Obituary from the Greenfield, Ma. Gazette and Courier August 12, 1905
DEATH OF WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN
An Honor Citizen
William Henry Allen, president of the Franklin Savings Institution, died Tuesday evening at his home on Main street after an illness of two weeks. Up to Sunday night his condition had been favorable, and his recovery was not unlooked at, but then his strength, owing to his advanced age failed and he sank rapidly. Tuesday morning he fell into a sleep from which he never wakened. He died peacefully in the presence of his wife and children 10 minutes before midnight.
Weather or not William Henry Allen had lived more years in Greenfield than any other person now in the town we are unable to say , but if there be such a person his name dose not occur to us. He was born in Greenfield Feb. 1, 1820, the oldest son of Sylvester and Harriet Ripley Allen, and the second child in a family of eight children.
He went to school in Greenfield and at the Northfield academy. At the ?????? ????? his record was so good ( two lines unreadable) out paying the usual tuition fee. When he was 14 he became a clerk in his father's store, then a general country store, the firm name being Allen and Root. In about 1842 that partnership was dissolved and Mr. Allen became his fathers partner under the firm name of S. Allen & Son.
In 1848, when Sylvester Allen died the business was taken up by his sons, Wm. H. and Franklin R., the general lines eliminated and a hardware business established. The sons adopted the firm name of S. Allen's Sons, a name that still lasts. Although Mr. Allen's active interest in the store ceased in a few years, he remained a partner in it 52 years, until 1900. He retired, to be succeeded by his son Franklin.
In 1860 he was chosen treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, of which he was then a trustee, to succeed Franklin Ripley (line unreadable) he was identified with that bank. In 1893 he became president.
In the conduct of the affairs of the bank he found his life work and by it he has been known to the people of his day and generation. his identification with the bank was so complete, his faithfulness so untiring, he enjoyed to such a degree the confidence of its patrons that to them, it is scarcely too much to say, he was the bank. To-day, with a vastly larger business than when he became its executive officer, no savings bank in the Commonwealth higher. This position it holds, because it rests upon the solid rock of the strong and safe principles of banking to which he rigidly adhered. In those days when banking practices seem at times rather loose and the reports of irregularities of brilliant financial leaders too frequent, it is well to bear in mind the careful methods and unflinching integrity of this upright New England banker of the old school.
Outside of the bank, his life centered in his home. He was married February 23, 1848 to Elizabeth Johnson Clapp, the daughter of Henry W. Clapp. To them nine children were born, six of whom are living. His delight and pride in his family were great. To them he revealed a vein of sentiment and affection, the depth of which was little realized by his business acquaintances.
During most of his fifty-seven years of his married life he lived in the house where he died. He was fond of gardening and his and well-ordered garden always excited the interest of passers by. He was a skillful fisherman and while his strength was equal to it, it was his custom to make an annual trip to Moosehead lake. There he took his July vacations.
He was a man of simple tastes and of excessive modesty. He was never a public man. Although suggestions of his being a candidate for office were made to him he shrank from them. There is written upon the town records an incident characteristic of him-Once at a town meeting he was chosen moderator but after that, the records states, Mr. Allen could not be found and the meeting proceeded to elect another moderator. He was a kindly man. His nature was hospitable. His greeting was always pleasant to receive; it was so genial. His companionship was delightful. His talk was interesting and instructive. As he was himself frank and simple, so in others he liked frankness and simplicity. He had a contempt for all display.
For eighty five years he lived in Greenfield; for more than seventy he has passed up and down the streets of the village to and from his business. His familiar figure will be missed. He lived well the simple life of a gentleman and an honest man. Now he rests from his labors.
In politics he was a republican, in religion a Unitarian, a
In generous supporter of the church and until his hearing became impaired, a regular attendant at its services.
He is survived by his widow, three sons, Charles, treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, his father's successor; Franklin, of the firm of S. Allen's Sons; William Henry, Jr., of Concord; three daughters, Cornelia Tilden, the wife of Alexander G. Hackstaff of Morristown, N. J.; Elizabeth Clapp, the wife of Charles H. Keith of Greenfield and Marion who is living at home, three brothers, Franklin Ripley of Greenfield; Charles, formerly Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, of Boston; and Roger Newton of Boston.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at his late home, Rev. John DuMont Reid at his late home. The interment was at Green River cemetery.
