The Early Years

Abner Peeler Allen was born in Woodford County, Illinois, United States on 9 Oct 1839.  Albert was the son of Isaac Campbell and Martha Holeman Allen.

In 1850, Abner, age eleven, resided with his mother, Martha Allen, the head of household in Woodford, Woodford, Illinois. His mother, Sarah managed the home and also raised twins Mary Jane and Sarah Jane, Amos, and James.

The Civil War

Abner Peeler Allen at the age of twenty-one years of age, joined the Union Army for three years on 2 Sep 1861 as a private, at the time of enlistment he resided in Bloomington, Illinois, United States. On 11 Oct 1861, he was assigned to Company K, 39th Regiment, Illinois Infantry.  On 1 Jan 1864, Private Allen re-enlisted.

Civil War Engagements with the 39th Illinois Infantry Regiment (Organized: Chicago, Illinois, United States on 11 Oct 1861; Mustered out: 6 Dec 1865):

First Battle of Kernstown, 23 Mar 1862, Frederick County and Winchester, Virginia, United States, Union victory

Battle of Drewry's Bluff, (aka Battle of Fort Darling, or Fort Drewry), was a series of battles, 15 May 1862, Chesterfield County, Virginia, United States, Confederate victory

Fort Wagner, (aka Battery Wagner), was a beachhead fortification on Morris Island, South Carolina, United States1863, Morris Island, South Carolina

 Bermuda Hundred campaign, was a series of battles, May 1864, Bermuda Hundred, outside Richmond, Virginia, United States

Siege of Petersburg, (aka Richmond–Petersburg campaign), was a series of battles, 8 Jun 1864-25 Mar 1865, Petersburg, Virginia, United States, Union victory

Appomattox campaign, (aka Richmond–Petersburg campaign), was a series of battles, 8 Jun 1864-25 Mar 1865, Along the evacuation routes from Richmond, Virginia, and Petersburg, Virginia, following the routes of of the Richmond and Danville Railroad and the Southside Railroad west to Appomattox Court House, United States, Decisive Union victory, Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865

Sergeant Abner Peeler Allen fought in the American Civil War. Sergeant Allen received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the in the assault on Fort Gregg, near Petersburg, Virginia, United States on 2 Apr 1865 while serving with Company K, 39th Regiment, Illinois Infantry Sergeant Abner Peeler Allen   A week later, at the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, he was given the honor of carrying the Illinois Flag.

President Andrew Johnson of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, took pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Abner Peeler Allen, United States Army, on 12 May 1865 for gallantry as Color Bearer in the assault on Fort Gregg on 2 April 1865, while serving with Company K, 39th Illinois Infantry. Sergeant Abner Peeler Allen.

Later Years

Abner married Mary Annett on 24 Jan 1867. They had one daughter Their first and only child was a daughter, Nina E. (Allen) Willis (1867-1938).

By 1870, Abner, age thirty, the head of household and a Farmer, resided with his family in Kansas Township, Woodford, Illinois, United States. His wife of three years, Mary managed the home and raised Nina (aka Mira). His mother, Martha was also a resident of the household. The real estate and personal value were $400 each.  By 1880, the Allen family had relocated to Ohio. Abner, age forty, the head of household and a House carpenter, resided with his family in Centerburg, Hilliar Township, Knox, Ohio, United States. His wife of thirteen years, Mary managed the home and raised Nina.

Abner, age sixty-two, the head of household and a House carpenter was widowed, resided in Hilliar Township, Knox, Ohio, United States in 1900.

In accordance to military tradition, service members salute Medal of Honor recipients, regardless of rank. This is a matter of respect for the recipients' sacrifices and is not required by law. Department of Defense Saluting MOH Recipients. In addition, MOH Recipients receive special benefits: 1. A Monthly Pension and Special Retirement Pay; 2. Uniform Allowances; 3. On-Base Parking Spots; 4. Priority Space-A Travel; 5. Invitations to Presidential Inaugurals; 6. Academy Appointments for Dependents; 7. A Medal of Honor Flag; 8. Full Military Burial Honors Military Times, Special Benefits for MOH

Death and Burial

On Tuesday, 22 Aug 1905, Medal of Honor Recipient, Abner Peeler Allen died at the age of 65 years, 10 months, 14 days and is commemorated and is interred at Centerburg Cemetery, Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio, United States.