James [Jimmy] ALLUM

  General Notes:

Photo: James [Jimmy] Allum, 1822-1905, gazes at us from this treasured image.

Photo from the collection of Shirley Allum Hudlicky (photographed from a 5" X 7" tin-type)



1822 BIRTH of James "Jimmy" Allum

(In 1822, the nation's 5th President, James Monroe, vetoed the Cumberland Road Toll Bill designed to provide federal funds to repair the nation's first highway; the Cumberland Road had been established in 1818. "The Constitution prohibits heavy federal involvement in such public works," Monroe declared. John Jacob Astor extended his American Fur Trading operations into western areas. In Massachusetts, water-powered cotton mills began operation. Yellow fever was rampant in New York. Tennessee nominated its favorite son, Andrew Jackson, for President of the United States, but Jackson was destined to wait until 1828 to be elected to that office.)

1830 CENSUS, Pennsylvania, Greene County, Richhill Township (with parents)

10 people are in the household in 1830:

1 male 30-40 (father Charles, born 1796)
2 males 10-15 (sons William and Thomas, born 1817 and 1818)
2 males 5-10 (sons John and James, born 1820 and 1822)
1 male under 5 (son Isaac, born 1828)
1 female 30-40 (mother Jemima, born 1795)
1 female 5-10 (daughter Delila, born 1823)
2 females under 5 (daughters Peninah and Hannah, born 1825 and 1827)

1840 DEATH of grandfather William Allum

1840 CENSUS, Pennsylvania, Greene County, Richhill Township (with parents)

11 people are in the household in 1840:

1 male 40-50 (father Charles)
1 male 20-30 (son John) (sons William, born 1817, and Thomas, born 1818, are documented in their own households in Richhill Township in 1840)
1 male 15-20 (son James "Jimmy," born 1822)
1 male 10-15 (son Isaac, born 1828)
1 male under 5 (son Porter, born 1840)
1 female 40-50 (mother Jemima, born 1795)
2 females 15-20 (daughters Delila, born 1823, and Peninah, born 1825)
1 female 10-15 (daughter Hannah, born 1827)
2 females under 5 (Should the census category have really been "2 females 5-10"? If so, they would have been daughters Pamelia and Eliza)

1843 MARRIAGE of James Allum and Rebecca Sermon at St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio by Rev. Isaac N. Baird (Sarah Sermon, witness)

1850 CENSUS, Pennsylvania, Greene County, Richhill Township (September 13) ("James," age 28, "Farmer") (wife "Rebecca," age 28)

1859 DEATH of mother, Jemima (Barnhart) Allum

1860 CENSUS, Pennsylvania, Greene County, Richhill Township, P. O. Harvey's (June 6) ("James," age 38, "Farmer") (wife "Rebecca," age 38) ("Allums")

1863 REGISTRATION, Civil War Draft, Pennsylvania, Greene County, Richhill Township, 24th Congressional District (May & June) ("James Allum," age 43, "Farmer," born in Pennsylvania) (Class 2)

1864 PROPERTY VALUATION of $500 according to the tax list for "Rich Hill" township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, list created in May

1864 PROPERTY VALUATION of $500 according to the tax list for "Rich Hill" township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, list created in October

1865 PROPERTY VALUATION of $628, according to the tax list for Richhill Township in Greene County, Pennsylvania, list created in May

1868 DEATH of father, Charles W. Allum

1868 BENEFICIARY in will of father, Charles W. Allum

1870 CENSUS, Pennsylvania, Washington County, East Finley Township, P. O. Claysville (August 19) ("James," age 48, is documented "Dennis"!) (in his household are Rebecca P., age 48; "Nina A." (Penina), age 22; ? , age 10; and Delila, age 7 (also known as "Allie," the daughter of Isaac and Lucinda [Parson] Allum)

James and Rebecca reared "Allie" in Pennsylvania. She is also mentioned in James' will. Delila Alice "Allie" Allum was the daughter of Isaac and Lucinda (Parson) Allum. See "Isaac Allum" for additional information

