George Nelson Allen (1812-1877, A.B. 1838), geologist, hymn writer, and college professor, was educated at Western Reserve College in Hudson, Ohio and at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio in the 1830s. Allen taught music and geology during his 30 year teaching career at Oberlin College; he also founded in 1841 the Oberlin Musical Association--known today as the Musical Union--one of the oldest musical societies in the United States. Allen was an accomplished musician and enjoyed writing hymns. His most famous hymn, "Maitland," was written to Thomas Shepherd's "Must Simon [Jesus] Bear The Cross Alone." In 1841, Allen married Caroline Mary Rudd (1820-1892), one of the first three women to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in the United States. Their marriage produced five children, including Alice Allen (1846-1910), Carrie Allen (1854-1925), and Rosa Dale Allen Cochran (1854-1926). George Nelson Allen died in 1877, and his wife, Caroline Mary Rudd Allen, passed away in 1892.
From the description of Papers, 1804-1924. (Oberlin College Library). WorldCat record id: 26209158
