Allen, Charles K.

ALLEN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/26/2021 at 14:42:06

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.598

CHARLES K. ALLEN
C. K. Allen, a progressive, public-spirited farmer residing on section 18, Greenfield Township, has been prominently identified with the early growth and development of the county, dating his residence here since 1856. He was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, September 29, 1829. There he grew to manhood’s estate, receiving his education in the common and select schools of the locality. In Massachusetts he was married to Sara Jane Judd, a daughter of Ardon Judd, who was a cousin of Orange Judd. Mrs. Allen was born, reared and educated in Berkshire County.
Two years after their marriage, in 1856, they removed to Iowa and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Linn Township, Warren County. The place had some slight improvement including a small house in fairly good condition. Mr. Allen set about the work of cultivating the soil and the raising of crops, in which he was ably aided by the character of the land under cultivation, which yielded him generous returns and enabled him to add further necessary improvements. During the winter months Mr. Allen followed the vocation of teaching, in which he first engaged in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, thus supplementing the income from his farm by his earnings as a teacher. In all he taught in Iowa two terms before the war and one term since. Eventually he sold his one hundred and twenty acre tract and bought his present place of one hundred and sixty acres, where he has since made his home. The place was practically undeveloped at the time of his acquiring it, but through the practical experience he had gained in the development of his first place he was soon able to put this farm on a paying basis, and later built a large, substantial residence, together with a barn, granaries, cribs and sheds for the shelter of his produce and stock. On another portion of the farm he built a house and barn for his son, together with the necessary outbuildings. In connection with general farming Mr. Allen has found a remunerative source of income in the fattening of hogs. He has also fattened out some beef stock.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born four children, three of whom are now living. Alfred G. owns and operates a farm adjoining that of his father. He is married and has three children. Edgar is in partnership with his brother. He is also married and has one child. A daughter, Bertha G., is the wife of C. P. Huff, a professor of music in Des Moines. Gordon B. died at the age of two and one-half years.
On September 10, 1904, was the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Allen, and their children and friends celebrated the occasion by giving them a surprise party and presenting each of them with a gold watch, as well as with other souvenirs befitting the occasion. Both are prominent members of the Methodist church. Politically, Mr. Allen was originally a Whig. In 1860 and 1864 he supported Abraham Lincoln, and later Ulysses S. Grant. In national affairs his political allegiance is given to the Republican Party, but at local elections he votes independently. The cause of prohibition finds in him a warm advocate, and he may always be relied upon to aid any movement in the cause of temperance. He is deeply interested in educational work and has been identified with the schools here for years. He has also served one term as justice of the peace.