1880 CENSUS, Pennsylvania, Washington County, East Finley Township (June 17) (James, age 58, "Farmer") ("Alum") (wife "Rebecca P.," age (With James and Rebecca are their niece, "Allie A.," age 17 (daughter of Isaac Allum and Lucinda Parson Allum), and nephew "Everly," age 14 (son of Porter and Louisa Jones Allum) ("Alum" on census page)

1900 CENSUS, Pennsylvania, Washington County, East Finley Township (June 14) ("James," age 78, born "January, 1822 in Pennsylvania, "Land Lord") (wife "Rebecca P.," age 78, born "May, 1822 in Pennsylvania") (Rebecca is shown as the mother of 2 children, both children alive in the year 1900; she and James had been married 56 years) ("Alumn" on census page)

1904 WILL prepared and signed by James Allum on August 19

1905 DEATH, James "Jimmy" Allum, on September 16 at 83 years 8 months 7 days

(Trains, automobiles and a plane appeared between Jimmy's birth in 1822 and his death in 1905. Already in 1869, the Golden Spike had been driven at Promontory Point, Utah connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by rail. In 1905, the B. & O. Railroad introduced electric freight locomotives; the Union Pacific boasted electric lighting on its luxury passenger train, the Overland Limited, between Chicago and San Francisco. Henry Ford sold his first Model A in 1903, and Orville & Wilbur got the "flight machine" off the ground in 1904.

In 1905, Teddy Roosevelt was sworn in as President, having been elected to his own first term in 1904 after becoming President upon William McKinley's assassination in 1901. Roosevelt told Congress, "There is no danger in having too many immigrants of the right kind." "Right" meant those who were "willing to learn English, embrace values and customs of the middle class, improve themselves through education, work hard in their profession, and obey the law."

In 1905, the Julliard School of Music was founded in New York City, and a small parcel of land on Wall Street sold for $700,000. What would be the equivalent in today's currency?!

For a nickel, people all across the country could see a 10-minute motion picture in makeshift theaters that became known as "nickelodeons."

On the world stage, construction of a canal across the Panama was begun.)

****

1910 CENSUS, James' widow Rebecca is not found

1914 WILL prepared and signed by Rebecca Allum on March 30

1915 DEATH of wife, Rebecca (Sermon) Allum, on February 15 at 92 years 9 months 8 days (Woodrow Wilson was President)

Cause of death: "Pneumonia" --Greene County, Pennsylvania Death Records

Cause of death: "Broncho-Pneumonia" --Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Death Certificate





Shirley Allum Hudlicky:

"James 'Jimmy' Allum signed his name 'James, Jun.' until after the death of James Allum, 1812-1850."

The elder James referred to above who died in 1850 was 'Jimmy's' first cousin




MILITARY SERVICE (James): None

OCCUPATIONS: Farmer and Miller

LOCATIONS: Richhill Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania; East Finley Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania

CHURCH AFFILIATION: Baptist; elected Deacon of Enon Baptist Church in 1853

DOCUMENT: Certificate of Death from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Rebecca Piercen Sermon Allum ("Broncho-Pneumonia")




BOOK: HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, 1882, by Boyd Crumrine, pages 779 and 780:
Description of the organization of Enon Baptist Church, Greene County, Pennsylvania, for which James Allum was Deacon

BOOK: HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, 1882, by Rev. William Hanna, pages 216 and 217:
Description of Enon Church in which James Allum is documented, as follows:

