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The Morning Star,
Saturday 8 February 1896
(Illinois)
EDWIN ALLEN DEAD
Veteran Expressman Passed to His Reward Yesterday
Edwin Allen died yesterday forenoon. For several days he had been at
death’s door and since Thursday morning his death had been hourly
expected. It is only a week since he was taken ill, and many of his
friends hardly knew of his illness before the announcement that he had
passed away came to them. He was taken with grip and that in a few days
developed into pleurisy. Everything was done to prolong his life that
medical skill could suggest but it was in vain, and the end came quietly
and peacefully yesterday forenoon at 11 o’clock. Mr. Allen was born in
1830 in Cornwall, England. He was dissatisfied with the opportunities
which presented themselves to him there, and at the age of 19 emigrated
to America. He located in Rockford almost immediately after coming to
this country and engaged in business as a stone mason and contractor.
Among the buildings erected by him are the Kent school, the block
occupied by Frank Burnam’s store, the Wallach block and the residence of
Freeman Graham. Sr. For the past twenty years he has been engaged in the
express business, retiring only last fall to enter the grocery store of
his son George in South Town. Dec. 18, 1854, Edwin Allen was united in
marriage with Miss Ann Hamley, of this city, and five children were born
to the couple. They are W. H., Edward E. and George, and Misses Ann and
Cora Allen. John, Richard and William Allen are brothers of the
deceased, and Mesdames Emma Hogan and James Miners sisters. Mr. Allen
was the personification of geniality, and every person in the city was
his friend. His cheery, sunny nature and spirit of comradship were
always his most conspicuous traits. He was a temperate man, a lover of
the home circle, and never so happy as when with his family. He was
closely identified with the interests of South Rockford, and was a
leader in all movements for the good of the community. There were in
this man’s life and character such marked attributes of gentleness,
courage, capacity and commonsense that when his death was announced
yesterday there were heard expressions of regret in all circles of the
city’s life. His passing is a loss to this city which cannot be repaired
and will not soon be forgotten. No arrangements have yet been made for
the funeral.
Contributed by Bob Bolitho
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