Mount Morris News, Mount Morris, IL

Wednesday, December 12, 1900 p. 1

ROBERT Q. ALLEN

PASSED TO THE GREAT BEYOND LAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON

After an illness dating back several years, Robert Q. Allen passed to the great beyond last Thursday afternoon at about 1 o'clock. The immediate cause of death was heart failure, with which he was seized at 12 o'clock in the night preceeding. During the interval he was unconscious and his end was peaceful. The funeral services were private and were conducted by Rev. L. L. Lipe, on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment was made at the old cemetery.

Robert Q. Allen was the son of A. Quimby and Elizabeth Allen and was born in Mount Morris, May 6, 1900. (sic) (should be 1850) He gained his early education in the public school of Mount Morris and later entered Rock River Seminary. At the age of 16 he followed the famous advice of Horace Greely, and went west, taking up mining in Colorado. He passed about five years near where the city of Leadville is now located, at Pike's Peak, Colorado Springs, and Virginia City. He then came back to Mount Morris, and a few years later married Miss Mary Avey, daughter of George and Nancy Avey. His wife only lived about a year after her marriage. After the death of his companion Mr. Allen took up the study of law, reading with the firm of Bailey and Neff, of Freeport. He was admitted to the bar, but did not practice long until his father died. After the death of his father Mr. Allen went in to the auctioneering business and a made a marked success at it. In his palmy days, about a decade back, it was the exception for him not to have a sale every day during the winter months. His territory extended over Ogle, Stephenson and Carroll counties. A few years ago Mr. Allen's health failed and he took a trip west to be benefited. He traveled over Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska, but his search for the priceless boon was unavailing. He returned to his native town and since that time his decline was rapid. Mr. Allen is survived by two sisters and one brother; viz., Mrs. R. D. McClure, of this place; Mrs. Wm. H. Cosgrove, of Chicago; and Ed Allen, the popular auctioneer of Mount Morris. Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrove were in attendance at the funeral.

Contributed by Peg Allen Arnold

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