"The Enon Baptist Church was constituted September 22, 1848. The recognition council consisted of Rev. Wm. Whitehead and Rev. Chas. Parker. Number of constituent members, 13. The first deacons were Brothers Morris Jones and John Feaster. Brother Feaster was dismissed by letter to some other sister church. Since the organization the following brethren have been elected: James Allum, in the year 1853; Joshua Ackley, 1856; Wm. Clutter, 1868 (by letter from South Tenmile Church). These four are still deacons. Brother Geo. D. Jones is the present clerk. Rev. Wm. Whitehead was called to the pastoral care of the church at its constitution in 1848. He was succeeded by Rev. John West in 1850. Rev. Wm. Whitehead was recalled in 1851 and 1852. Rev. John Edmonson supplied in 1853; succeeded by Rev. Lewis Sammons in 1854; succeeded by Rev. George W. Hartzog, ending in the year 1857; Rev. John Henderson for 1858; then Rev. Lewis Sammons was called as a supply for the year 1859; then Rev. Morgan Tilton was called April 1st, 1860, ending his labors in 1863; Rev. Lewis Sammons was recalled for the year 1864, ending in 1865; Rev. David G. Zook was called September 1st, 1865, ending his labors in 1867; Rev. Morgan Tilton was recalled in 1868, who served as pastor. We omit giving the number of excluded and deceased, for want of correct dates. We find many omissions. The present membership is about 96. In connection with the regular ministrations of pastors and supplies, this church has enjoyed the valuable labors of many ministering brethren in protracted meetings and visitations. Our trust is in the blessed Savior. May his Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts."



Shirley Allum Hudlicky, October 14, 1965 letter to DeeAnna:

"James' Bible was originally presented to Enon Church, but one of the pastors said it was too big for convenience, so the family took it home."



NEWSPAPER:

MRS. REBECCA P. ALLUM, AGED 87; HER DAUGHTER MRS. SARAH JANE SWART, AGED 64; HER GRANDDAUGHTER MRS. THOMAS L. HARSHA, AGED 43; HER GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER MRS. JONAS CHESS, AGED 19; AND HER GREAT GREAT GRANDSON WILBUR BLAINE CHESS, AGED EIGHT MONTHS

West Finley, Feb. 25--Among the oldest residents of East Finley township is Mrs. Rebecca P. Allum, who is the head of five generations, a distinction rare in the families of Washington county. Mrs. Allum, who is now 87 years of age, recently sat for a picture containing the representatives of these five generations.

They are: Mrs. Allum, aged 87 years; her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Jane Swart, aged 64 years; her granddaughter, Mrs. Thomas L. Harsha, of McConnellsville, O., aged 43 years; her great granddaughter, Mrs. Jonas Chess of Bristoria, aged 19 years; and her great-great grandson, Wilbur Blaine Chess, aged eight months.

Mrs. Allum also has the distinction of having seven grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Despite her advanced age, Mrs. Allum retains all of her faculties and enjoys having all of her descendants about her. Mrs. Allum tells with much interest about an Indian chief decked to gay feathers stopping for breakfast at their home when she was but a small girl. She also tells of walking from 25 to 40 miles per day when she was young, that being the principal mode of travel in those days.

Mrs. Allum has always been a constant church goer and despite her advanced age she attends "meetin" twice a day traveling nearly two miles. She gets in and out of her carriage without assistance and is as spry as she was many years ago. She deplores the fact now that so few people attend church services as compared with the times when she was young.

Mrs. Allum is still able to read without the aid of glasses and keeps posted on the affairs of the day by reading the daily papers. During the past two years Mrs. Allum has pieced a quilt for each of her seven grandchildren and two daughters.

Mrs. Allum is of English descent and was born in Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia, May 7, 1822. Her maiden name was Rebecca Piercen Sermon, her parents being Thomas and Hannah Jones Sermon. When 11 years old Mrs. Allum was brought to East Finley township where her father settled. On November 30, 1843, Miss Sermon was united in marriage with James Allum. Two daughters were born to them. They are: Mrs. Jane Swart and Mrs. Penina A. Ealy, with whom Mrs. Allum resides.

Mr. Allum engaged in tilling and farming and for over a half century was located in East Finley township. He was known far and near as one of the best millers of his day. The old mill is still standing near Simpson's Store. Mr. Allum died three years ago at the age of 82 years.

When the Allum family came to this section they settled within a half mile of the old mill. Mrs. Allum has resided at her present home for 42 years. She is the last member of the family.

