Alfred “Mitt” Allen

Alfred Milton Allen was born in December of 1849, in Edgar County, Illinois to John and Mary (Camerer) Allen. When he was just seven years old, he came to Washington County, Nebraska with his parents.

He married Nancy Swihart, daughter of Israel and Mary (Brewster) Swihart. Nancy was a sister to William Swihart who married Alfred’s sister, Sarah. During their marriage Alfred and Nancy lived in several locations in and around Washington County. They were parents of eleven children, however, most did not live to adulthood. Their children are probably buried in the Brewster Cemetery, although only one grave bears a stone today. Delores aka “Doll,” Cora, May Belle and Nellie are their only children who lived beyond infancy or childhood.

It is thought that about 1901, Alfred (who also went by A. M. or “Mitt”), joined his father-in-law, Israel Swihart, in his quest for gold in Dakota Territory, probably in the area of Lead, South Dakota. Mitt’s demise is unknown. It is believed however, that he died between 1902 and 1904, in South Dakota. Records in Lawrence County, South Dakota show that a Nancy E. Allen sold a lode of gold ore in 1905, and had remarried Ezra Spink by the following year.

Nancy (Swihart) Allen Spink died November 5, 1929, and is buried in an unmarked grave in the Kennard Cemetery.

Vinton, Merri Allen, Hillbillies & Hexsigns, “A Study of the Ancestors and Descendants of William Henry Allen & Ruth Emily Bottorff, of Washington County, Nebraska,” 2008.