News item:
Nathaniel Allen presented with Medal of Honor

 

Concord Enterprise, June 1, 1899

 

newspaper clippingSOUTH ACTON
———

A very interesting event occurred at the 38th anniversary of the muster into service of the old 1st Mass. regiment commemorated at the American House, Boston, Thursday evening, May 26, when Corp. Nathaniel M. Allen of South Acton, was presented with a medal for distinguished gallantry on the battlefield. Additional interest was given the occasion from the fact that no less a personage than his excellency, Gov. Wolcott, was deputed to present this tribute of a nation's gratitude, the Congressional medal. to Corp. Allen, who, at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, saved, at the risk of his life, the state colors from falling into the hands of the enemy. Corp. Allen thanked the governor, and also his comrades in an eloquent little speech for the interest they had taken to bring about this event. He is a Boston boy, having been born on Myrtle st., April 29, 1840 and is the son of a former well known police officer [Gaius Allen] of that city. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, 1st Regt. and served throughout the war, was mustered out May 25, 1864. Almost the whole of his service, he served with the colors, a shining mark for the enemy, but was never wounded. He is a member of Isaac Davis Post 138. His present residence is in South Acton with his sisters, Misses Adaline and Charlotte and he is a jeweler by trade.