Following is a list of the descendants of Mrs. Allum: Grandchildren: Mrs. Thomas Harsha, McConnellsville, O.; James H. Swart, Enon; Mrs. John Hammers, Nineveh; Mrs. James Shaw, Simpson's Store; John Swart, Enon; James Ealy, Time, an Mrs. Thomas B. Sprowls, Simpson's Store. Great grandchildren: Mrs. Jonas Chess, Bristoria; Mrs. C. A. Hall, McConnellsville, O.; Sadie Harsha, McConnellsville, O.; Elsie Clutter, Cecil Clutter, Charles, Harleigh, Hobert, Ross, Leanna and Vada Swart, of Enon; James Huffman and Herbert Hammers,of Nineveh; Iva Shaw, Floyd Shaw, Clarence, Hershall, Earl, Wilda, Ray, Mabel and Ruth Sprowls, of Simpson's Store; William and Margaret Ealy, of Time, and Jean and Roland Swart, of Enon. Great-great grandchildren: Wilbur Blaine Chess, of Bristoria.


Shirley Allum Hudlicky, regarding references to Simpson's Store, above:

Simpson's Store is practically on the line between Greene and Washington counties. But it is in Washington County just across that first little bend to the left of the red line in Morris Township (Greene Co).

--July 14, 1964 letter to DeeAnna




DEED REFERENCES:
There are at least 70 deed transactions for James Allum in Greene County, Pennsylvania, many involving Allum relatives




SOME DOCUMENTS:

Will of James Allum: No. 299, Volume 21, page 165, Washington County, Pennsylvania

Will (again) of James Allum: No. 8258, Volume 13, page 159, Greene County, Pennsylvania

Will of Rebecca P. (Sermon) Allum: No. 8200, Volume 13, page 93, Greene County, Pennsylvania

State of Pennsylvania Death Certificate for Rebecca P. Allum obtained September 17, 1964




DOCUMENT:

Will of James Allum: No. 299, Volume 21, page 165, Washington County, Pennsylvania

Aug. 19, 1904.

In the name of God, Amen, I, James Allum, being of sound mind and memory, do make this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all others.

First, I give and bequeath to Peninah A. Ealy, my daughter, the Scott farm bounded and described as follows, adjoining lands with L. S. Wise, Phillip Ealy, Henry Wise, Lindsey Morris and others containing one hundred twenty three (123) acres more or less. I give it to her during her natural life. At her death I give and bequeath it to Rebecca Sprowls, my granddaughter.

I reserve the Pittsburg, or river vein of coal and mining rights.

It is also subject to an oil and gas lease.

Secondly, I give and bequeath to James H. Swart, my grandson, the Supler farm, joining lands with Sarah J. Swart, Supler heirs, other lands of James Allum, and Henry Ewing, containing 171 acres, more or less. I give him possession of it at the death of my wife. James H. Swart shall pay into my estate eleven hundred dollars ($1,100.00) one year after the death of my wife, Rebecca P. Allum. It shall be a lien on the above named property until paid. I reserve the Pittsburg or river vein of coal under the above farm and mining rights.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath t Rebecca Harsha, my granddaughter, my town property in Enon, also I give her the Leslie farm, bounded and described as follows: Joining lands of Newton McGlumphy, Nelson Clutter, other lands of James Allum and others containing 54 acres more or less. I reserve the cemetery, I also reserve the Pittsburg or river vein of coal under both properties and mining rights. It is also subject to an oil and gas lease. I give it to her during her natural life. At her death I give it to her children. I give her possession of it at the death of my wife.

Fourthly, I give and bequeath to Dessie Hammers, my granddaughter, the Scott farm bounded as follows: Joining lands of Jones heirs, Kerr's heirs, Ealy heirs, other lands of Jas. Allum and others, containing 85 acres, more or less. I give it to her at the death of my wife, R. P. Allum. I reserve the Pittsburg or river vein of coal and mining rights. It is also subject to an oil and gas lease. The creek shall be the line between the Scott farm and the Leslie farm.

