Nibs & Edna Allen

Elmer Osmund (Nibs) Allen was born August 14, 1911, to Charles M. and Theoline V. Allen. He grew up on the Allen ranch and attended the country schools. He received his nickname, Nibs, as a toddler, being around the cribbage table when a game was going on between his father and one of the hired men. “Nibs” being a derivation of the word “nob” (or “nib”) which is the name given to the Jack of the turn-up suit.

​As a young schoolboy, Nibs loved to sing, and one could usually count on him to chose Stephen Foster’s “Old Black Joe” when the choice was his to make. I believe his favorite poem was John Greenleaf Whittier’s “Snowbound”. Nibs had an extraordinary sense of memory retention and could recall instances of major and minor importance with accuracy all his life long.

The following is an excerpt from an article which appeared in the Miles City Star on Sunday, June 2, 1935: “Beebe and Volborg Couple Wed Saturday. Miss Edna Whitbeck becomes bride of E.O. Allen.”
The article ended with the following sentence: “Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are popular young people of the Beebe and Volborg Communities, and to them is extended the congratulations of their many friends who wish them a long and happy married life together.” Indeed, it was a long and happy life together which spanned 54 years.

Elmer was a member of the Masons, Shriners, Elks Lodge, Miles City Club and Miles City Appaloosa Club. He was on the board of directors for the PCA, First Security and The Federal Land Banks, National Cattlemen’s Association, and the Montana Stockgrowers. He served as President of the Southeastern Montana Stockgrowers and Range Riders Museum and was listed in Who’s Who in Agriculture. He was also the grand marshal of the 1989 Centennial Bucking Horse Parade.

Nibs passed away on January 4, 1990, in Miles City, Montana.​​