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Sylvia Stroman Aldrich

Born at Wolcottville, Indiana, April 20, 1870, Sylvia Stroman Aldrich was the daughter of pioneer settlers in Nebraska. Her parents homesteaded in Seward County, near Ulysses, in 1871, on the farm which Mrs. Aldrich still owns.

Mrs. Aldrich attended school in Ulysses. She has taken an active part in the social and civic affairs of her community for many years, and has been especially prominent in religious and welfare work. She is a member of the Methodist Church, the Social Union of which she is president, the Eastern Star, P. E. O. , Women's Relief Corps and the Women's Christian Temperance Union.

She is vice president of the library board, is president of the Cemetery Association, and member of Nebraskana Society. She is a regular visitor of the sick and a devoted homemaker. On June 4, 1889, she was united in marriage to C. H. Aldrich at Ulysses. Five sons were born to them, George Stroman; Chester Hardy, Jr.; John Bower, Frederick Schuyler; and Charles Lee, who died in infancy.

Mr. Aldrich, supreme judge of Nebraska and one time its governor, was an outstanding figure in middlewest politics and public affairs. He was born on a farm near Pierpont, Ohio, November 10, 1862, the son of landowners in Ohio. He was a teacher in the public schools for several years prior to his admission to the bar in 1890. Beginning at David City, there he was identified with much important litigation, including prominent criminal cases.

A Republican, Judge Aldrich served as mayor of David City, was a member of the town board for eight years, and was connected with the school board almost continuously. He was elected state senator in 1906, and in 1907 was instrumental in enacting much beneficial legislation. He was the author of the bill reducing rates, known as the Aldrich commodity freight law, and was the author of the railway commission law in 1907.

In 1910 Judge Aldrich was elected governor of Nebraska on the Republican ticket, and in 1918 was elected associate judge of the state supreme court to fill the unexpired term of Francis G. Hamer. Judge Aldrich was a close personal friend of Theodore Roosevelt, whom he entertained in his home at Lincoln on various occasions. He died at the home of his son at Superior, February 27, 1931.

Since Judge Aldrich's death, Mrs. Aldrich has resided at Ulysses with her mother, who is also a widow. Residence: Ulysses.

Hartley Burr Alexander

Hartley Burr Alexander, professor of philosophy of Scripps College, was born at Lincoln, Nebraska, April 9, 1873, son of George Sherman and Abigail Gifford (Smith) Alexander.

The father was born in Cumberland County, Rhode Island, July 10, 1833, and died at Syracuse, Nebraska. May 2, 1894. He was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman and editor of the Syracuse, Nebraska, Journal. In the early 70's he was prominent in Nebraska affairs. His wife, Abigail, was born at Orleans, Massachusetts, July 6, 1835, and died near Bennet, Nebraska, November 13, 1876. Her ancestors came to America with the Plymouth Colony.

Dr. Alexander attended public school at Syracuse, and was graduated from Syracuse High School in 1892. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Nebraska in 1897, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Columbia University in 1901. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, he received the Butler medal from Columbia University, is past president of the American Philosophical Association, is an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects, and past president of the Southwest Archaeological Federation.

On July 15, 1908, he was married to Nelly King Griggs at Tacoma, Washington. Mrs. Alexander was born at Beatrice, Nebraska, October 11, 1875, and is descended from New England and Pennsylvania colonists and soldiers. To them were born two children, one of whom is living, Hubert, born December 8, 1909; and Beatrice, born March 15, 1912, who died July 4, 1913. (See Who's Who in America). Residence: Claremont, California.

John Merriam Alexander

John M. Alexander was born at Sigourney, Iowa, April 28, 1888, the son of Harry Edgar and Katherine (Cogley) Alexander. His father, who was a builder, was born at Sigourney, and was the son of a Mississippi River freighter. His ancestors were early pioneers in New England where they settled near Concord, Massachusetts. Later they came west with General Putnam, beginning the town of Marietta, Ohio. John M. Alexander's mother was born at Sigourney.

Mr. Alexander was educated in the high schools at Richland and Sigourney, and in 1910 was graduated from the University of Nebraska, with an A. B. degree. He was a member of Phi Delta Phi., and during his college days he worked as a freight trucker, and at his graduation he had saved $65.00. He entered the real estate commission business in 1910, and a little later became a builder. He has continued in this profession since that date, and for over 20 years has been a business man of prominence at Lincoln.