Fifthly, I give and bequeath to my granddaughter, Etta Shaw, the Jones farm, bounded and described as follows: Joining lands of Wm. Jones, Sprowls heirs, H. Messenger and others lands of Jas. Allum containing 112 acres more or less. I give it to her at the death of my wife, R. P. Allum. Etta Shaw shall pay six hundred dollars ($600.00) into my estate one year after the death of my wife. This shall be a lien on the above described land. I reserve the Pittsburg or river vein of coal and mining rights under said land. It is also subject to an oil and gas lease.

Sixthly, I give and bequeath to James M. Ealy, my grandson, in addition to what I have already given him ($1,000.00) on thousand dollars. I also give him the oil and gas under the land I have already given him at the death of my wife. I give him the above sum of money at the death of my wife, R. P. Allum.

Seventhly, I give and bequeath to Rebecca Sprowls, my granddaughter, the Scott farm at the death of her mother, Peninah A. Ealy, excepting the reserves before mentioned. Further I give to her the homestead farm, also the tract of land I bought of Emmer and Clara Newland joining the homestead farm. I give her possession of it at the death of my wife, R. P. Allum.

I reserve the Pittsburg or river vein of coal and mining rights.

The above land is described as follows: Joining lands of Supler heirs, Newton McGlumphy, Sprowls heirs, Wood heirs, Jas. Ealy, Henry Ewing and other lands of Jas. Allum partly in Washington Co. and partly in Greene Co., containing in all 100 acres more or less. The land is subject to oil and gas lease.

Eighthly, I give and bequeath to Media Olive Clutter, Elsie Clutter, Cecil Clutter, my great grandchildren, the sum of one thousand dollars to be equally divided, one year after the death of my wife, R. P. Allum.

Ninthly, I give and bequeath to my niece's daughter, Nellie Carroll, the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars. I give it to her one year after the death of my wife, R. P. Allum.

Tenthly, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Rebecca P. Allum, the proceeds of all the above named properties, excepting the one farm I have given to Peninah A. Ealy. I also give her all the household and kitchen furniture and proceeds of gas leases and gas well (sic), together with all personal property of all kinds, including livestock, etc. on the farms.

Eleventhly, If there is anything left of my estate after my bequeaths are all satisfied and my debts paid, I give and bequeath it equally to my grandchildren or, in case of the death of any of them (my grandchildren), their share will go to their children.

I appoint my wife my executrix and cashier. My wife will not be subject to give bail or will not be obliged to have the property appraised.

Further I appoint James M. Ealy to be my executor to settle up my estate at the death of my wife.

Should there be anything that comes through my estate in the line of property or money left at the death of my wife, my will is that the same shall
revert back to my estate to be divided among my grandchildren as above directed.

Witness my hand and seal

James Allum (SEAL)

(Attests)

Henry Messenger

Thos. F. Ealy


Washington County, SS:

BE IT REMEMBERED That upon this 22nd day of September, 1905, before me, W. C. Robison, Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration within and for said county, came Henry Messenger and Thomas F. Ealy, the subscribing witnesses to the foregoing attached Will of James Allum, deceased, who, after being duly qualified according to law, depose and say: That they were present at the execution of said Will--saw the testator sign the same--heard him publish it as and for his last Will and Testament; that they at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each other, subscribed their names thereto as witnesses; and at the time of the doing thereof said testator was of sound, disposing mind, memory and understanding, to the best of the affiants' knowledge and belief.



Henry Messenger

Thos . F. Ealy

Sworn and subscribed before me,
W. C. Robison,
Register
___________________________________________________________________________

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA,

Washington County, SS.

Personally appeared before me, W. C. Robison, Register for the Probate of Wills in and for the County of Washington, James M. Ealy who after being duly qualified according to law, deposes and says that James Allum late of East Finley Twp. died on the 16th day of September 1905, between the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock P. M.

James M. Ealy

Sworn to and subscribed before me,
this 22nd day of Sept. 1905
W. C. Robison,
Register
___________________________________________________________________________

AND NOW, Sept. 22, 1905, It being adjudged that said Will has been duly proved, Letters are issued to REBECCA P. ALLUM in said testament named, who was duly qualified.


