104 Ripley Street
The following article appeared in the Sunday, June 5, 1988, Columbia Daily Tribune:
This house, which is at least 150 years old, is still standing today. However, there are some problems with the article that appeared in the Tribune. First, Elder Thomas M. Allen died in 1871, not 1873. It was probably his son and executor, William H. Allen, who sold the house to John Hall in 1873. Second, according to a blurb in the December 3, 1869, Columbia Herald-Statesman, it appears that Elder Allen traded his 170-acre farm five miles east of Columbia for this house owned by John Carlisle. An advertisement in the 13 December 1867 Columbia Herald-Statesman indicated Carlisle built this house in 1867.
From the December 3, 1869, Columbia Herald-Statesman:
John W. Carlisle was born in Fayette County, Kentucky 7 May 1833 or1835 and died in Boone County Missouri 7 September 1916. He was educated in the subscription schools of Kentucky. Mr. Carlisle learned the carpenter’s trade and then gunsmithing. He came to Columbia in 1855 and was deputy sheriff under John M. Samuel for four years. In 1864 he became a partner of Thomas W. Harrison in the tin shop and stove business. Later he bought out Mr. Harrison’s interest and conducted the establishment alone until 1867. In 1892 he was elected Columbia’s city collector.
Thomas M. Allen (1797-1871) was an evangelical preacher. Here are some excerpts from his biographical sketch published in 1899:
"In 1836, he moved from Fayette County, Kentucky, to Boone County, Missouri. He entered the field at once as an evangelist and traveled much in preaching the gospel. Perhaps no other man in the State of Missouri ever did as much traveling on horseback and preaching the gospel as did Thomas M. Allen. In private houses, in barns, in open groves, in courthouses, in the Hall of Representatives at Jefferson City, and in nearly all the meetinghouses of his section of the State was the voice of Thomas M. Allen heard pleading for the truth and the union of God's people by returning to the apostolic doctrine and practice. No man did more to spread the cause of Christ in the State of Missouri than did Thomas M. Allen.
Brother Allen was a successful businessman. He was what would be called a "wealthy man." He contributed liberally of his means to the endowment fund of Bethany College. His interest in that college grew out of his desire to see the churches supplied with an educated ministry. He was a friend of education and was one of the earliest and truest friends of Missouri University, located at Columbia. He was honored a number of times by being elected president of the board of directors.
While he was a slave owner, yet he had great sympathy for his servants and treated them as part of his own family. Many of his slaves remained in his employ after they were freed, and all of them continued to be the objects of his care." [The 1850 census indicates Elder Allen owned 12 slaves].
SOURCES
Historical 25th anniversary edition of Columbia Missouri Herald from 1870-1895
Biographical Sketch on the Life of T. M. Allen, History of the Restoration Movement
Newspapers.com
CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. Preserving historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by volunteering, signing up for our mailing list, attending an event, becoming a member, or donating.
