- LIEUT. WILLIAM H. ALLEN, of the firm of ALLEN & McEVOY,
machinists, is one of the
- leading citizens not only of the city of Beloit, but of Rock
County, and we take pleasure in presenting this sketch to the
readers of the Album. He was born in Alden, Erie Co., N.Y., Jan.
4, 1828, and is a son of Alexander and Polly (FENNER) ALLEN,
who were also natives of the Empire State. After their marriage
they located in Western New York, where Mr. ALLEN opened up a
fine farm, there residing until the summer of 1841, when, with
his family, which then consisted of his wife and eleven children,
he emigrated to Rock County, Wis., and located in Turtle Township,
near Shopiere. After arriving in this community, two other children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. ALLEN, making a family of thirteen,
a record of whom is a follows: Alexander is now engaged in farming
in Turtle Township; W. H. is the second in order of birth; John
Scott died in California in 1886; Ausel C. is a miner and contractor
of San Francisco, Cal.; Mary A., who resides in Sacramento, Cal.,
is the widow of William WILKINS, who at one time was an extensive
farmer and stock-raiser of this county; Washington B. died in
California; James L. departed this life in 1862; Harriet A. is
now deceased; Franklin F., who was one of the brave soldiers
of the 2d Wisconsin Infantry, and participated in forty engagements
under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith, died in San Francisco
in the fall of 1888; Taylor F., who ran away from home in order
to enlist in his country's service, continued in the army until
the close of the war, and was with Sherman on the march to the
sea, and died in California several years ago; Winfield Scott
died in Shopiere, Rock County; Malvina R., deceased; and George,
who died in infancy.
- Alexander ALLEN, the father of these children, was one of
the pioneers, and leading citizens of
- Rock County, and was held in high esteem for his many admirable
qualities. None knew him but to love him. In his business life
he was shrewd and quick, yet thoroughly honest. Kind and unassuming,
generous and charitable, he has often, by his timely aid, tided
a person over the stream of misfortune, which would otherwise
have landed him in bankruptcy. He had a kind word for all, and
the poor, who often received from him substantial aid, sought
him as a friend in their trouble, asking his counsel and advice.
His death occurred in the summer of 1867, at the age of sixty-four
years, and his wife was called to meet her husband in that better
land Nov. 17, 1876, having reached the ripe old age of seventy-one
years. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and like her husband, was honored and respected for her kindliness
and Christian character.
- Our subject began his school life in his native county, and
after coming to Rock County attended the
- little log school house near what is now Shopiere, such as
were in every community. When a lad of thirteen summers, he came
with his parents to Rock County, where his days passed in the
usual manner of farmers' boys, though probably more eventful
on account of the newness and unsettled condition of the country.
The winter of 1842 was one long to be remembered by the old settlers
on account of the heavy snow falls. The snow was unusually deep
one morning when William started to school, and before reaching
his destination he was obliged to dig his way through the drifts.
Returning in the evening, he heard the hideous and frightful
howl of wolves, who perchance, were desperate for the want of
food which they could not obtain while the snow was on the ground.
Many were the difficulties and trials to be endured in those
early days, yet the pleasures were more keenly enjoyed in contrast.,
and Mr. ALLEN may well feel proud of the fact that he is one
of the pioneer settlers of the county which now is the foremost
in the State of Wisconsin. In 1851, he left his home and embarked
in the business of buying and shipping grain, hogs, cattle, or
in fact any kind of produce offered for sale by the populace.
He located in Cherry Valley, Ill., then the terminus of the Chicago
& Galena Railroad, but subsequently came to Beloit, where
he followed the same line of business until 1859, when attacked
by that malady known as gold fever, he went to Pike's Peak. He
started with supplies enough to last him a year, but his kindness
of heart prompted him to divide with those who had come with
but a limited supply, and would, had it not been for Mr. ALLEN,
suffered for the want of food. He gave freely to many hundreds
who lacked the necessaries of life, and by his kindly assistance
many were enabled to return to their home and friends. The same
year, he came back to Beloit, and in 1860, started for California
with a herd of fine horses of which he wished to dispose in that
western market. On reaching Salt Lake City, he was induced to
take the southern route, and for six weeks was detained on the
road to help build Ft. Churchell, in Carson Valley, for protection
from hostile Indians, who were then on the war path. At length
he resumed his journey, crossing the 110 miles of sand desert,
where the men were forced to carry water for themselves and the
stock. Virginia City at that time contained but two buildings,
and there the desperadoes held high carnival, massacring many
at that place. Mr. ALLEN was acquainted with many of the unfortunate
people who were killed on the route during those trying times.