W. C. Robison



DOCUMENT:

Will of Rebecca P. (Sermon) Allum: No. 8200, Volume 13, page 93, Greene County, Pennsylvania

I, Rebecca P. Allum, of Rich Hill (sic) Township, County of Greene and State of Pennsylvania, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this, my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made.

First: I direct that all the debts, funeral expenses, and the expenses of settling of my estate to first [be] fully paid out of the money of the money of my estate.

Second: I hereby direct James M. Ealy, my executor hereinafter named, to collect all money claims, or obligations due to me, or payable to me, from any source whatsoever and pay out the same as hereinafter directed.

Third: I give, devise, and bequeath to the Enon Baptist Church Five hundred ($500) dollars to be arranged as follows: My executor hereinafter named shall invest on interest this said sum of Five hundred ($500) dollars and pay the interest accruing thereon to the propper (sic) officers of said Enon Baptist Church semi annually and regularly during the period of time the said Baptist Church remains a Baptist Church and uses said interest to pay for preaching service, at the end of which time the said sum of Five hundred ($500) dollars is to revert to my estate.

Fourth: I give and bequeath to my daughter, Sarah Jane Swart, the sum of Five hundred ($500) dollars.

Fifth: I give and bequeath to my daughter Pernina (sic) A. Ealy's estate the sum of Five hundred ($500) dollars.

Sixth: I give and bequeath to Maggie Wise, Wife of L. S. Wise, the sum of Two hundred ($200) dollars.

Seventh: I give and bequeath to Meda Olive Chess, Elsie Clutter Phillip, and Cecil Clutter each the sum of One hundred ($100) dollars.

Eighth: I give and bequeath to Nellie Carroll the sum of One hundred ($100) dollars.

Ninth: I give and bequeath to my grandsons James H. Swart and James M. Ealy each the sum of Three hundred ($300) dollars.

Tenth: I give and bequeath to my grandson John T. Swart the sum of Three hundred ($300) dollars.

Eleventh: I give and bequeath to my granddaughters Rebecca Harsha, Dessie Hammers and Etta Shaw each the sum of Three hundred ($300) dollars.

Twelfth: I direct that James M. Ealy, executor, pay out of the above mentioned legacies as above set forth out of the money of my estate in the manner as above set forth and the expenses of the settling of my estate and then, after paying out of the money above directed to be paid, the residue and remainder of my estate, if any, is to be divided into eight (8) equal shares. One equal share to each of my eight (8) grandchildren or their children.

Thirteenth: I direct that in each individual case the amount that any granddaughter or her husband or both of them or any grandson of any other one to whom money is given by the foregoing will shall owe me or my estate, the same shall be deducted from the amount of the legacy or money given, or directed to be paid to him or her or them.

I do hereby make, constitute and appoint James M. Ealy of Washington Townshhip, Greene Co., Pennsylvania to be Executor of this my last Will and Testament.

In Witness Whereof, I, Rebecca P. Allum, the Testator above named, have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the thirtieth (30th) day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred fourteen.

(signed) Rebecca P. Allum (seal)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Rebecca P. Allum as and for her last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who hereunto subscribed our names at her request as witnesses thereto in the presence of said Testator and of each other.

(signed) R. L. Huffman

(signed) Jefferson Younken




OBITUARY (James "Jimmy"), WAYNESBURG REPUBLICAN, Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1905:


JAMES ALLUM

James Allum, a well known and most highly respected citizen, died at his home at Simpson's store, Washington county, Saturday evening, September 16, aged 83 years, of kidney trouble. Mr. Allum united with the Enon Baptist church at the age of 15 years and continued his membership to the end. For more than half a century he served as deacon of the church and also taught in the Sunday School. He always took great interest in the welfare of the church, contributing largely to its support. Mr. Allum was a prosperous and enterprising farmer, owning at the time of his death over 800 acres of land. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. James Swart and Mrs. Silas Ealey (sic), both of Simpson's store. A sister, Mrs. Eliza Frye, of Washington, PA., also survives. The funeral services were held on Monday at the Enon Baptist church, conducted by Rev. Henry, pastor of the church.



