Mark Preece Allen

Mark Preece Allen was born June 27, 1893 in Cove to Andrew Bickmore and Susanna Elizabeth Preece Allen. Mark was a veteran of World War I.

History

Very few details were recorded about Mark's early life. Mark was raised on the Allen family farm at the mouth of the High Creek Canyon. On July 25, 1918, Mark was drafted into World War I. He did not see any cobat duty as he spent his entire time in camps in the United States, and was released from active duty on Oct 10, 1918.2

On May 6, 1919, Mark was set apart by Elder Stephen L. Richards to serve in the Western States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mission headquarters was in Denver, Colorado, but Mark was called to serve in New Mexico.

"Santa Fe, New Mexico was my next assignment and that was the second time I over ran my mail. I had it transferred to Santa Fe but it hadn’t come. As we were walking up the street we were asked by a nice looking young lady to come and stay at her hotel. We said we had no money and she told us to come anyhow. We stayed there and went tracting the next day but no luck although I tried my best. I went back to the hotel and [Elder] Snow said he was so hungry that he didn’t know what to do. I put my coat back on and said, “Let’s go back down town." The first restaurant we came to was a Chinese one. The manager was sitting inside the entrance at his desk. I went up to him and introduced myself and gave him a run down on the Book of Mormon. He said, “My son is going to college and is taking a course in orsoalogy. I’d like to have that book. How much do you want for it?” I said, “You can have it for my companion’s and my supper.” He told us to go order what we wanted. We had a nice supper. Don’t tell me the Lord doesn’t look out for you."

While on his mission, Mark met Sister Flossie Layton of Thatcher, Arizona. Mark was released on March 1, 1921.

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