John Jackson Allen served his country during the Civil War
from 1861 - 1865. He served with commendable zeal and sacrifice.
It was said of him, "He was a lover of Dixie and a Southern Gentleman of the "Old" type". He was most respectful of the elderly. He strictly followed “The Golden Rule”, and the “Commandments” of the Bible.
When he was released, from the Army, he walked 500 miles from Virginia to get home. During his trek home he had to discard his worn out shoes. He tied toe-sacks around his feet, but this was poor protection and his feet became swollen and sore. His clothes had become rags. He felt grubby and his beard was so long that it made him look like a desperado. He had no razor or knife with which to shave. When he reached home, he called to his wife, Caroline, to let her know it was he, because she did not recognize him. He asked her to bring a tub and hot water for him to bathe outside. He would not let anyone touch him, due to the vermin lice that was on him because of the places he was forced to sleep, as he traveled.
[I am 92]