OBITUARY (James "Jimmy") from the book, HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF THE ENON BAPTIST CHURCH, 1848-1990, by the Historical Committee, page 25:


DEATH OF DEACON JAMES ALLUM

James Allum died at his home at Simpson's Store on Saturday evening, September 16, of kidney trouble, aged about 84 years. Funeral services were held at the Enon Baptist church, in which he was so long a loyal pillar, on Monday. Rev. Mr. Henry, pastor of Enon and Macedonia Baptist churches, was the minister who conducted the service. The attendance was very large, rarely if ever equaled in size in that section, as Mr. Allum was widely known locally. The pallbearers were Thomas Harsha, Thomas Sprowls, James Ealy, Averly (sic) Allum, John and James Swart. Interment was in Enon cemetery. The deceased was born July 29, 1822, at Simpson's Store, where his life was spent. At the age of 15 he united with the Enon Baptist church, and continued his membership to the end, about 68 years. For more than half a century he served as deacon and to almost everybody in his locality he was known as deacon Allum. In the Sunday School he taught a class of ladies many years. He took great interest in the welfare of the church, contributing largely to its support and was its mainstay for a long period. He was a large land holder, owning at his death 841 acres, besides having a large amount at interest. His wife was Rebecca Sermon, who was 83 years old in May. She and two daughters survive-- Jane, wife of James Swart, and Nina Belle, wife of Silas Ealy, both living nearby. One sister, Mrs. Eliza Frye, of Washington, survives.


* * * * * * * * * * * *


OBITUARY (Rebecca), WAYNESBURG REPUBLICAN, Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1915:


MRS. REBECCA P. ALLUM

Mrs. Rebecca P. Allum, widow of James Allum, deceased, died at the home of her grandson, James Swart, near Simpsons Store, Monday afternoon, February 15, aged almost 93 years, after a few days' illness of pneumonia. She was one of the oldest and most widely known women in the county. Mrs. Allum was born at Germantown, near Philadelphia, May 7, 1822. When eleven years of age she removed with her parents, Thomas and Hannah Sermon, to East Finley township, Washington county and for more than eighty years she had resided in that neighborhood. On November 30, 1843,, she was united in marriage with James Allum, who for more than half a century operated a grist mill at Simpsons Store and whose death occurred nine years ago. Mrs. Allum enjoyed remarkably good health for one of her years up to the illness to which she succumbed. She could see to read without glasses and was noted as a maker of quilts, having pieces and quilted a large number in her life time. Even recently she was able to do work of the finest kind. He daughters, Mrs. James Swart, died only a week ago. She leaves six grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. The funeral was held on Wednesday at one o'clock. Interment in Enon cemetery.



OBITUARY (Rebecca), similar to the one above but from an unidentified source:


Mrs. Rebecca P. Allum

Following a short illness due to pneumonia, the death of Mrs. Rebecca P. Allum, one of the oldest and most highly respected ladies of Richhill township, occured at the home of her grandson, John Swart, near Enon, Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Death was due to pneumonia and the deceased was aged 93 years and was the widow of the late James Allum. Mrs. Allum was of English descent and born at Germantown, near Philadelphia on May 7, 1822. Her maiden name was Rebecca Pierce Sermon, and her parents were Thomas and Hannah Jones Sermon. When 11 years old, her parents located in East Finley township and for 82 years she resided in that immediate section. Mrs. Allum retained remarkable health for one of her years up to the illness to which she succumbed. She could still read without glasses but wore them as her sight had commenced to fail. She possessed a wonderful vitality and in her early years when most of the traveling was done on foot, she often walked from 30 to 40 miles a day. She was noted as a maker of quilts and even recently was able to do work of the most tedious kind. The death of a daughter, Mrs. Jane Swart, years only a week ago. Only two children were born to her and the other daughter, Mrs. Penina A. Ealy, died some time ago. Mrs. Allum, however, had the unusual distinction of being the head of five generations and leaves six grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. In early years, Mrs. Allum was a Presbyterian but for more than half a century had been a member of the Enon Baptist church.




