Alline, Alfred A. 1831-1923

ALLINE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/29/2010 at 17:48:49

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, June 5, 1923

HONORED WAR VETERAN
PAY TRIBUTE TO MEMORY OF DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
A. A. ALLINE WAS A FEARLESS AMERICAN
His Name Was Thoroughly Identified with the History of the City of LeMars Where He Played a Leading Role for Fifty Years

A. A. Alline, a pioneer of LeMars, and one of the oldest residents of the county, died at his home on Thursday evening after a week’s illness. Mr. Alline had lived in retirement the past five years owing to physical ailments consequent on old age. He retained his mental facilities until the last, his mind being alert and active as it always was during his long life. At the end he passed away peacefully, suffering no pain, and finally fell into his last sleep. He was nearly ninety-two years of age.

During his declining years he as most faithfully cared for by his devoted wife, who ministered to his every wish with assiduous care and constant attention.

Alfred A. Alline was born on October 6, 1831, at Addison, Washington county, Maine, where he was educated and grew up. At the outset of his career he went to Boston where he was engaged in business for several years. Attracted by the glamour of the West, he came to Iowa and engaged in farming in Black Hawk County.

When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in the First Iowa Cavalry and under Fremont’s command marched to Springfield, Mo. He served from June 13, 1861, until September, 1864, when the regiment was mustered out. He saw considerable service and was wounded in the leg during a hot skirmish in Arkansas.

After leaving the Army, Mr. Alline lived in Waterloo for three or four years and in 1868 came to this county, which was his home the rest of his life. On coming to Plymouth County he exercised a soldier’s right to a homestead and located on Section 14, in America township. When he arrived here, there was no railroad to this point.

Mr. Alline studied law after the war and was admitted to the bar. In early days he was a member of the law firm of Amos & Alline, and later for a number of years he was in the land and insurance business with A.M. Duus and continued in that business for himself until his retirement from business life.

Mr. Alline had the honor of being the first marshal of the town of LeMars after its incorporation. He served in the office under the administration of C. P. Woodard and A. A. Lawrence. He also served as mayor of the city in 1893 and 1894 and was always active in the counsels of the republican party. He held the office of justice of the peace for more than twenty-five years. His regular return at each election to this important position is regarded an evidence in which people held him, being assured of his honor and integrity, his knowledge of law, and a square deal regardless of personal predictions.

Mr. Alline was a member of the G. A. R. and was several times commander of Mower Post and was always active in seeing that the survivors of the Civil War conflict, when in need, and the widows of those who sacrificed their lives, were awarded some measure of compensation from a grateful people. Mr. Alline was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

The life of Squire Alline is a part of the history of LeMars. He was a strong virile man. He was respected by friends and enemies alike on account of his fearless and outspoken attitude on all questions.

One of the tributes, often heard to his character, is the fact that in his official capacity, he was absolutely four square, and in the court of justice, impartial and cool-headed, and in early tempestuous days, was never swerved by the clamor of the mob, or by those who attempted fro their own ends, to thwart or direct the path of justice. Well informed and up with the times the squire could discourse on various subjects and was a pleasant social comparison. In the pioneer days he was a true sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing in those days.

Mr. Alline is survived by the children of his first wife. They are Ernest Alline, of Marion, Mrs. Bertha Fellows, of Northampton, and Mrs. Percival Wraight, of New Orleans, La., and by his devoted wife.

The funeral was held on Saturday from the late home and was attended by members of the G.A.R., W.R.C., the American Legion, and by the members of the Masonic fraternity.

At the home Rev. A. W. Miles conducted a brief Episcopal service, and at the grave side the Masons paid honor to his memory.

The body, covered with the flag for which he fought, was escorted to its last resting place by old comrades and by a guard of honor composed of youths who served in the World War and taps were sounded in memory of one who for more than fifty years was a vital figure in the community of LeMars. Mayor Winslow read a brief tribute to the deceased:

A. A. Alline, our deceased comrade whom we have come here to pay tribute today, was an early settler in this community. He located a homestead on section 14-92-45 in what now constitutes America township. He came here in 1869, driving across the country with two yoke of oxen from Waterloo, Iowa, and the first season broke up about ten acres of homestead.

He was always a prominent citizen, always working for the best interests of his city. In early days he practiced law, and at one time was a member of the law firm Amos & Alline.

He was engaged in the real estate and insurance business; he also served as city marshal, was elected mayor of LeMars in 1894 and served one term. He was elected justice of the peace for several terms. He was always fair in his dealings with his fellow men and was an upright and respected citizen.

Mr. Alline was widely known throughout the county and surrounding territory; was a staunch republican, and was always found standing for law and order.

W. F. Freeman, a life long friend of the deceased, speaking on behalf of the G.A.R. Post said:

“For over fifty years he has been my friend and comrade. I shall miss him. For years he was the commander of the G.A.R. post here. His place in our ranks can never be filled.

It was such men as Alfred A. Alline that made the United States the greatest nation on earth.

His honesty and integrity were never questioned either in public or private life. He loved his country for which he gave the best years of his life. He loved his city and his home.

He leaves to mourn him his wife and three children. His heroic wife has been a ministering angel to him. No greater heroism was ever displayed on the battlefield than that given by this noble woman who cared for our deceased comrade during his declining years. His children who survive him are Earnest Alline, of Marion, Ohio, Mrs. Bertha Fellows, of New York, Mrs. Katherine Wraight, of New Orleans.

Our comrade has followed this flag which covers his casket many times to the cemetery at the last rites of our deceased comrades, who have gone before.

Alfred A. Alline was a patriotic genuine 100 per cent American. What more need I say?”