William Gilmer Allen (1816-1890)

ALLEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 1/24/2016 at 10:31:10

From Nevada Representative September 3, 1890

--Wm. V. Allen of Madison, Nebraska, a resident of Nevada when a boy, was in attendance at the funeral of his uncle, Wm. G. Allen, last Saturday. Mr. Allen is a successful lawyer.

On the same page:

W. G. Allen.

W. G. Allen, whose death, after an illness of several months, occurred last Thursday morning, Aug. 28th, 1890, was born in Madison county, Ohio, Aug. 26th, 1816. In the spring of 1856 he came to Iowa and located in Story county. His home has been principally in Nevada though part of the time he has lived on a farm south of town, and for while was engaged in mercantile business at Ontario. He was a one time Nevada's postmaster and for four years held the office of county surveyor. He was a professional surveyor having followed the calling many years, both in Ohio and this state. His knowledge of the county's physical features was large; and his acquaintance with its people, especially with its earlier settlers, extensive. His History of the county based on this knowledge and acquaintanceship contains many facts of interest concerning the early development of the county, and is a work some considerable merit. Mr. Allen was a man of positive opinions and frequently at variance with his fellow citizens on the current topics of the times. He was, however, conscientious in his convictions and commanded the respect of all who knew him. He was one of our oldest settlers and his death removes a historic man of this locality. His funeral was held Saturday at the M. E. church, the Rev. W. W. Danner assisted by Rev. Mr. Ferguson, conducting the service. His son, "Charlie," is the only surviving member of the family to whom should be and no doubt will be extended as the ward the practical sympathy of the entire community.

SUBMITTER'S NOTE: This submitter suspects, based on the last sentence of the obituary and the fact that Charles H. Allen died at what was then called the Story County Poor Farm at the age of only 54, that Charles H. "Charlie" Allen was what is today called mentally handicapped or "special needs."