1914 Delaware Co., IA History pgs. 468-471

Allen R. Loomis, whose life closed on July 28, 1897, was a pioneer citizen of Delaware county and one of its most successful, influential and best known residents. He was born in Milton, Chittenden county, Vermont, on the 28th of June, 1823, a son of Rubin and Rhoda (Johnson) Loomis. The father died a short time prior to the birth of the subject of this review.  Allen R. Loomis acquired only a common-school education and early put aside his text-books to make his own way in the world. As was a common practice for the energetic young man of that period and section, he secured a small stock of goods and started out as a "Yankee peddler" traveling for some years in his own and adjoining states. By industry, thrift and economy he gradually accumulated some money and in 1851 came to the west, settling first in De Kalb county, Illinois, where he purchased a large farm and resided thereon for two and a half years.

His arrival in Delaware county was on the 8th of July, 1853. He brought with him a number of Mexican war land warrants which he located in different sections of the county, taking up several hundred acres. He took up his abode near the old Quaker mill north of the present town of Manchester and there opened a small store. One year later he removed to the site of the new town of Manchester, erected the first dwelling there and established one of the first stores. After a few years H. M. and E. R. Conger became associated with him, but later Mr. Loomis was again alone in business. From the time of his arrival in Iowa he became a heavy invester in real estate and in the course of years became the largest owner of realty in the county. His investments were always judiciously made, displaying sound judgment and keen sagacity. He was also extensively interested in real estate in southern California, particularly in Los
Angeles, where he operated from 1874 until 1885, his investments there yielding him large profits. Moreover, he was the pioneer banker of Manchester and he assisted in organizing the First National Bank of Dubuque, becoming a member of its board of directors. He was an early stockholder in the Delaware County State Bank in Manchester and at two different times owned and conducted a private bank in this city. He was likewise the organizer of the First National Bank of Manchester in 1890 and served as its president until his death. He also assisted in organizing the First National Bank at Dell Rapids, South Dakota. He was familiar with every phase of the banking business, formulated his plans carefully and was determined in their execution. His energy and ability brought to him constantly growing success and the integrity of his methods won him high regard and honor.

Mr. Loomis was married on November 23, 1845, to Miss Phedora H. Parmalee, a daughter of Rufus Parmalee, of Colchester, Vermont. Mrs. Loomis survived
her husband until January 18, 1913, when she passed away at the age of ninety-two years. Five children were born to them, as follows: Etna, who married Hiram Hoyt and died in Manchester; Lora A., who gave her hand in marriage to S. C. Hubbell and resides in Los Angeles, California; Alma L., who wedded Dr. H. G. Brainerd and is now deceased; Jennie P., who is the widow of Hon. Millard F. LeRoy and resides in Manchester; and Loring R., deceased.

While Mr. Loomis was a very active business man, his interests making heavy demands upon his time and energies, he always found the opportunity to aid in promoting public progress and cooperated in many movements for the general good. He was the first mayor of Manchester, being elected to that position in 1866 upon the organization of the town. He served for two terms and aided largely in shaping the destiny and molding the policy of the new municipality. His life was indeed one of worth and value to Delaware county and his memory is cherished by all who knew him, for during the long period of his residence here he gained many friends and enjoyed in the fullest degree the warm regard, confidence and good-will of those who knew him.

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