NAME: Allen, James W. (m. 1w Susannah Harlan, 2w Mrs. Helen Burman)

OBIT: Garner Leader, Obtained from Kenneth Kothe

 James W. Allen was born in Putman County, Indiana, July 8, 1835. He came to Iowa in 1845 with his parents. He was married Sept. 10, 1857 to Susanna Harlan. To this union ten children were born, seven of whom are now living. Mrs. Allen died April 25, 1883. Mr. Allen was again married to Mrs. Helen Burman Nov 11, 1886, who now survives him. He was born of religious parents, his father being a Baptist minister for many years. He himself was converted in early life and lived a beautiful Christion life thereafter, holding the office of deacon for over thirty years. His last years were of intense suffering being an invalid for many years, but always upheld by his strong Christian faith his last moments being spent in prayer and praise, leaving a lasting testimony of faith, hope, and love.
 Mr. Allen was a soldier of the Civil War, going with Sherman to the sea, enduring the hardships of war in those dark days, often fighting them over, even in days of delirium. Many times did he tell to his companions and children the tale of raking the corn from where the mules tramped it in the mud and eating it with relish. Another experience was sleeping on the ground with a rail for a pillow, being compelled to move three times one night on account of the downpour of rain, which very nearly drowned them. Enduring hardships like a Christian soldier, he went through pioneer life three times and died in the Chrisian faith on June 8th, 1918, aged 82 years and 11 months.
 Too much credit cannot be given to his stepson Harry Burman, who with almost more than a son's devotion, devoted his time and almost life to alleviate the sufferings and administer to the aged one, who had filled a father's place to him.
 Mr. Allen came to Hancock county about 1902, settling on a farm southeast of Garner, he moved to Concord in Garner two years later, where he remained until November 1912. Then he moved to Forest City, residing there until death came. While a resident of Garner he was a member of the Parker S. Dow G.A.R. Post, There was a short funeral service held at his home, conducted by Rev. Mack of the Baptist church on Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock. After which the remains of Mr. Allen were taken to Aredale by auto hearse where on Monday another funeral service followed at which his children were present and interment made by the side of his first wife.

OBIT: Wednesday, June 12, 1918

THE PASSING OF A PIONEER On Saturday at Forest City, a former resident of this county and prominent pioneer settler, James W. Allen, passed away at the ripe age of eighty three years. Mr. Allen came to Franklin county with his parents in 1854. The family settled in the northeastern part of Ingham township, at what became known as Allen's grove, where he grew to manhood's estate. In the fall of 1864 he enlisted in Co H., 15th Iowa Infantry, and was with Sherman on his noted march to the sea. He was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, August 6, 1865, and returned to his home in this county and resided here until about fifteen years ago when he moved to Forest City which has since been his home. His funeral was held at Aredale Monday and burial was made in the Harlan cemetery. E. A. Norton of this city attended the last sad rites.