Allen William Trelease

GREENSBORO — Allen William Trelease, 83, of the Friends Homes at Guilford, New Garden Road, passed away on July 15, 2011.

Dr. Trelease was born in Boulder, CO. to the late William and Helen Waldo Trelease. He moved frequently as a youth, graduating high school in Catonsville, MD. He received degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and a doctorate in history from Harvard University. He taught history at Wells College in Aurora, N.Y., from 1955 to 1967, heading the history and government department for a time, including serving briefly as acting dean of faculty. Dr. Trelease proceeded to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1967 where he taught for 27 years, retiring in 1994 as a professor emeritus in history at the University. After retirement he established the Allen W. Trelease Graduate Fellowship for doctoral history students at UNCG. Dr. Trelease authored books on Indian affairs in colonial New York; the Civil War's reconstruction period; the early years of the Ku Klux Klan which he was a recognized authority; the North Carolina railroad system, 1849-1871; and two books on the history of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, receiving awards for his publications. He served as head of the Department of History for two terms at UNCG and is a past president of the Historical Society of North Carolina.

In retirement, Dr. Trelease continued his lifetime of learning by frequently attending Elderhostel programs throughout the world. At Shepherd's Center of Greensboro he was Chairman of the Adventures in Learning Committee, a lecturer and an active volunteer. He was a music devotee and enjoyed gardening, canoeing, genealogy, bridge and trains. At the time of his death, Dr. Trelease was the President of the Resident Board of Directors of the Friends Homes at Guilford, and was that board's representative on the Friends Homes, Inc. Board of Trustees.

He was preceded in death by his elder son, William; and is survived by his daughter, Mary Trelease Beaudet (Andre) of Portland, ME; his son, John (Susan) of Davidsonville, MD; and six grandchildren, Christopher, Kyle, Eric and Samuel Beaudet, and Alexander and Caroline Trelease.

A memorial service will be held on August 13, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Friends Homes at Guilford.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be made to the charity of your choice in his memory.

Forbis and Dick-Guilford Chapel is serving the Trelease Family. Online condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.