DEATH OF WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN
An Honor Citizen
William Henry Allen, president of the Franklin Savings Institution, died Tuesday evening at his home on Main street after an illness of two weeks. Up to Sunday night his condition had been favorable, and his recovery was not unlooked at, but then his strength, owing to his advanced age failed and he sank rapidly. Tuesday morning he fell into a sleep from which he never wakened. He died peacefully in the presence of his wife and children 10 minutes before midnight.
Weather or not William Henry Allen had lived more years in Greenfield than any other person now in the town we are unable to say , but if there be such a person his name dose not occur to us. He was born in Greenfield Feb. 1, 1820, the oldest son of Sylvester and Harriet Ripley Allen, and the second child in a family of eight children.
He went to school in Greenfield and at the Northfield academy. At the ?????? ????? his record was so good ( two lines unreadable) out paying the usual tuition fee. When he was 14 he became a clerk in his father's store, then a general country store, the firm name being Allen and Root. In about 1842 that partnership was dissolved and Mr. Allen became his fathers partner under the firm name of S. Allen & Son.
In 1848, when Sylvester Allen died the business was taken up by his sons, Wm. H. and Franklin R., the general lines eliminated and a hardware business established. The sons adopted the firm name of S. Allen's Sons, a name that still lasts. Although Mr. Allen's active interest in the store ceased in a few years, he remained a partner in it 52 years, until 1900. He retired, to be succeeded by his son Franklin.
In 1860 he was chosen treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, of which he was then a trustee, to succeed Franklin Ripley (line unreadable) he was identified with that bank. In 1893 he became president.
In the conduct of the affairs of the bank he found his life work and by it he has been known to the people of his day and generation. his identification with the bank was so complete, his faithfulness so untiring, he enjoyed to such a degree the confidence of its patrons that to them, it is scarcely too much to say, he was the bank. To-day, with a vastly larger business than when he became its executive officer, no savings bank in the Commonwealth higher. This position it holds, because it rests upon the solid rock of the strong and safe principles of banking to which he rigidly adhered. In those days when banking practices seem at times rather loose and the reports of irregularities of brilliant financial leaders too frequent, it is well to bear in mind the careful methods and unflinching integrity of this upright New England banker of the old school.
Outside of the bank, his life centered in his home. He was married February 23, 1848 to Elizabeth Johnson Clapp, the daughter of Henry W. Clapp. To them nine children were born, six of whom are living. His delight and pride in his family were great. To them he revealed a vein of sentiment and affection, the depth of which was little realized by his business acquaintances.
During most of his fifty-seven years of his married life he lived in the house where he died. He was fond of gardening and his and well-ordered garden always excited the interest of passers by. He was a skillful fisherman and while his strength was equal to it, it was his custom to make an annual trip to Moosehead lake. There he took his July vacations.
He was a man of simple tastes and of excessive modesty. He was never a public man. Although suggestions of his being a candidate for office were made to him he shrank from them. There is written upon the town records an incident characteristic of him-Once at a town meeting he was chosen moderator but after that, the records states, Mr. Allen could not be found and the meeting proceeded to elect another moderator. He was a kindly man. His nature was hospitable. His greeting was always pleasant to receive; it was so genial. His companionship was delightful. His talk was interesting and instructive. As he was himself frank and simple, so in others he liked frankness and simplicity. He had a contempt for all display.
For eighty five years he lived in Greenfield; for more than seventy he has passed up and down the streets of the village to and from his business. His familiar figure will be missed. He lived well the simple life of a gentleman and an honest man. Now he rests from his labors.
In politics he was a republican, in religion a Unitarian, a
In generous supporter of the church and until his hearing became impaired, a regular attendant at its services.
He is survived by his widow, three sons, Charles, treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, his father's successor; Franklin, of the firm of S. Allen's Sons; William Henry, Jr., of Concord; three daughters, Cornelia Tilden, the wife of Alexander G. Hackstaff of Morristown, N. J.; Elizabeth Clapp, the wife of Charles H. Keith of Greenfield and Marion who is living at home, three brothers, Franklin Ripley of Greenfield; Charles, formerly Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, of Boston; and Roger Newton of Boston.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at his late home, Rev. John DuMont Reid at his late home. The interment was at Green River cemetery.
Obituary from the Greenfield, Ma. Gazette and Courier August 12, 1905
DEATH OF WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN
An Honor Citizen
William Henry Allen, president of the Franklin Savings Institution, died Tuesday evening at his home on Main street after an illness of two weeks. Up to Sunday night his condition had been favorable, and his recovery was not unlooked at, but then his strength, owing to his advanced age failed and he sank rapidly. Tuesday morning he fell into a sleep from which he never wakened. He died peacefully in the presence of his wife and children 10 minutes before midnight.
Weather or not William Henry Allen had lived more years in Greenfield than any other person now in the town we are unable to say , but if there be such a person his name dose not occur to us. He was born in Greenfield Feb. 1, 1820, the oldest son of Sylvester and Harriet Ripley Allen, and the second child in a family of eight children.
He went to school in Greenfield and at the Northfield academy. At the ?????? ????? his record was so good ( two lines unreadable) out paying the usual tuition fee. When he was 14 he became a clerk in his father's store, then a general country store, the firm name being Allen and Root. In about 1842 that partnership was dissolved and Mr. Allen became his fathers partner under the firm name of S. Allen & Son.
In 1848, when Sylvester Allen died the business was taken up by his sons, Wm. H. and Franklin R., the general lines eliminated and a hardware business established. The sons adopted the firm name of S. Allen's Sons, a name that still lasts. Although Mr. Allen's active interest in the store ceased in a few years, he remained a partner in it 52 years, until 1900. He retired, to be succeeded by his son Franklin.
In 1860 he was chosen treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, of which he was then a trustee, to succeed Franklin Ripley (line unreadable) he was identified with that bank. In 1893 he became president.
In the conduct of the affairs of the bank he found his life work and by it he has been known to the people of his day and generation. his identification with the bank was so complete, his faithfulness so untiring, he enjoyed to such a degree the confidence of its patrons that to them, it is scarcely too much to say, he was the bank. To-day, with a vastly larger business than when he became its executive officer, no savings bank in the Commonwealth higher. This position it holds, because it rests upon the solid rock of the strong and safe principles of banking to which he rigidly adhered. In those days when banking practices seem at times rather loose and the reports of irregularities of brilliant financial leaders too frequent, it is well to bear in mind the careful methods and unflinching integrity of this upright New England banker of the old school.
Outside of the bank, his life centered in his home. He was married February 23, 1848 to Elizabeth Johnson Clapp, the daughter of Henry W. Clapp. To them nine children were born, six of whom are living. His delight and pride in his family were great. To them he revealed a vein of sentiment and affection, the depth of which was little realized by his business acquaintances.
During most of his fifty-seven years of his married life he lived in the house where he died. He was fond of gardening and his and well-ordered garden always excited the interest of passers by. He was a skillful fisherman and while his strength was equal to it, it was his custom to make an annual trip to Moosehead lake. There he took his July vacations.
He was a man of simple tastes and of excessive modesty. He was never a public man. Although suggestions of his being a candidate for office were made to him he shrank from them. There is written upon the town records an incident characteristic of him-Once at a town meeting he was chosen moderator but after that, the records states, Mr. Allen could not be found and the meeting proceeded to elect another moderator. He was a kindly man. His nature was hospitable. His greeting was always pleasant to receive; it was so genial. His companionship was delightful. His talk was interesting and instructive. As he was himself frank and simple, so in others he liked frankness and simplicity. He had a contempt for all display.
For eighty five years he lived in Greenfield; for more than seventy he has passed up and down the streets of the village to and from his business. His familiar figure will be missed. He lived well the simple life of a gentleman and an honest man. Now he rests from his labors.
In politics he was a republican, in religion a Unitarian, a
In generous supporter of the church and until his hearing became impaired, a regular attendant at its services.
He is survived by his widow, three sons, Charles, treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, his father's successor; Franklin, of the firm of S. Allen's Sons; William Henry, Jr., of Concord; three daughters, Cornelia Tilden, the wife of Alexander G. Hackstaff of Morristown, N. J.; Elizabeth Clapp, the wife of Charles H. Keith of Greenfield and Marion who is living at home, three brothers, Franklin Ripley of Greenfield; Charles, formerly Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, of Boston; and Roger Newton of Boston.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at his late home, Rev. John DuMont Reid at his late home. The interment was at Green River cemetery.
