Allen, Baley A.

ALLEN, BARNES, ADAMS

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 11/28/2012 at 10:38:00

Baley A. Allen, whose time and attention are devoted t the further development and improvement of his farm in Union township, was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, on the 8th of February, 1863. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah J. (Barnes) Allen, natives of Kentucky. The father, who was a farmer, migrated from his native state of Indiana, where he resided until about 1852, when he removed to Mahaska county, where he was living at the time of his demise, which occurred on the 12th of December, 1904. The mother still survives and continues to make her home in Union township. He affiliated with the Christian church, of which Mrs. Allen is a member, and was for many years a deacon in same, while fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order. He voted the democratic ticket and always took a great deal of interest in all educational matters and for many years served as a school director, during a large portion of which time he was treasurer of the board. In the order of birth their children were as follows: William L.; and Mary A. and Martha J., both of whom are deceased; Isam T., who is a resident of Union township; Joseph R., deceased; Baley A., our subject and Irvin C., who is living in Union township.
The boyhood and youth of Baley A. Allen were very similar to those of other farm lads, who early become familiar with the lighter duties and labors of the agriculturist, during which time he was also pursuing his education in the district schools. He remained upon the old homestead until he was thirty-two years of age, during the latter portion of which time he was associated with his father in the cultivation of the fields. Later he rented the property continuing its operation until he located upon one hundred and sixty acres which he had inherited and upon which he has ever since resided. He as made all of the improvements upon his place, which is now one of the best improved and cultivated farms in Union township.
Mr. Allen was married on the 1st of January, 1892, to Miss Clara Adams, a daughter of Clark and Mary Frances (Gates) Adams, who were pioneer residents of the Iowa but natives of Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state on the 18th of January, 1846, removing from there to Iowa, where Mr. Adams engaged in farming and stock-raising. He later went to New Sharon, Mahaska county, where he conducted a restaurant. After his retirement he settled in Lorenz, this state, where he passed away on the 1st of January 1908. Mrs. Adams had preceded him many years, her demised occurring in August, 1867. Mr. Adams was a man of liberal views and helpful sprit, a member of the Universalist church and the socialist party. He was also a Mason and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Allen was born in New Sharon, Mahaska county, this state, on the 25th of June, 1866, and by her marriage she as become the mother of one child, Celoa Belle, whose birth occurred on the 11th of January, 1893.
Mr. Allen holds membership in the Christian church, while his wife belongs to the Methodist church, and is also affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. He generally votes for the candidates of the democratic party but in local affairs is independent. He is not an aspirant to public honors or the emoluments of office, and, therefore, devotes his energies to his personal interests.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911
Pages 135-136