At length reaching California, he disposed of his stock at a
handsome profit, and in 1861, started on his homeward trip.
- Mr. ALLEN returned by way of the Isthmus, and while on board
the vessel, became acquainted
- with the distinguished John C. Fremont and wife, whom he
found very pleasant companions, they becoming quite intimate
friends before the voyage was completed. While on board the ship,
he heard of the preparations being made for that greatest struggle
ever witnessed on the Western Continent, and immediately after
his arrival at home, set about recruiting soldiers for the country's
service. With his comrades he became a member of Company G, 6th
Wisconsin regiment, which was ordered to Madison, and there equipped,
Mr. ALLEN being commissioned Second Lieutenant. He at once entered
upon active service, and in July, 1861, was one of the victims
of the measles, but feeling it his duty to go with his command,
he ran the risk of exposure, and, though suffering, did not neglect
his duty or make excuse for its non-performance, but remained
with his men until threatened with severe fever, when he at last
was forced to resign. This he did, but after somewhat regaining
his health, he was appointed by Gov. Harvey, sutler of the 15th
Wisconsin Infantry, and was with the regiment until after the
battle of Stone River. He sent in his resignation to Maj. Gen.
McClellan, and received the following reply:
-
- Headquarters
Kings Bridge, Arlington Heights, Va.
Oct. 20, 1861
- Special order, No. 130
- William H. ALLEN, Second Lieutenant of Company G., 6th
Wisconsin Volunteers
- having tendered his resignation, he is hereby honorably
discharged from the military service of the United States, by
command of Maj. Gen. McClellan.
- (Signed) S. Williams, Ass't. Adj. Gen.
-
- Many were the letters of regret received by Mr. ALLEN on
his resignation, which testified the high
- respect in which he was held by both officers and men. The
following resolution was passed and signed by the whole company.
-
- WHEREAS: Lieut. William H. ALLEN, of Company G 6th Wisconsin
Volunteers, has
- resigned his position and been honorably discharged from
the services of the United States, we, the undersigned members
of Company G, would take this occasion to return to him our thanks
for favors done us, and express our opinion that he was justified,
under the circumstances, in tendering his resignation.
- Signed by the members of the company.
-
- That the officers of the regiment held him in the highest
esteem, will be seen by the following:
-
- Arlington Heights, Va.
Nov. 4, 1861
-
- Dear Sir: The undersigned officers of the 6th Wisconsin
Regiment of Volunteers, regret
- your resigning your commission, and feel that your company
has lost a most efficient officer; and we, your brother officers,
also desire to signify to you our high opinion of you as an officer
and gentleman, and hope you will soon be able to re-enter the
service.
-
- Col. Cutler, the commanding officer of the regiment was greatly
opposed to having Lieut. ALLEN
- resign, considering him as one of the best officers of the
regiment, but he finally consented when the surgeon informed
him of the condition of the Lieutenant's health, and wrote the
following letter to Mr. ALLEN, at Washington:
-
- Headquarters 6th Wisconsin Volunteers
Arlington Heights, Va.
Nov., 6, 1861
-
- Liet. William H. ALLEN -
- Dear Sir: - As you have been compelled by ill health to
leave the service, I desire to say
- to you that I regret the necessity which compels you to
do so. I also take pleasure in saying that I have confidence
in your patriotism and fidelity to the cause of the Union, and
this feeling, I am sure, is shared by all the officers of the
regiment. Your long sickness has deprived you of the same facilities
which other officers have enjoyed for drill and improvement.
You have been on detached duty more than any other officer, and
have always discharged your duties with great fidelity and promptness,
and to the entire satisfaction of all. You have shown in one
respect that you understand the first duty of a soldier - "obedience
to order," in an eminent degree, as you have always been
ready to obey all orders without questions or evasions. For these
and many other reasons, I regret to lose you from the regiment.
In retiring you carry with you my kindest regards, and wish that
you may soon be restored to perfect health, and be able to again
enter the service of your country.
-
- I am very truly yours.
L. Cutler, Colonel.
-
- As above stated, Lieut. ALLEN re-entered the service in the
15th Wisconsin, and after the battle
- of Stone River returned to his home at Beloit.
- Mr. ALLEN has been twice married, his first union being with
Miss Tryphena SAXBURY, who
- was born in Tioga County, N.Y., Aug. 19, 1831. To them were
born two children - Matie J., who was born Dec. 28, 1850, and
died April 12, 1870, was a most estimable young lady. Her life
was devoted to others; she lived to comfort the sick and afflicted,
visited the poor and needy, bringing sunshine into their homes,
encouraging them with her bright presence and kind words, while
at her side in the carriage one would often see a poor old woman
sitting, or an invalid, or a child, who remembered for days their
pleasant drive in the refreshing air by the side of their gentle
companion. Her life was the living embodiment of her religion
and all sorrowed when this pure young life was taken from their
midst. The second child, Ella J., who was born Aug. 15, 1853,
died in infancy. Mrs. ALLEN, who was a good wife, a kind neighbor
and a devoted member of the Baptist Church, was called to her
final home Jun 16, 1854. On the 5th day of April, 1855, Lieut.
ALLEN wedded Catherine MCCAFFREY, a native of New York, born
in Franklin County, Oct. 11, 1838. They became the parents of
four children, all of whom died in early infancy with the exception
of Ella, who was taken from them at the age of six months. Mrs.
ALLEN is a lady possessing rare gifts and graces of mind and
character. She has much ability as an artist and her crayon portrait
work would do credit to a professional, and many fine works,
both in painting and wax, adorn and beautify her home. She takes
a prominent part in the Women's Relief Corps Society, was one
of the charter members and was its first President, and has been
honored by the office of State Inspector, which she occupies
at the present time, this being her third year.
- After his return from the war, Mr. ALLEN, on account of ill
health could not enter into active
- business pursuits for some time, but as soon as he regained
sufficient strength, he engaged in his present business as a
member of the firm of ALLEN, McEVOY & Co., machinists and
general jobbers. This firm also manufactures al kinds of pumps,
cylinders, park and boulevard lamp posts and other machinery.
The factory is located on the corner of E. and Third streets
in Beloit, and the firm does an extensive business and well deserves
a liberal share of the public patronage. In connection with his
manufacturing interest, Mr. ALLEN owns and successfully operates
in Turtle Township, 230 acres of land on section 11 and 12, comprising
one of the finest farms in the vicinity. Mr. ALLEN founded and
built the now prosperous town of Ridgeway, in Iowa, and placed
it on a firm financial basis. For several years he was a traveler
for F. N. DAVIS & Co., introducing their ornamental building
paper, and for their successors BARRET & KIMBALL, during
which time he had charge of their exhibits at the Centennial
Exhibition, and while in their employ traveled through every
State in the Union, visiting every city and town of any importance
in the various states as well as those of the Dominion of Canada.
In 1871 he in company with a Mr. PERRY patented an iron bridge
known as the Eureka Wrought Iron Bridge, and was for a time engaged
in its manufacture and introduced a number in Iowa, and Wisconsin.
- Mr. ALLEN is a stalwart Republican in politics, and while
he takes an active interest in local and
- national politics he has never sought public distinction
in that direction, preferring to devote his time to business
pursuits, though he has yielded to the wishes of his friends,
and filled some local offices. Socially, he is a member of the
Masonic Fraternity and the G.A.R. Post of Beloit. He and his
wife are held in the highest esteem and regard by all who know
them, they hold an enviable place in the hearts of their friends
and their home is the abode of hospitality, where each one receives
a cordial welcome and a pleasant greeting.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 206-209.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|