Allfree, Abraham K. 1826-1916

ALLFREE, PHELPS, PHILLIPS, YOST, MC GOVERN

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 1/31/2005 at 19:13:53

A. K. Allfree Died at Son's Home Monday
Death Result of Paralytic Stroke Saturday Night.
Funeral Tomorrow
Was One of Jasper County's Best Known Early Pioneers
Bought Land in Sherman Township in 1857 and has Lived There Ever Since

A. K. Allfree, one of the most honorable citizens of Jasper county, passed away last evening at the home of his son, Henry I. Allfree, in Sherman township. His death came as the result of a paralytic stroke which he suffered last Saturday evening. The funeral will be held at the son's home tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock.

Mr. Allfree was eighty years old. He had been in failing health for the past year, altho he was not really during that time. Saturday morning he mentioned feeling better than usual, but at the supper table he said that he was tired. The paralytic stroke came upon him about seven o'clock. He did not regain consciousness before his death.

He is survived by his wife, two children, Henry I. and Mrs. Clara Phelps of Metz, also by two brothers, J. W. Allfree of this city and another brother in Pennsylvania, and one sister, Mrs. Tom Phillips of Newton who lives with her daughter, Mrs. W. F. Yost.

Mr. Allfree was born in Pennsylvania in 1826. There when still a young man he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia McGovern. In 18??, they started west in a covered wagon and their experiences of that trip would make a very interesting book. Iowa was the ideal of their journey when they left their native state. But they stopped one year in Ohio and one year in Illinois. When in Illinois they united with a Methodist church.

After the year in Illinois they came on to Iowa, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sherman township. That has been their home ever sine, altho it is now owned by their son, Henry I. Allfree.

Mr. Allfree was modest, retiring sort of man, who had a habit of attending strictly to his own business. He was a firm friend and a helpful neighbor, and was respected by the entire community of the type of those who raise the quality of the masses, he left the world better than he found it, because of his life and influence among those who knew him best. ~ Newton Daily News July 18, 1916