George Zello Allen
October 19, 1852-February 28, 1932
The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, February 29, 1932, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library
ZETTO G. ALLEN, ONE OF FIRST RURAL MAIL CARRIERS, IS DEAD
Zello G. Allen, 79, one of the first rural carriers from the Niles postoffice, died n Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in this home north of River Bluff on US-31, where he had lived since 1918. He had been a resident of Niles and vicinity for more than 50 years. Mr. Allen had been indisposed for about a month. Pneumonia developed about a week ago and he had been critically ill since.
Mr. Allen was born in Auburn, N.Y., on Oct. 19, 1852. He was married there to Imogene Thomas, who died in Niles in 1913. Two children born to the died in infancy. Mr. Allen engaged in siveral business enterprises after coming to Niles, the last of which, before entering the government service as a mail carrier, was the bicycle business having conducted a shop for the sale of of bicycles on Front street between Broadway and Main street. He was appionted a mail carrier in 1900 with the establishment of rural free delivery service in Niles. Three routes were then opened. Jerome Pease was appointed to rural route No. 1, Mr. Allen to route No. 2, and Arthur Walton, deceased, to route No. 3.d
A week after the death of Mrs. Allen, Mr. Allen fell and broke one of his legs. He then invited Mr. and Mrs. Peter Trommel to move into his home, then located at Seventh and Oak street, and to make their home together and these arrangements prevailed until his death.
Mr. Allen was elected as an elder of the Presbyterian church on April 3, 1914, was ordained an elder immediately after and had since so served that church.
Mr. Allen's only brother, Eugene, of Detroit, was stricken with paralysis about a week ago. No word had been received from Detroit up to this morning as to his condition.
The funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Presbyterian church. The Rev. G.W. Simon will officiate. Burial will be made in Silverbrook cemetery.