He married Helen Abbott Boggs at Lincoln, her birthplace, June 13, 1913. They have four children, John Charles, born January 25, 1915; Robert E., born June 15, 1917: Mary Katharine, born August 29, 1920, and Philip Abbott, born March 20, 1924. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Eastridge Club. He is fond of golfing, and mechanics. He is a Republican. Residence: Lincoln.

Rose Amanda Alexander

Rose Amanda Alexander, a teacher at Brocksburg, Nebraska, has lived in this state all her life. She was born in Boyd County, Nebraska, May 13, 1892, the daughter of Helge and Rognilda (Johnson) Aarhas, the former a pioneer farmer who was born in Norway in 1848 and died in Boyd County, August 12, 1899. Her mother was born in Norway, October 22, 1850, and died at Whittenburg, Wisconsin, May 11, 1930.

Mrs. Alexander completed the high school course and attended normal school for three summer sessions, teaching in public schools for three years prior to her marriage. On January 21, 1912, she was united in marriage with Charles Arthur Alexander at Butte, Nebraska. Mr. Alexander, who was a farmer, was born of English and Irish descent at Washington, Nebraska, July 10, 1890, and died at Brocksburg, February 10, 1922. Since his death Mrs. Alexander has taught for nine years in the Brocksburg Public School.

To their union the following children were born: Wardell, September 21, 1913; Amber, September 8, 1915; Anita, September 16, 1917; Lois, September 12, 1919; and Charles, September 15, 1921. Amber is a junior in high school at Springview, Nebraska, and Anita is a sophomore in that institution. Residence: Brocksburg.

Joseph E. A. Alexis

Joseph Alexis, one of Nebraska's leading educators, was born near York, Nebraska, July 22, 1885. John Nelson Alexis, his father, was born at Slattakra, Hallands Lan, Sweden, April 4, 1852, and with his parents came to America in 1868, settling at Mediapolis, Iowa. He was a clergyman.

Professor Alexis attended the public schools at Du Bois and Hastings, Pennsylvania; was a student at the Academy of John B. Stetson University, 1898-1900, and was graduated from Whitehall High School at Dover, New Jersey, 1898. He holds the following degrees: A. B. Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, 1905; A. M. University of Michigan, 1906; Ph. D., University of Chicago, 1918; Docteur d'universite, University of Paris, 1930. He was a student at the University of Lund, 1911; University of Dijon, 1921; and University of Madrid, 1921. He was a member of the debating team, and was president of his senior class at Augustana College.

From 1907 to 1908, be taught at Coeur d'Alene College in Idaho. Since 1910 he has taught at the University of Nebraska, where he is now professor of romance languages. He is the author of: German Relatives in 18th Century Prose (with A. D. Schrag 1919) ; First Course in German, (1919) First Course in Spanish, (1925) ; In Deutschland, (with W. K. Pfeiler, 1930) ; La Litterature Suedoise d' Amerique, (1930) ; Geijerstam's Mine pojkar, (1911); Strindberg's Pask; Strindberg's Master Olof (1921); Strindherg's Stories and Poems (1924); Lazarillo de Tormes (1927); Valdes’ Riverita (1928); and En Espana (1932). He is a contributor of Encyclopedia Americana.

On August 28, 1917, Professor Alexis was united in marriage with Marjorie Edith Odman, at Valparaiso, Saunders County, Nebraska. Mrs. Alexis, who was born at Mead, Nebraska, May 7, 1894, is the daughter of Swedish parents who came to this country in the 1880's.

Their children are: Carl, born August 8, 1918; Josephine, born January 1, 1921; and Marjorie, born July 24, 1927.

He is a member of the Modern Language Association of America; the Linguistic Society of America; and the Swedish Historical Society; he is secretary-treasurer of the Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Study: and is a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. He is a member of the Grace Lutheran Church of Lincoln, a Republican, and holds membership in the Nebraskana Society. Residence: Lincoln.

James Porter Allan

J. Porter Allan, advertising executive, has lived in this state all his life. He was born at Omaha, September 12, 1897, the son of Donald Buddington and Corlynn Ann (Visscher) Allan. His father, who is an official of the Union Pacific Railroad, was born at Omaha, August 27, 1866; of Scotch ancestry. His mother, whose Holland Dutch ancestors settled in New York, prior to 1700, was born at Watertown, New York, December 24, 1869, and is now regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and is regent of C. A. R.

