Heber Simeon Allen (1864-1944)

Allen, Heber Simeon, 1864–1994 Autobiography (1864–c.1904) Autobiography (1864–c.1904) Duplication of typescript. 49 pp. HDC [LDS Church Archives] (Ms d 2050 20, 9, #8)

“Heber Simeon Allen, His Life and Works. Compiled and edited by C. Frank Steele.” Born at Hyrum, Utah, 1864. Childhood recollections. Worked on railroad construction projects in Montana with father, early 1880s. Began work on Canadian Pacific line, Alberta, 1883. Attended Brigham Young College at Logan during winter months, 1881–87. Studied bookkeeping last two years there. Kept books for father‘s construction business, 1886. Attended University of Utah, 1888. Back to railroad work. Moved to Canada when polygamous father went there, 1888. Settled at Cardston. Married Amy Louise Leonard, 1889. Taught school briefly. Dramatic club. Trip to Logan Temple to be sealed to wife, 1889. Taught Sunday School, 1890–c.1898. Farming. Took over store at Cardston, 1889. Ward clerk in Cardston Ward, c. 1891. President of elders quorum, 1895. Appointed postmaster, 1892. Opened own store in Cardston, 1893. Took BYA course in leadership for Sunday Schools, Provo, 1894. Relations with Indians. Efforts to establish saloon at Cardston, 1894–98. John Henry Smith’s announcement to author that Church favored members engaging in business enterprises, c. 1899. Called as president of Alberta Stake, 1902. Stake divided to form Taylor Stake, 1903. Author became president of new stake. Instructed by presiding brethren to study agricultural needs of region. Bought farm to show discouraged people successful farming possible, c. 1904. Moved to Raymond.

Editor notes sketch taken from author‘s journal. Brief connective passages supplied by editor. Last three pages cover author’s life after his journal ended.