Allison, John 1860-1940

ALLISON

Posted By: Tom Baack-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/17/2014 at 04:59:09

Le Mars Semi Weekly Sentinel March 12, 1940

Death Claims John Allison Early Settler
Came To Le Mars When A Boy Nine Years Of Age

John Allison, 79, resident of Plymouth county since boyhood, died at his home, 834 First Avenue SE, Friday, March 7. Mr. Allison has been in failing health the past year and of late was attacked by a serious illness which precluded recovery.

Born near Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, September 29, 1860, John Allison was early left an orphan and when a lad came to America in 1869 with his uncle, James Alderson, who was one of the early settlers in Elgin township near Seney. He received a limited schooling in the primitive school of the neighborhood and worked on the farm for his uncle.

Attaining young manhood he rented a piece of land, farming on his own account. A few years later he bought a farm in section one adjoining the Elliott Bros. farm and made his home there until 1902 when he sold the place and bought the farm two miles north of town known as Mount Pleasant farm where he built up a model farm home.

John Allison was married to Annie Smithurst, a native of Derbyshire, England, in 1885. She died in 1893 and a few years later he married her sister, Miss Eleanor Smithurst. Mr. Allison leaves to mourn his death three daughters and two sons, Mrs. Henry Remer (Clara J.), of America township, Mrs. Will Hodgson (Sarah), of Stanton township, Mrs. G. R. Bowers (Loretta L.), of Merrill, Arthur Allison and Oscar Allison, of Le Mars, and sixteen grandchildren.

A son, John J. Allison, of Winnebago, Minn., was burned to death in an automobile accident in 1934 and a daughter, Noretta Annie, died in infancy.

While living in Le Mars Mr. Allison made three trips to England and the continent of Europe, the last trip about four years ago.

Was Successful Farmer

Starting on his own resources Mr. Allison made a success of life by thrift, industry and good management. Gifted with common sense, he had the knack of appreciating values at their worth.

He was a good husband and father and a neighbor whose qualities were appreciated by many. He was affiliated with the Methodist church and helped in the building of three church in Le Mars, contributing liberally in accordance with his means. He was a member of the order of Odd Fellows for many years.

Funeral Held Sunday

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from the residence at 2 o'clock and services were conducted at the First Methodist church with a large number in attendance. Rev. W. M. Hubbard, the pastor, paid a fitting tribute to the departed.

The funeral services at the First Methodist church Sunday afternoon were attended by a large number of friends and neighbors. The pallbearers were Charles Walker, Charles Langendorfer, Chris Miller, Henry Grimjes, Joe Britt and Wm. Rees. Honorary pall bearers were Wm. Begg, George W. Hoefs, T. C. Parker, John Cooper, Richard Winter and M. F. Brodie.

Among the relatives and friends from out-of-town who attended the funeral were L. J. Coombs, Mrs. Dora Allison and Marvel, Betty and Ronald Allison of Red Oak, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Vickery, Miss Fern Allison and Wayne Foss of Winnebago, Minn., Walter Brunhaver and family of Sheldon, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lippke and Miss Frances Lippke of Cherokee.