Obituary - Sheldon W. Allen
DEATH OF A PIONEER
SHELDON W. ALLEN passes away this morning: After a long life of usefulness he
dies at the age of 84 years, one of the first settlers of Knox County. A brief
history of his life. Death has again visited Galesburg and taken away one of its
oldest and most widely known citizens, Sheldon W. Allen, who died at his home
corner of Mulberry St. and Allen's Avenue at 5 minutes past 8 O'clock this
morning after many months of pain and suffering. His sickness dates back over a
period of about 13 months. In Dec. of 1891 he was the victim of a severe attack
of grippe. From this he seemed to rally and it was thought had completely
recovered. He went about his daily duties as was his wont to do, until in Sept.
last when he suffered a partial attack of paralysis and since that time has been
unable to get about the house except by the assistance of others. Each and every
day during these long months he had left his bed and for the most of the day
would occupy a place near the parlor stove and engage in conversation with those
around him. To many it was a wonder that his intellect should be so clear. He
would converse on business matters and give directions as to how this and that
should be done. But Monday last his condition began to get worse and by all it
was expected he would soon pass away. Since that time he had been confined to
the bed, and yet he never lost control of his reasoning powers and retained his
faculties up until the hours of his death.
Last night it was evident that the hour of death was fast drawing nigh from 2
O'clock he sank rapidly but died without a struggle. The death of Mr. Allen will
be universally regretted. He was a man of strongly marked characteristics and
yet generous to all. This truth can not be better illustrated than to cite the
fact that for many years past he has donated to the ladies of the C. T. U. the
use of the large room on South Prairie St.. free of charge.
It would be very difficult to find in Galesburg of vicinity, a gentleman with
which the community was better acquainted, whose sterling qualities were better
appreciated than Sheldon W. Allen. He was born Sept. 28, 1808 in Augusta, Oneida
Co., NY, and came from his native state directly to Knox County, in 1837. Only
mode of conveyance he employed a one-horse wagon, in which he was accompanied by
his wife and child. In starting west his objective point was Log City and here
he settled for a time. He was among the first and most prominent of the colony
which first founded Log City, and is probably the last one of ____little band.
After remaining three years at Log City, Mr. Allen proceeded to Galesburg, which
he decided to make his home. He was the first regular butcher of Knox County,
and we ought to have stated, was the first to engage in that business at Log
City. In Galesburg he continued in this calling for several years, but since
1865 has lived mostly in retirement.
As a financier, Mr. Allen probably had no superior in Knox County, and it was
through his good judgment that he was enabled to amass a large fortune. Until
about 5 years ago he had looked after and directed the affairs of his large
financial interests, but since that time this work has fallen to others. He was
the owner of several fine tracts of land outside the city and scattered through
Knox County. In the city he owned much valuable property. Mr. Allen was married
in Augusta Center, Oneida County, NY, Jan. 15, 1835 to Fidelia Leach an
estimable lady and a native of New York, who was born Nov. 28, 1813, by her
union with Mr. Allen eight children were born, James S. Allen, of Russell
County, Kansas, Sheldon O. Allen, a farmer near this city; Albert H. Allen of
this city; Henry A. Allen of Russell County, Kansas; Rev. N. T. Allen of this
city; Mrs. Mary F. Wyckoff of Canton, and Dr. John S. Allen of Keithsburg. Mrs.
Allen the first wife of our subject, died on the 23rd Nov. 1855. He was married
a second time in Galesburg, in the month of Jan. 1858 to Nancy Shaver [the
Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a Sheldon W. Allen marrying a Nancy A.
Sharon in Knox County on January 19, 1858]. By this second marriage 7 children
we learn, three of whom are now living; Frank S., of Joliet, Mrs. Lila Stuckey,
of this city, and Fred R., also of this city. Aside from these the deceased
leaves two brothers, Homer Allen of this city, and Azel (Asahel?) B. Allen of
Davenport, Iowa, also one sister, Mrs. Mary Fitch, living near this city.
Mr. Allen was a member of the First Church and for years was an active worker.
He was a Republican in politics, and by his intellectual oversight has often
provided a directing help when the party's interests most needed it. On
Questions of public policy and political morality his judgment seldom, if at
all, erred. Through his efficient efforts, questions affecting the good of
Galesburg have on more occasion than one received special attention.
All illustrating Mr. Allen's remarkable vigor of mind and body it may be
instanced that he superintended the construction of his block on South Prairie
St. in 1868, and several years later, when Brown's Hotel was projected, he
became a stockholder in the enterprise and was elected by the board to
superintend the building of the edifice.
Contributed by great-granddaughter, Micky Miller Dawson, from Helen Crawford, Marseilles Illinois, LaSalle County Genealogy Society.
Mrs. Allen, the first wife of our subject, died on the twenty-third of
November, 1855. He was married the second time in Galesburg in the month of
January, 1858, to Nancy Shaver [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a
Sheldon W. Allen marrying a Nancy A. Sharon in Knox County on January 19, 1858].
By this second marriage 7 children we learn, three of whom are now living; Frank
S. of Joliet, Mrs. Lila Stuckey of this city, and Fred R. also of this city.
Aside from this the deceased leaves 2 brothers, Homer Allen of this city, and
Azel B. Allen of Davenport, IA., also one sister, Mrs. Mary Finch living near
this city. Mr. Allen was a member of First church, and for years was an active
worker. He was a Republican in politics, and by his intellectual foresight has
often proved a directing help when the part's interests most need it. On
questions of public policy and political morality his judgment, seldom, if at
all, erred. Through his efficient efforts, questions affecting the good of
Galesburg have on more occasions then one received special attention. As
illustrating Mr. Allen's remarkable vigor of mind and body it may be instanced
that he superintended the construction of his block on South Prairie St. in
1868, and several years later, when Brown's Hotel was projected, he became a
stock broker in the enterprise and was elected by the board to superintend the
building of that edifice.
In common with the other members of the noble, self band to whom Galesburg is
proud to trace its origin, Mr. Allen was an outspoken enemy of the system of
slavery and aided by every means in his power in the succor and relief of the
escaping chattels, who made Galesburg a resting point in their flight for
freedom. His generosity to the colored race was warmed by their lack of friends,
and was proverbial. The Washington temperance movement of 40 years ago also
found an earnest friend in the deceased, and his liberality to the W. C. T. U.
Contributed by graet-great-granddaughter, Micky Miller Dawson, extracted from Galesburg Register.
