Isaiah Humphries Allen was born in Farthingstone, Northamptonshire and baptised there in October 1886. His parents were Harry Allen, a labourer and Sarah, nee Humphries (spelt Humphriss on the marriage certificate), a school mistress. They married on 14th April (Easter Day) 1884 at Nether Heyford.
By 1901 the family had moved from Farthingstone to Nether Heyford, where Harry was a brick burner and Isaiah was also working in the brickyard at the age of 14. The family was still there in 1911, but by then Isaiah was in India, a Lance Corporal in the 13th Hussars.
It is not known how long he served in India but on 6th December 1913 he married Elizabeth Clarke, a widow (maiden name Hill). They lived at 7 New Station, Rugby. They had two daughters, Annie in 1914 and Kathleen in early 1915.
As a reservist, Isaiah was called up in August 1914 and in 1915 went to France. he took part in the Battles of Ypres and the Somme. He moved from the Hussars (no 5375) to the 16th Bn., Royal Warwickshire Regiment ( private, no 32885). He was reported missing and is believed to have been killed in action near Ypres on the 9th October 1917.
He is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
RUGBY REMEMBERS HIM
His first daughter was called Nancy. I am Kathleen (his other daughter’s granddaughter!)