PHOTOGRAPHS collected by Shirley Allum Hudlicky:

James Allum (copied from a 5" X 7" tintype)

Rebecca P. (Sermon) Allum (copied from a 5" X 7" tintype)

James Allum (seated, full-length, copied from a large oval convex portrait in possession of Harley Swart in 1965)

James Allum (close-up--head and shoulders--from above photo)

Four photos of entries in the James Allum family Bible, as follows: Inscription page; Births; Marriages; Deaths

Four generations: Rebecca P. (Sermon) Allum; Sarah Jane (Allum) Swart; James Henry Allum Swart; and Charles Monroe Swart




CORRESPONDENCE:

October 18, 1965 letter to DeeAnna from Herschel Allum Sprowls

"Dear Cousin,

"I am a great grandson of James and Rebecca Allum. Peninah (Allum) Ealy was my grandmother; Rebecca Jane (Ealy) Sprowls was my mother.

"My mother inherited the home farm at the death of Great Granddad Allum [James Allum] and we moved in and took care of Great Grandma Allum [Rebecca Sermon Allum]. As she grew older she went to live with her daughter, Jane Swart [Sarah Jane Allum Swart]. Great Grandma Allum was in her 90s when she died. She and her daughter Jane died within one week of each other. They are both buried in Enon Cemetery.

"Charles Allum, the father of James Allum, is buried about a half mile from Enon in a small family lot. [This was the former Allum Cemetery on Charles' own land; all graves were removed to Enon Cemetery in 1981 --DeeAnna]

"I am the clerk of Enon Baptist Church and have the records as far back as 1861, but they are very dim and hard to read. I found the following Allum names in the church records: Nancy; Louisa; Allie; Matilda; Caroline; Charles; Alla.; Theodore; Jamima (sic); Lucinda; John; Sara J.; Mary; Pamela; Linda; Elizabeth; Everly.

"Enon Cemetery is located about 300 yards from the church. It is a nice cemetery; it is incorporated. The land for the cemetery was donated by James Allum and later he donated more land to the Cemetery Association. He also donated the land where the church now stands. I do not mean to boast, but I have heard the older people of the community talk of the help of Jimmie Allum to the church and the people of the community who needed help. He always took an active part in the church, spiritually and financially. Down through the years his descendants have been active in the church, too. His great grandsons as of now fill the offices of church treasurer, Sunday school treasurer, church clerk, as well as two deacons, and have filled the office of Sunday school superintendent most of the years since about 1915.

"John and Rachel Fields were members of the church. I do not know where they are buried. I am treasurer of the cemetery and have the cemetery records. Back at that time few records were kept of burials. A few years back I had a new plot of the lots made, and there were no lots sold to anyone by the name of Fields.

"I do not live in Enon now. I live in a small country town by the name of Prosperity on Route 18 between Washington, Pa. and Waynesburg, Pa. I lived on and managed Char-Mar Farm for Charles M. Swart for 11 years; I retired December 1, 1961. About a year later Swart sold the farm, and it is now owned by persons who have some connection with Procter and Gamble of Ohio. My wife and I have two children (twins), a son and a daughter. Our son is a Baptist Minister.

(signed) Herschel Allum Sprowls"




NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:

Article and photo about five generations (photograph of)

CLASH OVER COAL from the OBSERVER-REPORTER, Washington, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1995 regarding the threat to the former home of James "Jimmy" Allum, the house more than 120 years old and occupied by Leota Clutter



This page was posted in March, 2006, updated in 2011

James married Rebecca Pierce (or Piercen) SERMON, daughter of Thomas SERMON and Hannah JONES, on November 30, 1843 in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio. (Rebecca Pierce (or Piercen) SERMON was born on May 7, 1822 in Germantown, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, died on February 15, 1915 in Richhill Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania and was buried on February 17, 1915 in Enon Cemetery, Richhill Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania.)