OBITUARIES
--- OF ---
JOSEPH G. ALLEN
--- AND ---
PHOEBE J. ALLEN
Written by Their Daughter
Mrs. Lennie McNees
On October 26, 1909, as the lowering sun cast its lengthening shadows that marked the closing day, there occurred the death of Joseph G. Allen at his late residence in Albany, Indiana.
Having attained his three score and twelve years, his life, like the fading day, had its noon and was fast nearing its evening, when the "Swift Messenger" came with the summons, "it is enough", and he passed into the shadows, and disappeared from our mortal view.
He first saw the light of day June 17, 1837, at the old home near Raleigh, North Carolina, where he grew to manhood, obtaining such school advantages as were to be had in those early days. At the age of twenty years he came to Henry County, Indiana, where he engaged in farming, first as an employee and later for himself. Meantime, not being satisfied with his education, he adapted a course of study and by persistent efforts, combined with a clear perception and mental ability, acquired an ample store of practical knowledge.
About the year 1860 he began the study of law, which he continued until a disastrous fire caused a change in his life plans, destroying his books and bringing financial reverses, which made it impossible for him to resume his studies. Being thus turned aside from his natural inclinations, he took up a mechanical line of work, and for many ensuing years engaged in the woolen mill and saw mill business.
He was married March 12, 1863, to Phoebe J. Dennis, who has bourn him eleven children; four of whom are deceased. This ever faithful, gentle woman has been the greatest boon of his life; a companion in the truest sense, ever cheering and encouraging, always stimulating the good she has helped to round out the christian character he has ever tried to bear.
While he lived and loved the quiet, simple life, here was a man of high ambitions, and more than ordinary mental powers, possessing capabilities beyond his attainments in both a material and an intellectual way. And had his energies been permitted to follow their natural bent, would doubtless have made him a man of influence among his fellows. As it is, his life has been worth much to the world in his unpretentious way of living, his honesty of purpose, and christian admonition.
He leaves bereft, a wife, five daughters, two sons and a grandson, to whom he has been a father, also seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
And while the world may note his death and then forget, we shall miss him. To us his life will be a living memory. We shall emulate the good; profit by his mistakes and ever trustfully await him at the dawn of that brighter, endless day of life, whose evening shadows never fall.
After a short service at the home in Albany, the old home, the remains were followed to Buena Vista church by many of the home friends, where the last sad rites were completed by his old pastor, Rev. A.M. Addington.
So rests a good man.
On the morning of June 7, 1911, just as the light of day was breaking on the landscape, and the rising sun had touched the Eastern sky with tints of rose, a messenger came from the Glory World to waft our mother's spirit home. We have long expected his coming, in the silent watches of the night so filled with suffering and dread, when the throbbing pulse and quickened breath gave warning of his near approach. In tender mercy then, at last, he came and touched her eyelids into gentle sleep.
And so we say that Phoebe J. Allen is dead! Can it be that she whom we loved, and who lived us enough to venture so oft into the "valley and shadow" (that we might live) has gone from us no more to return? We look upon her lifeless clay and know that it must indeed return to dust again, and we, with tear-dimmed eyes and aching hearts, must bear it to the tomb. Yet, as we turn away, our hearts new courage take, for we remember that the righteous do not die; to them "there is no death; what seems so is transition; this mortal breath is but a suburb of the life elysian, whose portal we call death."
Though lost to mortal view, she is not dead, for she shall ever live in the hearts of those she loved, and the righteous influence of her life shall surely live and bring forth fruit again.
She was the third daughter of Branson and Elma Reynolds Dennis and came to their home near Hagerstown, Indiana, February 4, 1847. She very early developed a quiet nature and sunny disposition. Always obedient as a child she grew to possess a meek and amiable spirit in mature life.
She united in marriage to Joseph G. Allen, March 12, 1862, to whom she was a faithful companion till he was called away, October 14, 1909. She was the mother of eleven children, two of whom died in infancy.
Just when it seemed her life's work was almost completed and rest days were near at hand, duty called her again, and her mother heart was touched with love and pity for the motherless babe left to care for. So it was that she gladly received her twelfth child - the grandson who was always her pride and who, since the days of her affliction and widowhood, has been her solace and over-willing helper.
She was always a devoted christian, having accepted Christ as her personal Saviour at an early age. Her voice has been heard these many years in behalf of the cause she loved; but ever more potent for good shall be the influence of her life.
She was always thoughtful of the timid, mindful of the weak ones, and interested in the good of all; always faithful to every obligation, and ready with a reason for the hope she had of eternal life, or with an admonition for the unsaved.
She loved life - the fields and forests, the birds and flowers, the good and beautiful, the pure and chaste in all things. She was patient in affliction, uncomplaining in sorrow.
Six times death entered the family circle, taking husband, two sons and three daughters; yet she endured all in gentle resignation, calm and sustained by the sure hope of being reunited again.
Her life will be a pleasant memory to all who knew and appreciated her. So strong and yet so gentle, so brave and yet so meek and mild; strong in christian character and purpose to live it; brave to meet life's conquests; meek in doing the Father's will and following her own path of duty; and always mild in her approach and criticism of others.
As we bear her wasted form to the old home church, and lay it tenderly beside the other loved ones, there we will cherish her many virtues, and ever remember Mother as the dearest name in all the world.
She is survived by two brothers, one sister, six children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
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