Mr. Allan was graduated from grade school at Omaha, in 1911, and in 1915, was graduated from Central High School there. Since 1917 he has been in business as J. Porter Allan, manufacturers' agents.

In 1924 he served as president of the Omaha Junior Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Omaha Club and is affiliated with the Episcopal Church at Omaha. His favorite sport is hunting. Residence: Omaha.

Arthur Eurasho Allen

Arthur Eurasho Allen, county commissioner of Red Willow County, is a native of Brooks, Iowa, born November 13, 1876. His father, Moses Allen, born in Ireland, April 1, 1844, and came to America with his parents in 1845. he served in the Civil War with the 70th Ohio Infantry coming in 1880 to Fillmore County, Nebraska, where he enaged (sic) in farming. He died at Laurel, Montana, February 5, 1912. His wife, Barbara Ellen Morris, was born in West Union, Ohio, August 22, 1845, and died at Benkleman, Nebraska, November 2, 1913. She was of German and French descent.

Mr. Allen attended district school in Fillmore County, and was graduated from Danbury High School in 1896. For more than twenty years he was a teacher in rural schools, and since that time has been a farmer. He has been elected county commissioner three times on the Republican ticket, first taking office on January 1, 1923.

He was married to Bessie Maybel Springer at Oberlin, Kansas, May 10, 1899. She was born at Ashland, Nebraska, November 10, 1880, her uncle, William Springer was first sheriff of Red Willow County. They have nine children: Glen, born March 23, 1902; Opal, born March 5, 1905; Ruth, born February 20, 1909; Harold, born November 14, 1907; Earl, born March 12, 1912; Marjorie, born December 6, 1913; Armond, born October 24, 1915; Evelyn, born September 6, 1917; Kathryn, born December 10, 1919; and Zey, born February 6, 1922.

Mr. Allen is interested in boxing, football, baseball and basketball, and devotes much time to reading. He is a member of the Nebraskana Society, and is affiliated with the Congregational Church. Residence: Danbury. (Photograph in Album).

Charles Edgar Allen

Charles Edgar Allen, prominent in the business and political world for many years, was born at Russell, Iowa, January 8, 1865 and came to Nebraska in 1886, primarily in search of a homestead. His first experience was a homestead in Cheyenne County. He located in Cozad, in 1890, and has since resided there. His father, Tandy Allen, a farmer and stockman, was born at Mount Sterling, Kentucky, June 3, 1832, and died at Russell, Iowa, June 2, 1922. His great grandfather, William Allen, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America, in 1729.

Joanna Smith Van Nice, wife of Tandy Allen, was born in New Winchester, Indiana, February 28, 1835, and died at Russell, December 18, 1923. Primarily a wife and mother, she reared a family of six sons and six daughters to maturity. She and her husband lived together sixty-six years without a death in their home. Her first ancestor in America, Janse Van Nuys, came from Holland in 1651, and in 1673, was appointed magistrate by Governor Clove of New York.

Charles Edgar Allen attended public school and for thirty-seven years was engaged in the retail business and as a banker in Cozad. He is now retired. A Republican, he was for twenty-seven years a member of the local board of education; served as mayor of Cozad, several terms, as councilman, and was state senator from the 30th district two terms.

His marriage to Susan Morrow was solemnized at Gibbon, Nebraska, August 29, 1889. She was born at Hillisboro, Ohio, February 11, 1868, and died at Colorado Springs, July 15, 1919. She was the daughter of Wilson H. and Narcissis Isabel (Patterson) Morrow.

To this union seven children were born: Edith I., born June 7, 1891; Dorothy, born February 9, 1895, who married Dale B. Murphy; Ralph M., born March 7, 1897, who married Marjorie Currant; Edgar Van Nuys, born June 22, 1900, who married Margaret Wise; Hortense L., born July 30, 1902; and Frank P., September 6, 1904, who married Helen Reynolds. Ralph volunteered on May 27, 1917, for service in the United States Army, and was promoted to second lieutenant. Edgar is a member of the staff of internal medicine at Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minnesota.

On June 14, 1925, Mr. Allen was married to Katherine F. Worley, at Omaha. Mrs. Allen was born in Cass County, Nebraska, in 1876.

