E.O. Allen (Bud) was born at Chatfield, Minnesota, and later moved to Madison, South Dakota. Mrs. Allen (Thelma Thompson) was born at Doon, Iowa, and later moved with her family to Winfred, South Dakota. Thelma attended and graduated from the Normal Training School at Madison. Bud and Thelma were married at Madison on June 26, 1913. They later moved to Sanborn, Iowa, where their daughter, Esther Belle was born. Seven years later, while living in Primghar, Iowa, Elva Marie was born.
In 1922, the family moved to Harris where they made their home for forty years. They were both very active in community and church affairs.
There wasn't anything that Bud couldn't do-except repair his car. He was a mason, finish carpenter, salesman, income tax consultant and had many other occupations. His greatest accomplishment was David's Grotto which he built in the last ten years of his life. While in Harris, Bud and Thelma operated three cafes, a variety store and a bakery. Thelma was a homemaker and a businesswoman. She served the community as postmaster for 27 years, 4 months and 17 days.
Bud died in Harris at his home on August 23, 1959. Thelma died in the Lookout Memorial Hospital in Spearfish, South Dakota, on April 8, 1891. They are both buried in the Union Cemetery at Harris. Bud helped to lay out the Union Cemetery when he was mayor of Harris.
Written permission granted by Don & Marlene Loring & Della Mae Rubsam
Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner
Copyright 2004
Edited by Kermit Kittleson