BONNIE CITIZEN ACCIDENT VICTIM LATE YESTERDAY

John N. ALLEN, a well known and highly respected citizen of Bonnie, died about 4:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon as a result of injuries received when a portion of a building he was assisting to erect, fell and crushed him in the abdomen. He and a number of others were at the farm of Mr. ALLEN's brother, Ed, about a mile from Bonnie, where the building was being constructed. Coroner G. L. TAYLOR was notified and visited Bonnie last night, and held an inquest. The jury returned a verdict of unavoidable accident. The testimony of two witnesses was taken, that of A. H. PUCKETT and W. A. PUCKETT.

The accident happened about 10:30 in the morning and Mr. ALLEN died about 4:30 in the afternoon. He was taken immediately after the accident to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Claude HOOTS, where he died as stated. A physician was hastily called and when he arrived he found Mr. ALLEN's condition serious, and all efforts to save him proved in vain.

The testimony of A. H. PUCKETT and W. A. PUCKETT was substantially as follows: They were assisting to erect the building and had the east and south sides up, one side being up, when the east side broke away, and the frame fell across the abdomen of Mr. Allen. The others hastily rescued Mr. ALLEN from beneath the lumber, and carried him to the shade, then to the house of Mr. and Mrs. HOOTS where the physician visited him. His condition was found serious from the first.

Mr. ALLEN was one of the best known and highly respected citizens of the south side of the county. He had served years as a justice of the peace, and held this office at the time of his death.

He was a very devout and earnest Christian and a member of one on the branches of the Baptist Church, and took great interest in every agency used to promote the cause of Christ.

Mr. Allen is survived by his widow, and three daughters, Mrs. Claude HOOTS, Mrs. Louie HEINMAN and Mr. Everett Oathout, and other relatives.

Source: Mt. Vernon IL Register News
Date: Friday, August 1, 1930
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta

John Norman ALLEN, second son of Charles R. and Margaret ALLEN was born January 3, 1856; died July 31, 1930, being 74 years 6 months and 28 days old. He grew to manhood in Spring Garden Township. Was married to Josephine KIRK, 1877. To this union was born four children: Victoria HOOTS, Bonnie; Ethel OATHOUT, Mt. Vernon; Loveria HOLTSLAW, Salem; Emer ALLEN, who died at the age of four years.

He found his Savior at home afterwards entered the ministry as an evangelist with the Free Will Baptist Church and until his death was a faithful and willing worker in the Master's Vinyard.

He leaves behind him an aged wife, three children, four brothers, 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, besides a host of relatives and friends. He was a loving father and great companion, always ready to help the sick and anyone in trouble. He raised and educated his step-grandson, Claude KIRK, who thinks of him as a father.

We the Free Will Baptist Quarterly of Franklin County feel at this time that we have lost a faithful and true minister of the gospel and one whose counsel was sought and loved by all and we truthfully feel out loss is Heaven's gain.

Dear papa, you will never be forgotten;
Never from our memory fade;
Our loving hearts shall always linger,
'Round the grave where you are laid.

Source: Mt. Vernon IL Register News
Date: Saturday, August 2, 1930
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta