|
1838
Born
at the Samuel Branin Farm near Chairville to his parents, James Allen IV and
Martha Cowperthwaite.
He got his middle name after his Aunt Hannah who had the name picked out for
a girl. Milton was the fourth of seven children.
Back To Top |
|
1844
Milton had a terrible fall from a cherry tree and broke his
leg. He was bedridden for two years. To keep busy and to keep his mind off
of the pain, he read while
he was in bed. Because of reading Milton learned how to
read and write better than any child who attended school. The accident left
him disabled, so he could not run. However, he became good at hitting,throwing, and catching in baseball. He loved games and was a champion at
playing marbles.
Back To Top |
|
1854
At the age of 16, Milton was offered his first teaching job at
Eastern School (a.k.a Haines Mill School ) where he got paid 3 cents per
student every day. On the first day teaching all by himself, he earned 18
cents. He had six students at the time, three of which were his brothers. The
school day started at 8:45 am and ended at 4 pm.
Back To Top |
|
1867
Milton attends the NJ State Normal School for teachers located in
Trenton for one year.
He returned to Eastern School for a few years before opening a
private boarding school in Medford.
Milton marries Mattie Bryant Gaskill. The couple had six children, four of
which sadly died at an early age.
Back To Top |
1870
Milton H. Allen opened a boarding school. He was the first principal and
janitor of the school. Unruly behavior lead to sweeping out one of the
school rooms. He held baseball games for the boys every day, and he pitched
for both sides!
Back To Top |
 |
1876
The
Filbert Street School, designed by Milton Allen, was built and dedicated on
July 4, 1876. The school opened in September with Milton H.
Allen as its principal.
Back To Top |
 |
1885
Allen
planted trees in the school yard marking the first celebration of Arbor Day
in New Jersey.
Back To Top |
|
1899
Milton Allen retired after 45 years of service in Medford Schools.
Back To Top |
1924
Milton dies at the age of 86. He is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery on
Bank Street in Medford.
Back To Top |
1927
The present school,
Milton H. Allen Elementary, was built and
dedicated to him.
Back To Top |
 |
1929
A ceremony was held for
the dedication of the school.
Back To Top |
 |
