George C. Allen, 1852-1944

ALLEN

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 7/28/2006 at 07:17:24

ALLEN, George C.

One by one these faithful old pioneers have been departing from our midst. They have served their time in building up one of the finest little cities in the northwest, and they have served the city community well.

Their jobs as pioneers were hard ones. The early days here were full of hardships. Those who came before the railroads knew of those days of grief. They braved the hardships George C. Allen was one of these young pioneers who braved the hardships of establishing himself in a new country. When he was nineteen years of age he left his home in Maumee (now Toledo), Ohio and went with a sister to Beardstown, Ill., to make his home. He was dissatisfied with the country and was homesick. He returned home in a few months. It was not long before the call of the wilderness came again and he with his older brother, Frank, came to Fort Dodge. He entered the shoe business there and was satisfied.

His brother Frank still wanted to go farther into a new country and went scouting for a new location. Frank returned to Fort Dodge and easily persuaded his brother to move to Estherville. They packed their stock in a wagon and arrived here on the 12th day of August, 1871. They established a store in a little log cabin building that stood on a lot at about the west side of the Donovan Motor Co. At that time all of the business was on that street.

Later they erected a frame building on a lot where the Crawford store is now located. Frank Allen studied law and commenced the practice. Later in 1886 George Allen entered the service of the old B. C. R. & N. R. R. as ticket agent. For ten years he served in this capacity and became known as one of the best ticket agents in the northwest. He was elected to the office of county auditor and left the railway service. He served as auditor for ten years. He then formed a partnership with his son. At the end of five years he was appointed to the office of postmaster.

During the time he was in office he was able to obtain a congressional grant for a post office here. When the government submitted plans for the building he indicated he was not satisfied with the plans and finally obtained the present post office. He assisted in drawing the plans for the new building and later supervised the construction. He served as postmaster for seven years.

On retiring in 1913 from the office he and his son purchased the Enterprise. In 1914 the plant was lost by fire. In two weeks they were again operating on their own machinery. Fourteen years ago Mr. Allen was injured when struck by an auto. His limb was badly fractured and he was confined to a hospital for ten months. He returned to the office after his recovery by has never been active, but was present every day to the last.

George C. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McCulla September 3, 1876. To this union there was one son born, George K. Allen. Mrs. Allen passed away March 22, 1928.

One the arrival of Mr. Allen in Estherville he being interested in sports induced the men of Estherville to organize a ball team. There were not many more men here than it took to keep nine men in action. The team was known as the Northern Blizzards. They were a real ball team. For four years they played without defeat. They traveled to Algona to the east and to Worthington to the west and played all comers within a radius of 50 miles. All of the trips were made by wagon. Mr. Allen was also interested in hunting, fishing, and was a great lover of horses.

He was a member of the Methodist church, the I.O.O.F., the K. of P's, and the Elks. At one time he was a very active member in these organizations. Before his death he was happy and proud to know that the business he established contained members of his family into the fourth generation. He felt that not many organizations had four generations of interested in the business.

He is survived by one son, Geo. K. Allen; two grandchildren, Margaret of Des Moines and Herbert of this city, and four great grandchildren.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the home of his son at two o'clock, the Rev. F. W. Ortmeyer officiating. Interment was made in the Oak Hill cemetery.

Source: Unknown.

Contributor Note: the year date of 1942 is penciled on this obituary