(New York Times September 4, 1899) The death reports of Gen. Otis from the Philippines have solved a mystery that has troubled a little home in Grand Street, Elmhurst, L.I. for some time. In the last report of Gen. Otis appeared the name of Wilton O. Allen in the death list.

Allen was a member of the police force of the City of New York. He had been a soldier at West Point and while attending the military tournament at Madison Square Garden in 1897 was attracted by the request of Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt for the services of stalwart men and joined the force. He was then assigned to Capt. Chapman’s district. He had hardly served his probation when Capt. Chapman made him a precinct detective.

From Capt Chapman’s precinct Allen was sent to Newtown just after consolidation where Capt. Dimond was in command. Allen proved himself a valuable man. He made a map of the Newtown District, which was accepted by the Board of Elections. As Capt. Dimond’s wardman, Allen waged a fierce war against violators of the excise law. While at Newtown he married a well known young woman of the place.

After Capt. Dimond was transferred Allen was ordered to the Fifty-first Precinct. He never reported there for duty, and neither his wife nor any of his friends knew of his whereabouts. It now appears that Allen joined one of the regiments sent to the Philippines. He was dangerously wounded while in the front ranks during an attack on a Filipino village.

Allen applied to Col. Roosevelt to be made a member of his Rough Rider troop. The Colonel, who knew Allen’s ability, advised him to remain in the police force.