Mr. Allen is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cozad, is a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, and an Odd Fellow. He is a member of the Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and was recently made a life member of The Nebraskana Society. His favorite sport is golf. Residence: Cozad. (Photograph in Album).

Charles Luther Allen

Charles Luther Allen, now retired, has enjoyed an active and successful career. Born at Chateaugay, New York, May 22, 1859, he is the son of Martin Luther and Isabella (Taylor) Allen, the former of whom came from the same family as Ethan Allen. Martin Luther Allen was born at South Hero, Grand Isle, Vermont, and died at Oregon, Illinois, March 21, 1880. His wife died at Stratton, Nebraska, September 15, 1894.

Educated in public school, Charles Luther Allen was graduated from Oregon, Illinois, High School June 21, 1881. immediately following his graduation he taught school first in the country near Oregon, Illinois. Then for five years he taught at Woosung, Illinois.

December 25, 1889, he was married to Mary Lucretia Prescott, at Polo, Illinois. She was born at Woosung, Illinois, and died at Trenton, September 13, 1916. They moved to Stratton, Nebraska, settling on a farm north of town, remaining there until the fall of 1894, when he was appointed principal of Stratton Schools.

To them were born three children, John P., November 28, 1890, married Vera Leopold. He is a banker at Trenton. Nina G., born in 1893, married C. R. Arnold; while Helen I., born in 1896, married W. S. Deffenbaugh.

From September, 1894, until December 25, 1895, Mr. Allen taught school at Stratton. On January 1, 1896, he became county clerk of Hitchcock County, elected on the Republican ticket. From 1900, until 1924, he was in the mercantile business at Trenton. Mr. Allen has been a member of the Trenton School Board a total of twenty-one years (1897-1928).

He is a member of the Trenton Commercial Club, the Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Elks. Recently he was elected to life membership in the Nebraskana Society. On April 24, 1931, he was married to Marie Lawritson, at Trenton. Residence: Trenton.

Clyde Mills Allen

Clyde M. Allen, prominent farmer of Washington County, Nebraska, was born there, May 25, 1878, the son of William Henry and Ruth Emily (Bottorff) Allen. His father, who was a farmer, was born at Paris, Illinois, February 19, 1845, and died in Washington County, August 17, 1922. Five Allen brothers came to America from Scotland, in 1600. His mother, who was born in Clark County, Indiana, May 20, 1844, died at Omaha, Nebraska, April 2, 1916. She was a country school teacher and held membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution; an ancestor, Martin Bottorff, came to America from Switzerland, in 1710.

Mr. Allen attended the country schools of Washington County, and later was a student at the Fremont Normal College. He has lived in Nebraska all his life and has always been a farmer. In the past few years he has 'written several noteworthy poems, which were published in 1930-31 He is a member of the Washington County Pioneer Association and the Nebraskana Society, and holds membership in Solomon Lodge Number 10, of the the (sic) Ancient (sic) Free and Accepted Masons, at Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. Politically, Mr. Allen is a Republican.

He was united in marriage with Helen Margaret Pierce at Blair, October 22, 1902. Mrs. Allen, who is descended from eight proven lines of Revolutionary ancestors was born at Blair, November 22, 1882. Seven children were born to them: Stanley Pierce, born August 2, 1903, who married Margaret Walford; Helen Marr, born May 23, 1905, who died October 13, 1905; Winifred Cora, born February 4, 1908; Ruth May, born May 14, 1911; Margaret, born October 7, 1914; Emily Ann, born October 24, 1917; and Alice Elizabeth, born July 16, 1922. Residence: Blair.

Dougal H. Allen

Dougal H. Allen was born in Hull, Canada, the son of Lemuel and Margaret (McMillan) Allen. His father, a farmer, was born in Canada, and died in Iowa, June 12, 1904; his ancestry was English on the paternal side and Scotch on the maternal side of the family. His mother, whose ancestry was Scotch, was born in Canada and died April 9, 1920.

Mr. Allen's parents were true pioneers of Iowa where they settled in 1871, and endured the same privations and difficult situations that pioneer Nebraskans met. He moved to Nebraska in 1907 with his wife and children and since then has been a rancher and farmer in Holt County where he has assisted in civic and religious affairs for a number of years. He is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church of Emmett, Nebraska, is a member of The Nebraskana Society, and for the past 10 years has served as district president of the Northwestern Church District. During the World War he was active locally in loan drives.

