Hilda Ellyson Allen 1887-1956

ALLEN ELLYSON

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/17/2011 at 19:50:05

Onawa Democrat
29 December 1956

Mother of Atty. Sewell E. Allen Died December 19

Mrs. Hilda Ellyson Allen Died At The Home Of Her Daughter, Mrs. Hermione A. Baker in Long Beach, California. Funeral Services Were Held At The Methodist Church In Onawa, December 22nd.

She is survived by two sons, Atty. Sewell Allen of Onawa and Philip A. Allen of Omaha and one daughter, Mrs. Hermione Baker of Long Beach, Calif.

Hilda Ellyson Allen, widow of the late Geo. E. Allen, Onawa lawyer, was born on a farm near West Branch, Iowa, July 1, 1887, a daughter of Sewell and Ermma Ellyson. She attended the Honey Grove country school and West Branch High School and entered the State University of Iowa after teaching one year in a rural school. She graduated with the Class of 1910 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

She then taught in the Osage High School two years until her marriage, June 12, 1912, at her home near West Branch. There-after, the couple lived in Iowa City during her husband’s senior year at the University College of Law. Her son, Sewell e. Allen, was born in Iowa City in 1913.

The Allens then moved to Mitchell, South Dakota, where Mr. Allen was a high school teacher and thereafter, to Moville where Mr. Allen practiced law and published a newspaper. Hilda Allen came to Onawa in 1915 with her family when her husband entered the practice of law with Judge John F. Oliver. Their son, Philip A. Allen was born in that year, daughter Hermione A. Baker was born in 1917.

Upon the death of her husband in 1944, Mrs. Allen attended Kansas State College to complete her professional qualifications. She then taught in the Blencoe, Whiting and Missouri Valley High Schools until her retirement in 1953. She spent her remaining years in Long Beach, California, where she continued her activities in creative writing and her interest in political affairs.

Hilda Allen was a leader in the community, a member of many societies and fraternal organizations and a person of service and inspiration wherever she was.

She campaigned for Women’s suffrage and was elected a member of the Onawa School Board. She was a member of the Onawa Library Board for many years and served as president of Onawa Women’s Club. She was active in Democrat Party Politics.

She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Utile Dulce, W.S.C.S. Business and Professional Women’s Club Writer’s Club, D.A.R., Rebekah and PEO.

She was a member of the Onawa Methodist Church and for the dedication of the new church building, she helped write the history of the Onawa Methodist Church and participated in the ceremonies.

During the Second World War, Hilda Allen was the American Red Cross Home Service Secretary for Monona County. Her services were volunteered and generously given.

Hilda Allen died in Long Beach, California, Wednesday, December 19, 1956 after three days in the Long Beach Community Hospital. She had been living since her retirement at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence P. Baler. She frequently visited in Onawa and at Omaha in the home of her son, Phil.

She is survived by her son, Sewell E. Allen, Onawa lawyer; her son, Philip A. Allen, Omaha; Television News Commentator; her daughter, Hermione A. Baker, Public School Counselor of Long Beach, California; her brothers, Chester and Austin Ellyson of West Branch, Iowa. She also is survived by seven grandchildren.

Hilda Allen was gifted with a strong intellect and a vivid and creative imagination. She wrote and spoke fluently and used her talents in public service. She was tolerant and considerate of the rights and dignity of everyone.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 22nd at 2:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Onawa with Rev. E.E. Pencook conducting the services.

Evan Davies sang “Dear Lord and Father” and “The Lord’s Prayer” accompanied by Mrs. Clara Kelley.

Bearers were Robert Underhill, John Beardsley, Patrick Morrow, James Cooper, Robert and Elbert Prichard. Interment was in the Onawa Cemetery. Pearson Funeral Home in charge.