Albert Silas Allen (1878-1952) 52 Ancestors #10

For this post in the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge from Amy Johnson Crow, I'm writing about my paternal great grandfather, Albert Silas Allen.

Albert Silas Allen (1878-1952)

Born: September 13, 1878 in Hyrum, Utah
Died: November 1, 1952 in Hyrum, Utah

Parents

Albert J Allen (1855-1932)
Finetta Ann Williams (1860-1943)

Spouse & Children

Margaret Maria Nielsen (1875-1957)

• Albert Merlin Allen (1902-1988)
• Wendell Gayle Allen (1905-1985)
• Andrew Thayle Allen (1909-1911)
• Alton Clain Allen (1911-1921)

Albert was the eldest of nine children of Albert J. Allen and Finetta Ann Williams, born in Hyrum, Utah on September 13, 1878. His son (Wendell Gayle Allen) and great grandson (me) were both born the day after his birthday on September 14th. Albert received a common school education in Hyrum.

Albert married Margaret Maria Nielsen in the Logan LDS Temple on February 5, 1902. Later that year, Albert's eldest son (Albert Merlin Allen) was born on December 30, 1902. Three years later, my grandfather (Wendell Gayle Allen) was born on September 14, 1905. A third son (Andrew Thayle Allen) was born July 14, 1907, but he got pneumonia as an infant and passed away on December 8, 1911. A fourth son (Alton Clain Allen) was born August 11, 1914, but he also contracted pneumonia and passed away as a child on March 24, 1921.

Albert Silas Allen Family

Albert was called to leave his family and serve a mission to Great Britain 1915-1918 and labored in the Scottish and and Manchester conferences.

Albert's eldest son, Merlin never married, but served in the army and operated a service station in Hyrum. He had diabetes and had to have his leg amputated later in life.

Albert's 2nd son, Wendell Allen (my grandfather) married Oda Juanita Larsen on November 29, 1933 and they had 5 children (one of them my father).

Albert Silas Allen was the third bishop of the Hyrum 1st Ward and was a carpenter by trade. He also worked as a custodian at South Cache High School.

Albert Silas Allen passed away suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 74 on November 1, 1952. He had been invited to speak at a funeral and got up to speak and said, "Brothers and Sisters, I'm happy to be here today." Those were apparently his last words, as he had a heart attack and died.

Margaret passed away five years later at the age of 82 on September 27, 1957 and is buried in the Hyrum City Cemetery next to her husband. Their four sons are also buried close by in the Hyrum City cemetery.