Andrew Allen

As printed in 1906

ANDREW ALLEN.

Andrew. Allen, now deceased, was for many 3'ears actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Henry county and became a prosperous citizen. His birth occurred in Knox county, Missouri, on the 31st of October, 1842, his parents being Robert Oden and Keziah (Davis) Allen, both of whom were natives of Indiana. In early life they went to Missouri with their respective parents and were married in the latter state. They then began their domestic life there and continued to reside in Missouri until called to the home beyond.

Andrew Allen was educated in the common schools near his father's home and was reared to farm labor, gaining in proficiency in the work of the fields as the years passed by. He continued with his parents until twenty-six years of age, when he removed to McDonough county, Illinois. On the 8th of August, 1865. he was united in marriage to Miss IMalvena Hungate, who was born in McDonough county, and was a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Dorothy) Hungate, both of whom were natives of Kentucky.

whence they removed to JMcDonough county, Illinois, in an early day and were there married.

Not long after his marriage Mr. Allen came to Henry county, Iowa, settling in Canaan township, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, building thereon a good house. He otherwise improved the property, which was a tract of wild prairie when it came into his possession. He turned the first furrows in the fields and continued the work of plowing, planting and harvesting until annually he gathered rich crops, which found a ready sale on the market and thus brought him a good financial return for his labor. He worked persistently and untiringly year after year, giving his undivided attention to his agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born six children:

Charles, born June 1, 1867, and died at the age of thirty-one years. He was a farmer and resided in Canaan township. He married TIiss Fannie Lynn, who now resides in Missouri.

Robert, born November 20. 1868, resides in Canaan township, where he is engaged in farming. He married Jennie Bryson. They have one daughter. Donna.

Frank, born on the 20th of December. 1 87 1. He resides in Baltimore township, Henry county, Iowa, and is a farmer. He married Stella Davey. and they have two daughters. Vida and Fern.

Mary Catherine, who was born February 16. 1875. in Canaan township, Henry county. Iowa, was educated in the public schools of Mount Union. She married Richard Peckham, now deceased, who was born in Washington township, Des Moines county, Iowa. He was born October 20, 1869, and was a farmer and resided in Washington township until his death, which occurred February 22, 1899. They had one son.

Perl Monroe, born in "washington township, Des Moines county, Iowa, on March 25, 1896, is now a student in the Alount Union schools.

Mrs. Peckhain now resides with her mother.

Clara, born February 8, 1878. the wife of Howard Snyder, of Canaan township. They have one daughter. Vera.

Liira, born June 2, 1881, is the wife of Frank Young, of Canaan township. They have two children, Adelbert Allen and Frances Lucile.

All the children of Mrs. Allen were born in Canaan township, Henry county, Iowa.

The death of Mr. Allen occurred on the I St of August, 1886, when he was but forty-four years of age. He voted with the democracy, but was never a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests, which were carefully conducted and brought him a good return. His life was characterized by integrity as well as industry and his name was an honored one. Following her husband's death Mrs. Allen continued to reside upon the farm and there erected a fine residence in 1893. She purchased eighty acres of land on section 14, Canaan township, which was improved and which she sold in 1894 to her son, Robert, who has further improved the property. She still lives upon the old homestead and is one of the esteemed ladies of the community, having a larsfe circle of warm friends.

As printed in Biographical review of Henry County, Iowa, containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past .. (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.