Allen, Eli W. 1840-1908

ALLEN, PARVIN, MCDONALD, BLACK

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/18/2010 at 06:49:04

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) Aug. 4, 1908

ELI ALLEN

Eli W. Allen was born in Mooresville, Ind., January 13, 1840, came to Iowa in 1856 and settled at Blue Point, near Grinnell. He enlisted in Company E, Fourth Iowa cavalry, at Grinnell, on the 28th of September, 1861, was discharged at Vicksburg, December 13, 1863, re-enlisted in the same company the next day and was finally discharged at Atlanta, Ga., on August 8, 1865. He was married August 27, 1865 at Muscatine, Iowa, to Miss Matilda Parvin. They moved immediately after their marriage to Grinnell, where they made their home during the greatest portion of their lives. There were born to this union four children, two of whom died in early life, and two survive, Frank Allen of Valley Junction, Iowa, and Mrs. Ella McDonald of Dillon, Montana.

Mr. Allen went to the Soldiers' Home in Marshalltown April 13 last, and died of heart failure July 28, 1908. He is survived by his companion, son and daughter, two brothers and four sisters.

He was a man of very genial makeup, idolized by the members of his immediate family, loved by relatives, esteemed by friends and universally respected by all who knew him. He was a sincere, devout Christian and died in the faith of the gospel.

His military service especially deserves perpetual memory and gratitude. His company and regiment were memorable for their hardships in 1861 and 1862, for their achievements at the siege of Vicksburg, on their Meridian raid and by the aid of the Third Iowa cavalry and a colored regiment, for saving Sturgis' army from annihilation in the Guntown disaster. We would never forget one incident in Mr. Allen's personal experience. One hundred twenty men were sent out to obstruct the road leading into Vicksburg. Suddenly 600 Confederates dashed in between them and their camp. Every man in charge of a Howitzer was killed or wounded. Eli Allen and Henry Black of Grinnell saw it. In the utmost peril they lingered to disable the gun; then they ducked away to their comrades.

"Now," shouted Major Parkell, "it is Andersonville or cut through those three lines of rebels to camp." The little group rushed upon those lines. A few went through them. Eli Allen and Henry Black, among heroic men, were the heroes of that hour.