The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-04-18

He was born in Columbiana county,
Ohio, in 1854, but was taken in his in
fancy to Kansas, where he grew up.
He came to Washington as a clerk in
the auditors office of the postoff1ce
department in 1881, and rose therein
through the several grades of clerk
ship to the chiefship of one of it's
money order auditing divisions in
1897, a position he held when he died.
It was in 1857 when the deceased
became resident of Topeka He was
educated in the common schools and
Ponds Business college. After COM
pleting a course in pharmacy at Kan
sas City, he entered as clerk in the
pension agency at Topeka during
1874 at which time his father was
the banking business, becoming CASH
Ter of the Blue Valley bank at Man
haitian.
He was made a Master Mason in
Harmony lodge, No. II, this city, Feb
ruary %, 1888, and was it's wOrShipful
master in 1896. He was made Royal
Arch Mason in Columbia Royal Arch
chapter, No. 1. February 20, 1889, and
became its high priest in 1896. He
was knighted in Columbia Command
cry. No. 2, December 10, 1889, and
became it's eminent commander in
1897.
In 1905 Mr.. Allen was chosen grand
commander of the grand commandery
of the District of Columbia. He was
also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, in
Almas Temple; worthy patron of
Esther chapter, No. 5, order of the
Eastern Star. and grand patron of the
grand chapter, Order of the Eastern
Star for the District of Columbia in
1901. i
Charles A. Cram auditor for the post
office department, in announcing the
death of Mr.. Allen to the secretary of
the treasury. paid ugh tribute to his
He was one of the best liked men who
ever served in this office, competent
was man among men, honest in thought,
in purpose and in deed. To the office he
gave mis- best service; to his associates
and friends courtesy and inspiring ideals,
and to those bound by stronger and dear
er ties a strong mans loving, tender
care
Postmaster General Burleson has de-
clared his position with respect to post
office primaries And Kansas is much
interested in this subject because several
primaries have already decided who will
be candidates to be nominated for these
offices. He has been pressed from various
quarters to indicate his position with re-
spect to such primaries The issue is
burning one in various sections of the
country, and especially in South Dakota,
where the progressive Democrats are
urging the spirit of the Richards pri-
mary law be observed.
In a letter to Congressman Dillon, Post
master General Burleson, alluding to the
South Dakota primary law respecting the
nomination of federal officials, says he
does not recognize any obligation on
his part to observe the results Of prefer
entail primaries in the selection of per
sons for appointment as postmasters, but
that he will consider the results of such
primaries suggestions and take them
into account. along with other sugges-
tons relative to the appointment of per
sons to postofficeS.
The same question is up to President
Wilson and much interest is felt on how
he will decide it
president has nominated two Kan
sas postmasters. namely William A
Matteson, Abilene; Jefferson Durham,
Little River.
Two new star mail routes have been or
dered to he established in Kansas. One
from Garden City to Santa Fe. and the
other from HARDWOOD to Santa Fe
L. W. THAVIS.