One of the old denominational landmarks has lately been removed by the death of Joseph Allen, of Friendship, N. Y. He was the last living of five children, three sons and two daughters, born to Robert and Catherine Allen, and was born in Brookfield, N. Y., Aug. 18, 1803. In 1821 his father moved to Allegany County, N. Y., about five miles south of Friendship, which was then an unimproved region of country. Here he opened up a large farm, upon which Joseph remained from this early date till four years ago, when he moved into a pleasant little home in Friendship, and remained there till death came, Sept. 3, 1898, and released him from the infirmities of a very advanced age, having entered a few days on his 96th year.
On Nov. 29, 1827, he was married to Phebe Maxson, of Little Genesee, N. Y., long since deceased. His second marriage occurred in 1883, to Mrs. Rachael Hurd, of Friendship, N. Y., who survives him. The first union was blessed by six children, four sons and two daughters, all but one of whom are living: Prof. J. M. Allen, of Louisville, Ky.; A. F. Allen, Bradford, Pa.; M. M. Allen, of Friendship, N. Y.; Mrs. A. W. Hamilton, of Wirt Centre, N. Y.; and Mrs. E. A. Whitford, wife of Rev. 0. U. Whitford, of Westerly, R. I., Corresponding Secretary of the Seventh-day Baptist Missionary Society.
The deceased was a man of strong vitality, having done considerable work even in his 90th year. He also possessed considerable ability, having held different positions of responsibility and trust.
Religiously, he was of deep conviction and strong character. Having made a public profession of religion in 1834, he was baptized by Eld. John Greene, and received into the fellowship of the Friendship Seventh-day Baptist church, of which he was an honored member till the time of his death. He was deeply interested in all our denominational work, and especially in Sabbath Reform.
As his pastor was away at the time of his death, his funeral services were conducted by Rev. Nelson Reynolds, of the Baptist church of Friendship, and his body laid at rest in the beautiful. Mount Hope Cemetery near that village. Truly he came to his grave in a full age, like a shock of corn cometh in his season." M. B. K
