The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1928

The death of George S. ALLEN (sic) marks the passing of one of the oldest Citizens of Ringgold county and one who from early manhood was identified with the progress of the community. He was a recognized leader in the religious, educational and buseinss life of the community and his deepest concern was in spiritual and education progress. A leader in the Methodist Episcopal church, he served in many positions of responsibility including many years of service as superintendent of the Sunday school. For more than fifty years he served as a member of the Mount Ayr school board, most of the time as president of the board, and the service was characterized by efficiency and conscientious devotion to duty. He also served as a member of the Iowa State Board of Education and was identified at various times in official capacity with other educational institutions. He served two terms as state senator from the fifth district composed of the counties of Union, Decatur, and Ringgold and represented Ringgold county as state representative. No man in Ringgold county was ever called upon to serve in more positions of trust than was Mr. ALLYN and no servant of the public ever performed his duties with more exacting fidelity.

For more than fifty years, Mr. ALLYN was identified with the business interests of Mount Ayr, beng engaged first in the real estate business and later as part owner and cashier of the Mount Ayr Bank. His business relations with the public were always pleasant and he was ever kind and generous in dealing with patrons. Since his retirement from the bank about thirteen years ago he has lived in pleasant retirement. Until the close of his life interest in the community continued, and even during his critical illness, which covered a period of several mnths, he expressed concern regarding the churches and public schools.

Mr. ALLYN is survived by Mrs. ALLYN and their five children - Earle K., Clint D., Clair G., Miss Madge and Miss Georgia, all of Mount Ayr.

The following biograph of Mr. ALLYN is copied from the history of Ringgold county, published in 1887:

"George S. ALLYN, cashier of the Mount Ayr Bank, was born in DeWitt county, Illinois, in the town of Clinton, March 9, 1847. His parents, Rev. Henry and Emily E. (FORMAN) ALLYN, were natives of Hartford, Conn., and Kentucky respectively. They were married in Illinois, and to them were born two sons and three daughters, George S. being the eldest child. his father was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church for many years.

"George S. ALLYN spent his boyhood days in the various places to which his father was called to preach, and in his youth obtained a fair education. He began teaching school at the age of eighteen years, and in the fall of 1866 came to Ringgold county, Iowa, where he followed farming during the summer months and taught in the winters until the fall of 1872, when he was elected clerk of the courts of Ringgold county, assuming the duties of his office January 1, 1873, and served as such three terms of two years each.

"During this time he became associated with C. B. MORRIS in the real estate business.

"Mr. ALLYN was united in marriage in 1876, to Miss Mary V. KINSELL, a daughter of D. C. KINSELL. Mr. ALLYN was appointed postmaster at Mount Ayr and served two years, during the HAYES administration, when he resigned in favor of Robert WILLIAMS. In June, 1880, he and his partner C. B. MORRIS organized the Mount Ayr Bank, where they carried on a general banking business until May 1, 1886, when Mr. MORRIS retired and was succeeded by J. H. ALLYN. This is the leading institution of its kind in Mount Ayr. Mr. ALLYN has held the position of cashier since its organization.

Mr. ALLYN belongs to the lodge and chapter of the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of Mount Ayr lodge No. 169, I. O. O. F. He is also a Good Templar, and has served as worthy chief templar of this lodge. he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is steward and trustee."

NOTE: George S. ALLYN (Rep.) was a State representative of the 76th - 79th General Assemblies, 1921 - 1923. George S. ALLYN was interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Iowa. His biographical sketch is included in the Ringgold County Biography pages.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008

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