George Matthew Allee

George Matthew Allee was a cadet at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon Iowa where he attended for two years and then enrolled at Harvard. His fellow classmate was FDR who invited the entire class to his inaugural celebration. George did not attend as he did not smoke, nor drink and was not a Democrat! George Allee was president of the Iowa Small Grain Growers and devoted many hours perfecting the “Iowa yield test” for small grains. This yield test is now used throughout the world. He was the chairman of the Newell Corn Shows promoting new farming practices and awarding farmers for the best show of corn and livestock. He contributed generously to his community and was dedicated to the development of early hybrid corn research.

Newell Corn Shows

George was instrumental in organizing 35 Newell Corn Shows, an event held in Newell during the winter months. The Newell Farmer’s Institute, an organization made up of local farmers, awarded ribbons, trophies and medals to the best bushel of corn, the best ear and even ribbons for the best chicken, horse or cow. The annual Corn Show drew hundreds to participate in baby contests, baking and sewing entries. Informative sessions on progressive farm practices were attended by local farmers.

Mary Kingman Allee

Mary Kingman Allee was a true Victorian lady, well educated and found it to be immoral to have a toilet in her new home. The three room outhouse remained for a period of time after the Mansion was built in 1891. Mary Kingman Allee’s family heritage includes three uncles who made their fortune in the railroad business. Her family had important political connections in the Iowa and Illinois legislature and was involved in bringing President Lincoln home on the “death train” The Kingman family also started building “yellow wagons” in the early 1900’s evolving into a company now called “Caterpillar”.

Sara Rose Allee

Sara Rose Allee graduated from Newell High School and attended Cornell College. The only one of the children to be engaged, she became a recluse after the engagement was broken off.  Sara, in her later years, maintained the home but was rarely only seen walking the grounds of the mansion.

Jessie James Allee

Jessie James Allee was a civil war veteran who traveled back to the Newell area after the war. He acquired several land vouchers or claims from the government which required him to make improvements on the land. He was a progressive farmer owning as many as twenty farms as well as The Peoples Bank in Newell. He introduced thoroughbred horse racing in to the area resulting in three different race tracks around the small community.

Hannah Polly Allee

Hannah Polly Allee suffered from mental health issues and the reminder of her adult life she spent in a mental health institute in the Minneapolis St. Paul Minnesota area. It was said she was politically outspoken and loved the symphony.  After her death, her will designated funds for a butterfly garden in St. Paul as well as the Minneapolis Symphony.

Family picture

The Allee children Hannah, George, and Sara traveled with the Kingman relatives to Europe. On the trip back, Mary’s brother, Edward Kingman, died and was buried at sea. The family history goes back to an early settlement on the land presently occupied by the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street.

Allee Family Portrait; left to right: Sara Rose, Jessie James; (father) George Mathew, Mary Kingman Allee, (mother) and Hannah Polly.