Mary M. (Buel) Allen (1826-1886)

BUEL, ALLEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 1/29/2011 at 20:56:38

From Story County Watchman July 2, 1886

DIED.--On Sunday morning last at her residence in Nevada, Mrs. W. G. Allen. She has been a resident in this place for about 30 years, and as one of the oldest residents is well known.

Mary M. Buel was born Sept. 26, 1856, near St. Albion, Franklin county, Vt. When young her parents moved to Ohio. When 16 years old she attached herself to the M. E. Church, and on the 18th of Dec. 1845, she was married to W. G. Allen at Mt. Sterling, Ohio.--nearly 41 years ago. She and her husband and two children left Ohio, and came to Story county, Iowa, April 25th, 1856, since which time they have resided in this place. A former history of Story county says: "The Methodist Society at Nevada was organized at the house of J. W. Cessna, who lived where the Hutchins House now stands, and the sever names then enlisted on the roll were those of E. G. Day and wife, Mrs. Cessna, M. Pettibone, Mrs. Warren, Mrs. W. G. Allen, and Mrs. Kellogg. This was about the last of May, 1856, which was the original organization of the M. E. Church at this place. She remained a Methodist up to her death. She was made a life member of the Missionary society of the M. E. Church in Ohio, and was an active useful worker here in the Sabbath school until her health failed her, and was a warm advocate for temperance, and president for time of the W. C. T. U. at Nevada. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Jeffry on Tuesday last, and the remains laid at rest in our beautiful cemetery, there to await the call to a higher and nobler life, followed by a concourse of our citizens.

From Story County Watchman July 23, 1886

IN MEMORIAM.--At rest in the "House of many Mansions," June 27th, 1896, Mrs. Mary W. Allen, in the 60th year of her age.

Mrs. Mary W. Buel-Allen was born Sept. 26th, 1826, at St. Albans, Vt. In her early girlhood, her parent emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, and from thence to Pickaway county, Ohio. Early in the year 1845 she united with the M. E. Church at Sterling, Ohio, and in December following united in marriage to Wm. G. Allen. While yet in Ohio Mrs. Allen was made a Life Member of the Missionary Society of the M. E. Church. In April of 1856, she with her husband and two sons, sought a home in Iowa, and located in Story county. The greater portion of her earthly life thenceforward was passed in Nevada.

Unlike many others coming west at that early day she did not forget that the religion of Christ was still a part of her life and work, and that his presence was needed in her new home as well as in the old, so within a month after her arrival in Nevada, she with six others pledged anew their faith in Christ and organized a M. E. society--said organization is now in point of member the largest in the town. Although a member of the M. E. Church from her early womanhood, she was liberal in all her religious opinions, and recognized the Christ life in those of other denominations. Every society that had for its object the lifting of fallen humanity to a higher plane of thought and life, found in Sister Allen a worthy and devoted supporter. She was in every sense of the word a searcher for truth and right, and when she had found these pearls, no power could wrest them from her or her from her purpose. Storm or sunshine, winter's cold or summer's heat never kept her from her post. Trials, difficulties and discouragements that would hve deterred others were no obstacles to her for she knew in whom she trusted and the right would win. Were a brother or sister maligned, none more ready than sister Allen to defend even though she herself must suffer in the defence.

She was a constant attendant on the services of the church and the sunday school and to her untiring devotion and activity their success was largely due, and very many souls through her ministrations have been led into a better life.--She was a firm believer in equal rights for all, and in many ways proved her faith by her work. Always a devoted friend of temperance she never hesitated to defend and promulgate its principles; and when that wondrous wave--the Woman's crusade--swept our land with a tornados' force, sister Allen was among the first to catch the inspiration and battle "for God and Home and Native Land," and when a W. C. T. U. was organized in Nevada she was elected its President and held the position so long as that orgnization existed. After she asked that some one else serve in her place while she would enter rank and file; but the members agreed that Sister Allen's place in the organization was at its head. During the many months in which Iowa was struggling for Constitutional Prohibition she never faltered, but with every opportunity talked, exhorted and prayed every one to be at his post and defend the right.

The sick, and poor and helpless always found her ready to minister to their wants for her woman's heart felt the sorrows of others keenly and she sought by every means within her power to lighten their burdens. Her deeds of kindness were done in a quiet manner; but He who notes the sparrow's fall knows it all and Sister Allen has laid aside the cross of earth for the cross of Heaven.

Amid her busy outside life, home duties were not neglected and the devoted wife and loving mother made home the better and brighter by her cheery and pleasant grace.

About four weeks prior to her departure, at her request, a few friends commemorated with her around her bedside, the Saviors' love, by partaking of the emblems of His broken body and shed blood.

For many months she was an intense sufferer but she bore her pain with fortitude and patience yet longing for her release. She fully realized when the hour of her departure was at hand. On Saturday evening, June 26th, she bade her friends, husband and son an affectionate good bye. Her parting words can be best expressed in the language of Alice Cary:

"I am weary. Oh, how weary!
And would rest a little while;
Let your kind looks be my blessing,
And your last good night a smile.

"For while yet the stars are lying
In the grey lap of the dawn,
On my long and solemn journey
I shall be awake and gone.

"Far from mortal pain and sorrow
And from passion's stormy swell,
Knocking at the golden gateway
Of the eternal citadel."

When Sabbath morning dawned, the Everlasting Gates had opened for her and Sister Allen entered into Rest.

MRS. E. J. POTTER, Denver, Colorado