Obituary of William C. Allen.
Frankston, Anderson County, Texas.
On last Friday, June 2, 1911, Mr. William C. Allen died at his home in Frankston, Tx., where he had resided since last November. Previous to moving to Frankston, Mr. Allen had resided at Carroll, Smith County, continuously since 1858. He was born in Fayette County, Ga. in 1836 and married Miss Jane Co. Devaughn in 1857. She along with three girls and two boys survive him. The following named children survive: Mrs. Ludie Hitt, Tyler; Mrs. Cora Stone, Frankston; and Mrs. Wm. C. Allen, Frankston. Mr. Allen joined the Baptist church in 1855 and was one of the last four survivors of the original membership of the old Dover Baptist Church at Carroll, the other three being his wife and Mr. E.S. Allen and wife, who reside on Bow Street, E.S. Allen being his brother. Early after the outbreak of war he joined the Confederate army and served until surrender, serving in Co. C., 17th Texas Cavalry. He was taken prisoner with others of his command at Arkansas Post and carried to Chicago for imprisonment. On being exchanged, he rejoined his command, seeing service in the hardest battles of the war. This was Co. Bryan Marsh’s Regiment. At Atlanta he and his brother Abner were placed on picket duty by Gen. Clayburn with the instructions to hold their positions at all hazards. They were stationed in Peach Tree Street. While on this position, they saw some Federal officers of high rank advancing on them. The brothers fired simultaneously and the gallant McPherson fell lifeless from his horse. Had it not been for the order to hold their positions at all hazards, the brothers would have carried the dead body of the Federal General into their camp, but the orders of their General denied them the honor and McPherson’s body was taken where it fell by his staff. This modest, brave soldier seldom told of this incident and never boasted of it. This simple and incomplete story of the life of William C. Allen will bring sorrow to many hearts for none knew him but to love him.
Source: East Texas Genealogical Society, East Texas Family Records, Volume 6, Spring 1982; Pg. 16
NOTE:
William C. Allen
Son of: Whitmill Phillips Allen and Mary Ann Camp
Grandson of: George Allen and Temperance Phillips
Gr-grandson of: Whitmill Phillips and Nancy Ann Hurley
Gr-Gr-grandson of: Joel Phillips, Sr. and Elizabeth Harrington(?)
