Nathaniel Allard is the proprietor of the Walnut Grove Stock Farm, which embraces four hundred acres of well improved land situated near Perry, in Lincoln township, and dates his residence in this county from the year 1871. Mr. Allard was born in Morgan county, Ohio, July 29, 1845, a son of Daniel and Susanna (Swope) Allard, both of whom were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. From Ohio Mr. Allard removed to Henry county, Illinois, where he opened up and developed a farm and reared his family. He lost his first wife, after which he was married a second time and then removed to Jackson county, Kansas, where his death occurred.
Nathaniel Allard was reared mostly in Henry county, Illinois, and there acquired his education. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm and thus gained practical knowledge of the best methods of carrying on a work of this character so that he was well fitted for carrying on business on his own account when he later entered upon an independent venture. In 1862 Mr. Allard enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry: Going south with his regiment, the first battle in which he participated was at Port Gibson. He took part in the battle of Vicksburg and later in the siege of Mobile, Black River, Champion Hills and many others of lesser importance. He served until the final close of hostilities and was mustered out of service at Camp Butler, Illinois, in August, 1865.
Returning from the war Mr. Allard located once more in Henry county, where he worked on a farm by the month. He later removed westward to Iowa and eventually, by purchase, came into possession of a tract of land in Lincoin township. He improved and cultivated that tract for a few years and upon disposing of it bought the farm where he now makes his home, this being situated on sections 12 and 13 of the same township. He has built a good residence, substantial barns and other outbuildings, has added to his original holdings as his financial resources have increased and now has a valuable property of four hundred acres, located in Lincoln township and known as the Walnut Grove Stock Farm. Mr. Allard keeps everything about his place in an excellent state of repair and had added to it a good orchard and many shade and ornamental trees, so that the place presents a neat and attractive appearance. He is quite extensively engaged in raising and feeding stock for the city markets, shipping from two to three carloads each of cattle and hogs annually.
Mr. Allard has been three times married. He was first married in Henry county, Illinois, to Miss Mary Wilhelm, whose death occurred in Dallas county, January 17, 1872, soon after her removal to this county. His second union was with Emily E. Wilhelm, a sister of his first wife, their marriage being celebrated in Dallas county. She was born in Pennsylvania and by her marriage became the mother of two children. Her death occurred here February 12, 1878, and Mr. Allard was married a third time–to Lucy H. Isenbort, who was born in Ogle county, Illinois, a daughter of Abraham Isenbort, who was born in the Keystone state and became one of the early settlers of this state, spending his last years in Perry, where his death occurred. The children of the second marriage are: Elmina, the wife of L. U. Newport, a farmer of Guthrie county, and their family consists of four children; and William, who resides in Otero county, New Mexico, where he owns land. The children born of the last marriage are: M. D., R. V. and Nina.
Mr. Allard gives his political support to the republican party and cast his first presidential ballot for General Grant, and has supported each candidate of the party since then. For three or four years he served as assessor, while for a long period he has acted as township trustee. He has been a delegate to numerous county conventions. He and his wife are identified with the Fairview Christian church and he holds membership with Redfield post, G. A. R., at Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Allard attended the Grand Army encampment at San Francisco in 1903 and spent some time on the Pacific coast, visiting the principal cities. They have also traveled through Oklahoma and western states and have made two trips to Pennsylvania, visiting a number of eastern cities. No man of Dallas county more fully enjoys the trust and confidence of the people and his example should serve as a source of inspiration to others who start out in life in like circumstances, for from a humble beginning he has worked his way upward through diligence and perseverance until he is now numbered among the substantial residents of this section of the state and all that he today possesses has been won through the most honorable methods.