but were eventually apprehended by law enforcement and transported back to Carroll County. While being taken to court, Floyd Allen intervened. He attempted to help his nephews escape and ended up fighting with Deputy Sheriff Thomas Samuels. During the struggle, Floyd injured Samuels, and the Edwards brothers were released.

Floyd was later indicted for assault and other charges. He testified before a grand jury, acknowledging that he had roughed up Samuels but denied any intention to free the brothers completely. Amid political tensions following an election, the prosecution sought to hold Floyd accountable. As tensions rose around the trial, rumors circulated that Floyd had threatened a deputy, prompting many officials to arm themselves in fear of retaliation from the Allen family.

On March 13, 1912, Floyd stood trial. During the proceedings, the jury was unable to reach an immediate verdict, and they were held overnight for deliberation. When the jury returned a guilty verdict, Floyd threatened Judge Thornton Massie. In response, the judge sentenced him to one year in prison. Following the sentencing, chaos erupted in the courtroom. Accounts vary regarding who fired first, but a shootout ensued between the Allens and court officials, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Judge Massie, Commonwealth's Attorney William Foster, Sheriff Webb, and two jurors were killed in the crossfire. Additionally, several others were injured, including Floyd himself, who was shot and unable to flee the scene. After the shooting, Floyd was found hiding in a hotel. He attempted to take his own life but was stopped by the sheriff's deputies.

The aftermath of the courtroom shooting led to a massive manhunt for Floyd and other members of his family. Many were captured, but others fled. The state of Virginia called in detectives to help find those involved in the violence.

Eventually, Floyd Allen was tried for the murders of the officials killed in the courthouse shooting. The trial proceedings revealed evidence of potential conspiracy and weapons purchases leading up to the courtroom chaos. Floyd and his close relatives were found guilty, receiving different sentences, with Floyd and his son Claude receiving death sentences by electrocution.

Floyd Allen was executed on March 28, 1913. His family members also faced convictions for their roles in the incident, resulting in a range of prison sentences. The events of that day left a lasting impact on Carroll County, leading to changes in law enforcement and the judicial system in the region.