George Eugene Allen 1886-1944

ALLEN ELLYSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 1/30/2011 at 18:49:28

Onawa Democrat
23 November 1944

Atty. George E. Allen Died Here Monday Morning
Well Known and Popular Onawa Attorney Ill Only A Week When Death Called
Le Located in Onawa in January of 1915 and Since Then has Been Engaged in the Practice of Law.

Geo. E. Allen, one of Monona County’s most popular attorneys, passed away at his home on West Pearl Street, Monday morning at 3 o’clock, following an illness on only a week.

In the death of Mr. Allen, Onawa and Monona County in general has lost one of her most prominent leaders in civic, political, lodge and church affairs. A man who seemingly never tired in those things that he felt his duty to do and accomplish. He possessed many rare talents, among them being his faith in the goodness of mankind; his deep obligation to church and lodge; his unselfish sacrifice in both money and labor to the betterment of the community in which he dwelled and loved. It was easy for George to forget and forgive the many little unhappiness’s which occur through the life of a public man. He lined a place in the community which was envied by many other men; men who admired how-ever George Allen for his stand on public and political affairs as he seen them and bravely fought for them.

The editor of the Democrat feels a keen loss in the death of Mr. Allen, for it was our good privilege to be the next door business neighbor to him for a number of years as our offices joined. It was because of this close relationship that we had learned to know and respect him as a worthy man and a good neighbor. The many little things that Mr. Allen did for us so willingly will never be forgotten. Yes, they were little courtesies, but they showed plainly the willingness of George to always do more. Yes, indeed we will miss his daily visits in our office and ours in his, and we like to think with the poet who wrote : “Now that his Day is Through.”

George Eugene Allen, the son of Phillip and Mary June Rulon Allen, was born near the town of Delevan, Illinois, October 27, 1886. The family moved in an early day to near the town of West Branch, Iowa. He received his high school education and graduated from the public Schools at Nevade, Iowa. After finishing his high school training, he attended Coe College University of Iowa, and the University of Chicago where he finished his law course. He began the practice of law in 1914 when he was admitted to the Bar.

On June 12, 1912 he married Hilda Ellyson who resided near West Branch, Iowa and to this union three children were born, Sewell E. Allen, now serving with the Armed Forces in Italy; Phillip A. Allen with the U.S. Navy and a married daughter Hermoine G. Baker, who is at home.

For nearly thirty years Mr. Allen had been a resident here, having opened his practice in this city on January 1st, 1915.

He had served out town and county in many official capacities, having been county attorney, member and president of the local school board. County Red Cross Chairman; and held high offices in the Masonic Eastern Star and Odd Fellow Lodges.

He belonged to the Methodist church where he was a faithful member. Besides taking part in these activities he also was a member of the Commercial Club and was prominent in the Democratic Party, having during the recent campaign served as the County Chairman.

He is survived by his widow, two sons, one daughter and four grandchildren.