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In the late 1800's a lone man wandered into the community arousing the suspicion of all the neighbors Who was this man? Where did he come from? Why was he here? They certainly would monitor closely his every move! There was no clue as to his identity. No truck or car carried his possessions; in fact no conveyance was needed. All the earthly goods he possessed he carried with him. He settled in, perhaps occupying an empty farm house, and quietly began to win his way into the hearts of all with whom he came in contact. First it was the children. His gentle manner drew them to him. Many a little hurt was healed by a pat on the head and softly spoken words, "Bless the child." Did not a man centuries ago say, "Suffer the little children to come unto me." The simple trust of the children opened the eyes of those who judged by adult standards, to the inner good- ness of this man. Suspicion gradually changed to trust - trust to acceptance - acceptance to respect - respect to love For many years he lived among them eking out a simple living by doing menial tasks about the area - chop- ping wood - cutting weeds - hoeing gardens. The children became young men and young women and he grew old. How old no one knew. He never men- tioned the place or date of his birth. In the Promise City, IA cemetery among countless memorials placed by families in memory of their loved ones, is one whose family never was known. But no epithet expresses more clearly the love felt for this loved one than the words etched into the stone marking the final resting place of this man. George Allen Birth Date unknown Died Nov. 28,1933 Held in high esteem by all who knew him Lover of children Stone donated by friends George Allen was a black man |