MRS. ANN (WHITE) ALLEN

BIOGRAPHY

AS RECORDED IN:

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF TOLLAND
AND WINDHAM COUNTIES CONNECTICUT.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS AND OF MANY
OF THE EARLY SETTLED FAMILIES.

PUBLISHER: J.H.BEERS & CO., CHICAGO; 1903 P. 1003

MRS. ANN (WHITE) ALLEN. In contemplating the rapid development of the New World, the clearing of the primeval forests to make way for cultivated fields, the change from the wigwam of the savage to the comfortable homes of today – in all, the march of progress toward the highest and best use of the means at hand – the names of those men who have held conspicuous place stand prominently in view. It is seldom that the due meed of praise is bestowed upon the ruler of the home – the wife and mother who in her way wrought
changes fully as great as those whose names are synonymous with the nation’s history. The women who have trained their children to be loyal and upright men and women, who have shouldered vast burdens of responsibility, and in their very weakness have found their strength, have a deserved place in history. In the town of Ellington, Tolland county, on Jan. 15, 1902, there entered into rest Mrs. Ann (White) Allen, one of the most highly esteemed residents of the county, a woman who, when left alone with a daughter to care for, bravely put her shoulder to the wheel, cultivated her farm, looked after the stock, and in filling her lamented husband’s place in management of affairs, none the less presided over her home, cared for and reared her
only remaining child, with all the innate sweetness and love that nature bequeathed to woman.

Mrs. Allen, a daughter of Anthony White, was born April 16, 1825, in Berkshire, Vt., where she attended the district school a mile and a half from her home. At the age of fourteen she left school, and began to make her own way in the world by doing housework. For her services she received thirty-four cents a week, and she continued to do this until she was twenty-four, at which time, she had saved one hundred dollars. She then came to Tolland county, locating in Rockville, where her brother Cyrus lived. Deciding to learn a trade, she entered the service of Cyrus Winchell, to learn weaving, and with her indomitable will and energy that ever aided her in overcoming any difficulty, she soon became an expert, and earned twelve dollars a week, which, as her board was but $1.25 a week, was riches to her, and in her economy she was enabled to save no little amount.

On March 24, 1859, she was married to Hiram Allen, who was born in Ellington Feb. 14, 1824, a son of Chester and Polly (Buckley) Allen, the former a well-to-do and prosperous farmer of that town, who began life under very unfavorable circumstances, but who by thrift and courage made a place for himself. Hiram Allen was reared a farmer, but early in life he took up wagon making, and had a shop at his home on what was known as the “Bingham farm.” The farm contained thirty-five acres, and he very successfully
combined its cultivation with his trade until his death April 14, 1870. He was domestic in his habits, and devoted to the interests of his wife and children. In religion he was a member of the Congregational Church, and in politics a Democrat.

To Hiram and Ann (White) Allen were born two children: Ernest H., born March 19, 1860, died Nov. 2, 1867. Lillian May, born May 4, 1866, attended the district school and also a select school at Ellington, kept by Mr. and Mrs. Homer Allen; on August 8, 1888, she was married to Frederick L. Hall, by whom she has had three children, Hiram Allen (born Jan. 5, 1891), Violet May (born June 28, 1892, died April 4, 1896) and Lillian Edith (born Dec. 25, 1893).

Just before Hiram Allen entered into rest, he asked his wife to retain the farm, and in pursuance with his wishes the widowed mother took charge of the place, and by her good management, wise economy and general capability, she succeeded in meeting her bills and also in accumulating some money. No
difficulty was too great for her to overcome, and through it all, busy and energetic, she kept her cheery disposition, and won a high place in the regard of the community. She was a member of the Methodist Church at Berkshire, Vt. Through her interest in the best and most progressive methods of agriculture, she was the first to join the Ellington Grange, on its organization, ever taking an active part in its work, and at her death she was the oldest member. Her funeral was conducted under the auspices of the Methodist Church, and the services at the grave were in charge of the Grange.

The following resolutions upon her death were adopted by the Ellington Grange:

WHEREAS, It has please the all-wise Master of the Universe to remove from our order a beloved sister, Ann W. Allen, be it

Resolved, that we, the members of Ellington Grange, desire to express our sorrow at the death of sister Allen, feeling that in her going we have lost one whom we all highly esteemed; and we deeply sympathize with the family in their sore affliction.

Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our late sister, and that they be placed upon the records of our order and sent to the Rockville Journal and Leader for publication; also that our charter be draped in mourning for thirty days.

(Signed) Julia V. Hamilton, Cynthia H. Ellsworth and Oliver M Charter, Committee on Resolutions, Ellington, Conn., Jan. 23, 1902.

Reproduced by:

Linda D. Pingel – great-great granddaughter of Cyrus White of Rockville, Ct. great-great grandniece of Ann (White) Allen