DEATH OF WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN
An Honor Citizen
William Henry Allen, president of the Franklin Savings Institution, died Tuesday evening at his home on Main street after an illness of two weeks. Up to Sunday night his condition had been favorable, and his recovery was not unlooked at, but then his strength, owing to his advanced age failed and he sank rapidly. Tuesday morning he fell into a sleep from which he never wakened. He died peacefully in the presence of his wife and children 10 minutes before midnight.
Weather or not William Henry Allen had lived more years in Greenfield than any other person now in the town we are unable to say , but if there be such a person his name dose not occur to us. He was born in Greenfield Feb. 1, 1820, the oldest son of Sylvester and Harriet Ripley Allen, and the second child in a family of eight children.
He went to school in Greenfield and at the Northfield academy. At the ?????? ????? his record was so good ( two lines unreadable) out paying the usual tuition fee. When he was 14 he became a clerk in his father's store, then a general country store, the firm name being Allen and Root. In about 1842 that partnership was dissolved and Mr. Allen became his fathers partner under the firm name of S. Allen & Son.
In 1848, when Sylvester Allen died the business was taken up by his sons, Wm. H. and Franklin R., the general lines eliminated and a hardware business established. The sons adopted the firm name of S. Allen's Sons, a name that still lasts. Although Mr. Allen's active interest in the store ceased in a few years, he remained a partner in it 52 years, until 1900. He retired, to be succeeded by his son Franklin.
In 1860 he was chosen treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, of which he was then a trustee, to succeed Franklin Ripley (line unreadable) he was identified with that bank. In 1893 he became president.
In the conduct of the affairs of the bank he found his life work and by it he has been known to the people of his day and generation. his identification with the bank was so complete, his faithfulness so untiring, he enjoyed to such a degree the confidence of its patrons that to them, it is scarcely too much to say, he was the bank. To-day, with a vastly larger business than when he became its executive officer, no savings bank in the Commonwealth higher. This position it holds, because it rests upon the solid rock of the strong and safe principles of banking to which he rigidly adhered. In those days when banking practices seem at times rather loose and the reports of irregularities of brilliant financial leaders too frequent, it is well to bear in mind the careful methods and unflinching integrity of this upright New England banker of the old school.
Outside of the bank, his life centered in his home. He was married February 23, 1848 to Elizabeth Johnson Clapp, the daughter of Henry W. Clapp. To them nine children were born, six of whom are living. His delight and pride in his family were great. To them he revealed a vein of sentiment and affection, the depth of which was little realized by his business acquaintances.
During most of his fifty-seven years of his married life he lived in the house where he died. He was fond of gardening and his and well-ordered garden always excited the interest of passers by. He was a skillful fisherman and while his strength was equal to it, it was his custom to make an annual trip to Moosehead lake. There he took his July vacations.
He was a man of simple tastes and of excessive modesty. He was never a public man. Although suggestions of his being a candidate for office were made to him he shrank from them. There is written upon the town records an incident characteristic of him-Once at a town meeting he was chosen moderator but after that, the records states, Mr. Allen could not be found and the meeting proceeded to elect another moderator. He was a kindly man. His nature was hospitable. His greeting was always pleasant to receive; it was so genial. His companionship was delightful. His talk was interesting and instructive. As he was himself frank and simple, so in others he liked frankness and simplicity. He had a contempt for all display.
For eighty five years he lived in Greenfield; for more than seventy he has passed up and down the streets of the village to and from his business. His familiar figure will be missed. He lived well the simple life of a gentleman and an honest man. Now he rests from his labors.
In politics he was a republican, in religion a Unitarian, a
In generous supporter of the church and until his hearing became impaired, a regular attendant at its services.
He is survived by his widow, three sons, Charles, treasurer of the Franklin Savings Institution, his father's successor; Franklin, of the firm of S. Allen's Sons; William Henry, Jr., of Concord; three daughters, Cornelia Tilden, the wife of Alexander G. Hackstaff of Morristown, N. J.; Elizabeth Clapp, the wife of Charles H. Keith of Greenfield and Marion who is living at home, three brothers, Franklin Ripley of Greenfield; Charles, formerly Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, of Boston; and Roger Newton of Boston.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at his late home, Rev. John DuMont Reid at his late home. The interment was at Green River cemetery.
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