ALLEN - John Beard
Sources: Columbia Twice-A-Week Chronicle Sat Sept 22, 1888 p
2
Post Intellinger Friday Jan 30, 1903 p 4
LeGrande Oregon Observer Sat 31 Jan 1903
Post Intellinger Friday Jan 30, 1903 p 4
LeGrande Oregon Observer Sat 31 Jan 1903
While working on building his practice, he took a desk in a reading room which he had charge of being paid but $15 a month. He knew nary a soul but within a year his practice was beginning to thrive because of his superior knowledge and oratory abilities. Not yet 25, he was accepted by the prominent lawyers of Olympia. When Allen left Minnesota, he left Cecelia Bateman whom he loved but would not marry until he could well support her. In about a year, he sent for her and they wed, becoming parents of five children.
His business grew so quickly that he was joined by his brother, Joseph S. in his fast growing business. They practiced together a few years and then John B. became the US Attorney for Washington Territory, serving in this capacity for a decade. From 1889 – 1893 he was the first US Senator for the new state of Washington. Returning to his adopted state, he again went into practice, his specialty centering on railroad cases as he built his very lucrative practice. JB was in the GAR and remained a model citizen, loved by everyone until his death.
His death was a shock to all of Washington. He had been at work all day on January 28th, 1903 and upon coming home several friends came over for a visit. It was during this time that he had a sudden attack of angina pectoris. Doctors were quickly summoned but he was gone within a half hour. RIP Crawfordsville-born John Beard Allen.