Obituary for 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 eighty-four years, one of the first settlers of Knox County-A brief history of his busy 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 street and Allen's avenue at five minutes past eight O'clock this morning after many months of pain and suffering. His sickness dates back over a period of about thirteen months. In December 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 September last when he suffered a partial attack of paralysis and since that time he 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 hour of his death. Last night it was evident to that the hour of death was fast drawing nigh and from two O'clock he sank rapidly but died without struggle. The death of Mr. Allen will be universally regretted. He was a man of strongly marked characteristics, and yet generous to all. This trugh 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 street, free of charge. It would be very difficult to find in Galesburg or vicinity, a gentleman with which the community was better acquainted, whose sterling qualities were better appreciated then Sheldon W. Allen. He was born Sept. 28, 1808, in Augusta, Oneida County N.Y., and came from his native state directly to Knox County , in 1887. Only mode of conveyance he employed a one-horse wagon, in which he was companied 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 fist 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 judgement that the was enabled to amass a large fortune. Until about five 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, N.Y., Jan. 15, 1835, to Fidella Leach, and estimable lady and native of New York, who was born Nov. 28, 1813, by her union with Mr. Allen eight children were born, James S. Allen of Russel County, Kansas; Sheldon O. Allen, a farmer near this city; Albert H. Allen of this city; Henry A. Allen of Russel 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 of November 1855. He was married the second time in Galesburg, in the month of January, 1858, to Nancy Shaver. By this second marriage seven 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 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 intessectual oresight has often proved 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 occasions than one received special attention. All illustrating Mr. Allen's remarkale vigor of mind and body it may be in stanced that he superintended the construction of his block on South Prairie street in 1868, and several years later, when Browns Hotel was projected, he became a stockholder in the enterprise and was elected by the board to superintend the building of the edifice. Note: Sheldon W. Allen died Jan. 18, 1898. The paper that this article came from is not know, but was possibly a paper of LaSalle County as that is where his wife was from. ------------------------------------------------------------- UGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organiza- tions or persons. 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