The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-04-26

DEATH or VENERABLE VIRGINIA MATRON-
END OF A LONG, USEFUL, AND HAPPY LIFE.
Mrs. Louisa q. Allan, one Of the best
known and most esteemed ladies OF Rich.
mond, breathed her last Sunday at her resi-.
dence In tins city, corner OF Filth and Main
streets, at the ripe age OF eigbty.two years.
She survived both her husband and chill
drer, and for years has lived In an honored
retirement, the dispenser OF generous hos
pItality. In her death Is sundered another
OF the few remaining links that bound the
present TO the past Of Richmond society.
The venerable lady was q niece OF Mrs.
Abigail De Pass Mayo, widow OF Colonel
John Mayo, of Bellyile, and first cousin
of Mrs. General Winfield Scott, and was a
native OF New Jersey. She was married
about 1892 TO Mr.. John Allan, a dis.
tincuisbed and wealthy oId.time merchant
OF Richmond OF Scotch nativity, who, be-
sides his own financial acquisitions, was
one Of the heirs Of the great Glult estate.
Mrs. Allan, at the time OF her marriage, was
one of The most elegant ladies' OF her day,
and was long leader in the by no means re-
stricted but very select society OF "lang
syne.u Her sons were william e., john B.,
and Patterson Alan-all well and popularity
known to later generation. Captain John
B. Allan, Confederate States army, was
killed in battle near Staunton during the
late war. Several years after its conclusion
Major William q. Allan, OF the same SER
vice. died from a wound received at the
battle OF Bull Run. Patterson Allan, 60
long an enthusiastic member OF the \ ouing
Guard, Of this city, died few years since
in Cincinnati, OHIO. having married IN Et-
rome lady from that city. Captain John
Il. Allan married Miss Hoffman, OF Balti-
more, and left son and daughter, who now
reside in Richmond.
Mrs. Allan had resided in the house at the
corner Of Fifth and Main streets for nearly
half a century. and for many years it was
centre Of fashion. where could be seen Inc
very essence OF Virginia hospitality and re-
fnement as we'll as those who gave II an
envilble and undyiDg repute. She there
entertained General Harrison just previous
TO his Inauguration ~ President OF the
United States, when the hospitality was
generous, unsiinted, and free as be.
fitted both host and guest. General
Harrison always had great partiali-
ty for both Richmond and its peo.
pie. In early youth, years agone, he nad
come here from Charles City county raw,
uncouth youth, designing 10 learn tue
apOthecsry trade with DR.. Francis Lelper,
whose place OF business was on the horth
side OF Franklin between seventeenth ana
Eighteenth streets. After serving an ap-
pfenticesbp Of several years he emlgrated
TO the West. where he became renowned as
a general and a Governor OF Territories,
and finally returned to his old Richmond
home stricken in years and President OF the
United STATES.
Mrs. Allan's capacious residence contains
many fine paintings Of historical ana o'her
snhiects from the burins OF the best mas
iers: also, many interesting articles OF
bric-a.brac and uirtu collected during her
long soiourn in Europe.
Her husband, who was distinguished du-
ring his day from several others IN thls Guy
who bore the same name by the appelatlon
of "Scotch" John Allan, Is the gentleman
who adopted and raised Edgar Allan Poe.
The deceased Mrs. Allan, despite bcr
great age-a decade past the Psalmlsps
allotted quota Of three. e.core and ten-had
always been in the enjoyment OF excellent
health. She maintained 10 the last ber
ylyacity and spiightfulness, and, especially,
was ever ready to show an interest IN
Young people. It made her happy 10 see
them so. About thirty years since she
threw open her cipacious house and ele-
CANT grounds for a fancy ball, the glorious
memories Of which even now recur with
perennial freshness TO the lads and lassles
of ane.beIum days.
Her last and most continuous illness was
only Of two or three weeks duration, ana
she finally yielded TO the decadence OF old
age.
Her funeral took place from her late resi-
dence Yesterday afternOon-Rey. DR.. Hoge
officlatino-aud her remains were inferred
in HOLLYWOOD cemetery, being escorted to
their final resling-place by many old and al
tlched friends.