His marriage to Mary Emeline McMillan occurred at Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 4, 1898. Mrs. Allen, who was born in Washington County, Nebraska, December 16, 1870, is the daughter of Daniel and Achsah (Stamford) McMillan. Her father moved from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Nebraska in the fall of 1867 and with three other men homesteaded on the site of what is now the town of Herman, Nebraska.

Daniel McMillan, one of the builders of the middle-west, engaged in ranching and farming throughout the period of years he resided in Nebraska. He was married at Blair, then a hamlet of half a dozen buildings, October 29, 1869.

Mr. Allen and his wife have always been associated with progressive and constructive movements in their community. They have two children: Mollie Bernice, born August 18, 1899, who married George P. Hollopeter; and Robert Russell, born September 21, 1905, who married Bessie Beebe. Robert is a rancher in Holt County. Residence: Emmett.

Katherine Fay Allen

One of Nebraska's foremost women is Katherine Fay Allen, who resides at Cozad. She was born near Rock Bluffs, Nebraska, October 12, 1876, daughter of George Washington and Rachel Matilda (Chalfant) Worley. Her father, born near Springfield, Illinois, November 23, 1835, served in the Civil War with Company K, 16th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. He also was a member of the 6th Missouri State Militia, government escort to wagon trains across Nebraska following the war. His maternal ancestors were German, and came to America from Edenkoben, on the Snow Ketty in 1732. On the paternal side his ancestry was English. Both families were deeply religious, and there were several clergymen on the paternal side.

Rachel Matilda Worley was born at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1843. Her main interests were in the education and rearing of her family. On the paternal side she was descended from James Madison Chalfant, member of the territorial legislature of 1861, representing Cass and Lancaster Counties. He was a native of Morgantown, Virginia.

Katherine Allen received her education in the public and high school of Elmwood, Nebraska. Her vocation has been newspaper work, and as early as the 1890's she was associate editor of Weeks Review published at Elmwood at that time. She has done special work on several newspapers, and was in charge of the Omaha Bureau of Press Clippings in connection with the Thompson Advertising Agency from 1901 to 1908. In May of that year she established the Universal Press Clipping Bureau, which is continuing under her ownership and management.

A Republican in politics, she served three years as

member of the State Board of Control, (1920-23), two years of which she served as chairman, the first woman to serve as chairman of such a board in the United States.

She is the compiler of several memorial books of newspaper clippings of deceased persons of prominence for families. A leader in civic, welfare and club work, she has done much for the Woman's Club. She was first chairman of Americanization work in the Nebraska Federation of Women's Clubs, and of the Omaha Woman's Club. She was one of the promoters and organizers of the first Americanization and foreign night schools in Omaha. During the World War she acted as state chairman of publicity for Liberty Loan drives, and assisted in organizing the first Red Cross work in the state during the war. She was first chairman of the Red Cross committee of the Omaha Woman's Club, and has the first sample bandages brought to Nebraska for war work.

She is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps, and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War. She is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Omaha, and of the Omaha Altrusa Club. She is known for her volunteer social service work in Omaha and the state. Residence: Omaha. (Photograph in Album).

Ralph Morrow Allen

Ralph Morrow Allen, who is a leader in business affairs at Cozad, Nebraska, was born in that community March 7, 1897. His father, Charles Edgar Allen, who was born at Russell, Iowa, has served as state senator in Nebraska several terms. (See Nebraskana). Sue (Morrow) Allen, his mother, was born in Ohio, and died at Colorado Springs, in July, 1920. She was president of the Cozad Woman's Club and was a talented painter.

Mr. Allen was graduated from the Cozad High School in 1916, and later attended the University of Nebraska. For five years he was manager of the Charles E. Allen Company, and since then has been a partner in the firm Allen & Company. He was president of the Cozad Chamber of Commerce three times, was vice president of the Rotary Club for a time, and is now affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and the Nebraskana Society. He was formerly master of the local Masonic lodge.

He entered the United States Army during the World War and was discharged two years later as a second lieutenant; he is a member of the American Legion. Mr. Allen's favorite sports are football and riding.

On June 25, 1928, he was married at Omaha, to Marjorie C. Currant, who was born at Elmwood, Nebraska, March 2, 1901. They have a daughter, Nancy, born March 15, 1931. Residence: Cozad.

