Obituary of William Irwin Allen
Civil War Veteran

Source:
Nashville Journal,
Nashville, Illinois
September 19, 1918

W. I. Allen William Irwin Allen, the well-known veteran of Ashley, passed away at his home in Ashley Saturday at the age of 73 years and 19 days. Mr. Allen was a native of New Orleans, La., having been born there August 25, 1845. When a boy he removed to Richview, Ill., with his mother and later became a resident of Ashley where he lived until the time of his death. When the Civil War broke out Mr. Allen offered his services to his country by volunteering Jan. 5, 1861, and was assigned to Co. A, 31st Ill. Vol. Inft. This was General John A. Logan's regiment. Mr. Allen was wounded in battle and had the distinction of being with General Sherman on his famous "March to the Sea." After serving four years, six months and fourteen days he was honorably discharged July 19, 1865. On April 11, 1868, Mr. Allen was married to Jane Ross of Coulterville. Their union was blessed with seven children, five sons and two daughters-William Sherman, Thomas Edward (Republican candidate for county superintendent of schools), John Henry, Anna Belle, (Mrs. Elmer Haun,) Louis Irwin and Ida Norah, all of whom survive, while a son, Robert James, died in boyhood. Mr. Allen and his faithful helpmeet last April had the unusual honor of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. The departed was a member of the Masonic and I.O.O.F. lodges. He had lived most of his life upon a farm, but sixteen years ago had entered the service of Uncle Sam as rural mail carrier at Ashley, in which capacity he served continuously until his last illness. Mr. Allen was a good neighbor, loyal citizen, kind father and loving husband and his loss will be deeply felt by all of his associates. Funeral services were held Sunday at the home and interment made in the Ashley cemetery. Fellow members of I.O.O.F. lodge acted as pall bearers.