Margaret McCulla Allen, 1859-1928

ALLEN, MCCULLA

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/22/2009 at 07:23:03

Obituary of Mrs. G. C. Allen

Margaret McCulla Allen was born at New Oregon, Iowa, March 30, 1859. She was one of a large family of children of whom one sister only, Mrs. H. H. Cook, survives her. Early in life her family moved to Dickinson county. At that time all northwest Iowa was sparsely settled, Estherville having only 136 inhabitants. Though located in the county west of here, Estherville was always their home town.

Teaching was her native vocation and when but 14 years old she conducted a select school during the summer. The following year she was offered a position in the Estherville school, but owing to her extreme youth, and on the advice of her father, she declined the offer but continued to teach in the district schools until about a year after her marriage to George C. Allen which occurred September 3, 1876. Their family consisted of one son, Kirtland, who has resided in Estherville all his life, and together with whom she has been actively associated in the publication of the Estherville Enterprise during the past 15 years.

In her earlier life Mrs. Allen was active in various social and public interests. Soon after her marriage she united with the Methodist church and assisted in the organization of the first Ladies Aid Society in the local church. She was also interested in the Sunday school and a constant attendant at the services, and often present at the social gatherings.

One of the early organizations of the town was the "Monday Club", of which she was a member. When it seemed wise to terminate this club there was a small amount of money on hand, and as she was the treasurer of the club it seemed to devolve upon her to suggest some disposition of the funds. It was decided to invest this money in books. There were not many to begin with, but the number grew until the Carnegie Library was built and these books formed the nucleus of the present library.

Mrs. Allen has been active in this locality all of her life. Much of the time she has been associated with her husband who has also been engaged in public activities, as post master, county auditor, and publishing interests. In this capacity she has proven a capable advisor and successful associate.

She passed away Thursday evening [March 22, 1928].

Over a week before Mrs. Allen passed away she realized the end was soon. Her mind was clear on every subject and she arranged in detail what was to transpire after the end came. She indicated in what part of the Oak Hill cemetery she desired her last resting place. At her request the services were to be held at the home of her son. Her pastor, the Rev. Chipperfield, and Rev. Davies, pastor to her son's family, were to officiate.

The family carried out in every detail the wishes of the wife and mother.

Source: Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, March 28, 1928.