Thomas George Allen (abt. 1861 - 1929)

Born about 1861 in Loughgall, County Armagh, Ireland

Ancestors

Husband of Marion McBeath (Johnston) Allen — married 1883 in Singleton, New South Wales, Australia

Died 19 Aug 1929 at about age 68 in Saint Kilda, Victoria, Australia

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Biography

T. G. Allen was born in Ireland.

T. G. Allen migrated from Ireland to Australia.

Thomas George Allen immigrated from Ireland to Australia with his mother arriving in March 1865, aged 3. They were sponsored by William (his father) who had arrived in September 1863. ^[1]

Marriage

Thomas married Marion McBeath Johnston in 1883 at Patricks Plains, New South Wales. ^[2]

Children

George Frederick Allen (1880– ) ^[3]

Marion Thomasina Mabel Allen (1883–1964) ^[4]

Jane Agnes Amanda Allen (1885–1885)

Fanny Alberta (Bert) Bevan (nee Allen) (1886–1953)

Isabella Williamena (Allen) Bugg (1887–1953)

Annie Florence (Floss) (Allen) Young (1889–1948)

William Thomas (Willy) Allen (1891–1893)

Jessie Muriel Allen Huntsman (1892–1976)

Reginald Clarence Allen (1894–1953)

Rae Sylvia (Allen) Esnouf (1895–1947)

Dorothy Victoria Jane Allen (1897–1897)

Merle Viola Allen (1898–1975) m1 Morgan m2 Hamilton

Alexandra Norma (Allen) McCallum (1901–1974)

Public Life

Cr Thomas George Allen, St Kilda Mayor^[5]

Thomas George Allen was elected to the St Kilda Council in 1894, representing the North Ward. He remained on the St Kilda Council until 1903 when he moved to Oakleigh, where he had a property. He sat on the Oakleigh Council for some years and was Mayor on two occasions 1902/03 and 1909/10. He returned to St Kilda where he was elected as Councillor to the new Central Ward in 1914. He sat as a councillor until 1929 including two periods as Mayor: 1919-1920 and 1923-1924.

Allen was an estate agent and auctioneer. His daughter, Muriel Allen, acted in the role of Lady Mayoress as his wife had died in May 1919.

In 1919, he was a member of the newly formed Open Sea Bathing Special Committee, which was concerned with the beach and beach control. Allen was also involved in many events concerning World War I including Peace Day at Luna Park and the homecoming welcome for Lieut. General Sir John Monash, both in 1919.

On Armistice Day (11 November) 1923 his name, along with others, was inscribed on the foundation stone for the St Kilda Memorial Hall, which was opened the following year.

On May 26 1920 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales arrived in Melbourne where Mayor Allen was presented to him by the Governor General. The first words the Prince used on Australian soil were: "I am sorry I am so late; but I could not help it." In welcoming the Prince, the Mayor remarked that on that spot, nineteen years before, he had taken part in the municipal welcome to the King (who at the time was Duke of Cornwall and York). "Our city," he said, "is deeply sensible of its proud privilege in welcoming you on the threshold of the Commonwealth.” This was, no doubt, one of the highlights of his Mayoral duties.

In 1924, he welcomed the Admirals of the British Cruising Fleets, addressing Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick Field on the foreshore in St Kilda.

He died whilst still in Council service, on 19 August 1929, at a smoke social held at the St Kilda Town Hall.

COUNCILLOR'S DEATH. Collapse at Social. ^[6] Councillor T G Allen, a member of the St Kilda Council collapsed and died at a smoke social which was held in the St. Kilda Town Hall last night to mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the St Kilda Club. Councillor Allen, who was one of the oldest members of the club had just sat down after having responded to the toast of the club, and during the musical item which followed he suddenly fell forward. He was carried from the room, but died a few minutes after the seizure. Councillor Allen was one of the original partners in the firm of Messrs. Swann and Allen estate agents and auctioneers, of St Kilda. For some years he has suffered from heart trouble.

The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939) Thu 22 Aug 1929 Page 4 ^[7]

Mr. THOMAS GEORGE ALLEN.

A native of Singleton, Mr. Thomas George Allen, died suddenly on Monday night at St. Kilda, Melbourne. He had been suffering for some years with heart trouble. The deceased, who was 67 years of age, was the eldest son of the late Mr. William Allen, of Singleton, and was educated at Singleton. After his marriage he went to Victoria. Deceased was in business for many years at St. Kilda, and took an active part in civic affairs, being a councillor at St. Kilda for 36 years and occupying the office of Mayor at different periods The late Mr, Allen visited his home town periodically, the last occasion being during 'Back to Singleton Week' celebrations(Sept 1926?^[8]), and his many .friends were always pleased to welcome him. His wife died about 10 years ago, and he is survived by one son and eight daughters, all of whom are married. Mrs, A, G, Brady, of York-street. and Mrs, J. Eather, of South Singleton, are sisters of deceased.

• Fact: Immigration (3 March 1865) Arrival at Port of Sydney on the Himalaya Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Fact: Burial (August 1929) Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Springvale, Victoria, Australia
• Fact: Occupation Gentleman

Sources

1. ↑ According to the NSW records of assisted passengers An image of his name on the passenger list is here - Himalaya Passenger list
2. ↑ 6760/1883; ALLEN, THOMAS G; JOHNSTON. MARIA M B; PATRICKS PLAIN
3. ↑ ALLEN GEORGE FREDERICK 15882/1881 THOMAS MARION GRAFTON
4. ↑ ALLEN MARION T M 30366/1884 THOMAS G MARION PATRICKS PLAIN
5. ↑ City of Port Phillip - People of the past
6. ↑ The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Tue 20 Aug 1929 Page 8 COUNCILLOR'S DEATH.
7. ↑ Mr. THOMAS GEORGE ALLEN
8. ↑ Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954) Sat 18 Sep 1926 Page 6 "BACK TO SINGLETON" WEEK

• "Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 02 April 2020, 08:47), entry for Thomas George Allen (PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:L78J-XR5 ); contributed by various users.
• Obit: Frances SImmons (Allen-21586) (his sister)

Acknowledgement

• image reproduction and story elements: PORT PHILLIP CITY COLLECTION