Samuel Allen

Samuel Allen was born in Gallia County, Ohio, March 6, 1844, the son of Richard Allen and Mary E. (Nye) Allen. His father, a farmer, was born in Duchess County, New York, March 10, 1814, and died September 13, 1895. His mother was born at Athens, Ohio, October 1, 1815, and died in Champaign County, Illinois, June 25, 1883.

Mr. Allen attended public schools and the Pine Grove Academy at Pine Grove, Ohio. He married Julia Netta Goodrich on January 27, 1880. Mrs. Allen was born in Champaign County, Illinois, July 4, 1858.

Samuel Allen is affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church at Fairbury, where he has resided since he retired from his farm. He is a Republican and has lived in Nebraska forty-six years. His favorite recreation at the present time is reading. Residence: Fairbury.

Silas Gilbert Allen

Silas Gilbert Allen, physician and surgeon of Stanton, Stanton County, Nebraska, has lived in this state since 1897, and for many years has been active in community affairs. He was born at Harlan, Shelby County, Iowa, April 6, 1875, the son of Daniel Washington and Mary Elizabeth (Bothwell) Allen. His father, who was a farmer, stock raiser, and locomotive engineer, was born in New York County, New York, in 1837, and died at Harlan, April 21, 1901; his ancestry was German and English. His mother, who was born near Anamesa, has been prominent in the Eastern Star for many years; she is of Scotch descent.

Dr. Allen attended public schools and a normal training school, and in 1901 was graduated from the University of Nebraska where he took an active part in football. He served as house physician at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, 1901, was engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Clarkson for 17 years, and practiced at Scottsbluff for five years. He is now engaged in medical practice at Stanton, and is a landowner in Stanton County.

He is a member of the State Medical Society, the American Railway and Elkhorn Valley Surgeons Associations, the Commercial Club of Stanton, and the Nebraskana Society. He is affiliated with the Congregational Church of Stanton, holds membership in the Lions Club, and is a member of the Masons. During the World War Dr. Allen was an active participant in loan drives and relief work for the Red Cross.

His marriage to Louise May Beran was solemnized at Ord, Valley County, Nebraska, October 13, 1904. Mrs. Allen, who was born at Ord, May 9, 1883, was graduated from the Fremont Normal School and later was a teacher in the public schools. They have two children: Daisy Viola, born May 23, 1906; and Sila Gilbert, Jr., born April 3, 1921. Daisy graduated at the University of Nebraska, 1928, and took a secretarial course at the College of Commerce, Long Beach, California; she now has a secretarial position in Syracuse, New York.

Dr. Allen is a member of the Country Club and holds membership in the Republican Party. His favorite sport is football, while his hobby is agriculture. Residence: Stanton.

Thomas Stinson Allen

Thomas S. Allen was born at Paynes Point, Ogle County, Illinois, April 30, 1865, son of Benjamin Franklin Allen and Harriet Maria (Ely) Allen. Benjamin Franklin Allen was born at Campton, New Hampshire, December 10, 1832, and died at Lincoln, Nebraska, December 20, 1915. A farmer, he was a direct descendant of Captain John Allen of the New Hampshire militia in the Revolutionary War.

Mr. Allen's mother was born at Hartford, New York, January 7, 1835, and died in Lincoln, January 24, 1912. Nathaniel Ely, who came to America from England in 1634, is an ancestor.

Upon completion of his public school work, Mr. Allen attended the University of Nebraska where he received his A. B. degree, 1889, and his LL. B., 1891. He was valedictorian of the class of 1889, delivered the class oration and was active in athletics, particularly baseball, the entire four years.

He was admitted to the bar in 1891 at Lincoln, and has practiced law in this state since that time. He was chairman of the Democratic state committee 1904-09, and 1922-1932, and United States district attorney for Nebraska 1915-21. He has been a member of the following law firms: Talbot, Bryan & Allen, 1892-96; Talbot & Allen, 1896-1914; and at the present time the firm of Allen & Requartte.

He is vice president and general attorney for the Service Life Insurance Company; treasurer and general attorney for the Woodman Accident Company; general attorney for Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company' of Nebraska; secretary of the Commercial Mutual Surety Company; and general attorney for the Central Health Company.

On June 28, 1898, he was married to Mary Elizabeth Bryan, at Salem, Illinois. Mrs. Allen, who is a daughter

THOMAS STINSON ALLEN

© 2005 for the NEGenWeb Project by Ted & Carole Miller