Letter to Everette S. Sutton, March 1974

Deer Mr Sutton.

I received your letter of the 11th and am afraid I cannot help much, but will be glad to do the best I can.

My father James Payne Allen died in Benkelman on Oct 7 1905 in the Ough hotel across from the depot and Dr Fuqua was the doctor. My mother, brother and I had driven over to Wauneta that morning and since we were not at home, my father went back to help the night operator.

Benkelman was the first stop of all fast trains and it being a Saturday night, there were two freight trains in the yard. My father was helping the stockyards and after loading some cattle, someone left the gates open and as the cars came by my father was thrown from the side of the car and dragged quite aways. I had just a few days before passed my 13^th birthday and I am afraid I cant recall too much.

We came to Benkelman the fall of 1904 and were there about 13 or 14 months. We came from Wauneta where my father had worked as agent for the Burlington for 6 years. I don’t recall an obituary but I'm sure Mr Ketler was the editor of the Post Chronicle at that time. I know a Miss McEvoy had a funeral home.

My father was born Sept 2 1865 in Bridgeport Indiana, he went to school there, taught a country school and then became a telegraph operator for the Illinois Central R R.

He was married to my mother, Stella Stillman, in Delavan, Ill Dec 24 1890.

I was born in Toledo Illinois in 1892. In 1893 he came West to Stratton, Nebr as operator for the B & M, we moved to several localities where he was agent in Nebraska and Kansas.

He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Wauneta. He was a wonderful man and his untimely death cast a terrible shadow over our lives.

My mother and brother, Harry J Allen, are both dead. I am the only one left.

Mr Ross Druliner was my Sunday School teacher and I am sure he might be able to tell you something.

We moved to McCook Oct 31 1905 and I have lived here ever since.

My father is buried here in Memorial cemetery.

No, we did not live in the depot but rented a house in northwest Benkelman from Mr Robidoux. My father thought that the depot was a poor place to raise two children.

I do not know about the Hansen family.

I hope this will help you some. I know it is not well written but may be helpful with the newspaper files. If I can be of help or tell you anything else Please ask me.

Submitters retain all Copyrights.

All data on this website is © Copyright 2009 by Genealogy Trails with full rights reserved for original submitters.