BIO: William M. ALLISON, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ WILLIAM M. ALLISON. The Scotch-Irish race, with its mixture of the practical common sense of the "canny Scott" and the warm impulses of the impressionable Celt, has produced a large proportion of the men who have led and are leading in the varied lines of effort upon which our modern civilization is based. The Allison family, which is so prominently identified with the development of Penn's Valley, furnishes many notable examples of this class, and a brief review of their history will enhance the interest in the sketch of our subject, who is, himself, a worthy representative. The first American ancestor, Archibald Allison, Sr., the great- grandfather of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, was a native of Ireland, and was married there to Mary Kennedy, who was born November 1, 1730, in Scotland, Shire of Galloway, Parish of Kirkmaiden, the third daughter of John Kennedy. They came to America with their family in 1773, landing on the 18th of June, and settled in this State. Archibald Allison, Sr., died in Paxton township, in what is now Dauphin county, October 6, 1783, and his widow passed away June 6, 1808, in Potter township, Centre county. Of their children, Matthew, who was born in 1750, was a young man at the time of the arrival of the family in this country, and the Revolutionary war breaking out soon afterward he served as a soldier on the side of freedom. Later he settled in the Nittany Valley, and became an influential pioneer citizen of Centre county, being one of its first commissioners. He died in Lamar township, February 9, 1828, at the age of seventy-eight, leaving a numerous family. By his first wife, Sarah Mahaffey, there were four children: Margaret (who married Joseph Johnston), William, Mary and Sarah. His second wife, Catherine Lamb, had six children: Jane, Catherine, Samuel L., Eleanor, Archibald, Jr., and John. His third wife survived him with five children, all young: Jackson, Mary, Robert C., Frederick E. and an infant in arms. The youngest son of Archibald Allison, Sr., was John Allison, the father of Senator William B. Allison, of Iowa. Archibald Allison, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland April 15, 1761, and young as he was at the time of the Revolution he took an active part in the defense of the frontier during the troublous times which accompanied the struggle for independence. He was stout and heavily built, with a round, ruddy face and flaxen hair, and possessed great muscular power together with a bold and courageous spirit. In politics he was a Federalist, and in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. After the close of the Revolutionary war he sought a home for himself in Penn's Valley, purchasing from the Penns the eastern third of what was then known as the Manor of Succoth, north of the Great Spring Tract. The homestead which he founded is still in the possession of his descendants. On May 7, 1789, he married Eleanor McCormick, third daughter of George and Margaret McCormick. Her father was the first settler at Spring Mills, having bought land of Reuben Haines, and he built the first mill there. In 1787 he took up a tract of land south of the creek, but owing to financial reverses this passed into the hands of James Cook, who sold it to James Duncan. Archibald Allison, Jr., died May 3, 1845, and his widow passed away January 27, 1848, at the age of eighty-four. They had nine children of whom eight are deceased, their names with dates of birth and death being as follows: George, August 18, 1792 - September 28, 1866; William, April 5, 1794 - February 11, 1877; James, February 26, 1796 - September 18, 1863, died at North Liberty, Adams county, Ohio; Margaret, May 26, 1797 - May 12, 1846, married William Kelly, son of Col. John Kelley, and died in Union county; David, May 22, 1799 - December 22, 1877, married Lucetta McKibben, and his death occurred in Clinton county; Mary, May 11, 1808 - September 27, 1856, died in Adams county, Ohio; John, November 22, 1803 - January 23, 1844; Jane, September 22, 1805, married Thomas Riley, and died in Kansas. The youngest child, Eleanor, was born February 8, 1811, married Dr. John Grossman, and died in Adams county, Ohio, April 10, 1895. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 505 William Allison, Esq., the father of our subject, inherited the sterling traits of his ancestors, and at an early age entered upon his business career as clerk in a store at Harrisburg, where he remained six or seven years. In July, 1827, in company with James and John Potter, he opened a store at Browns Mills, now Reedville, Mifflin county. In 1829 the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Allison carried on the business alone for a few years, when he moved to his old home near Spring Mills. The death of his father in 1845 left him and his brother James and David and James Potter executors of a large estate, with many powers and trusts to be executed, and these duties, together with the work of improving the farms, buildings, barns and sawmills brought a large amount of business upon his shoulders which he managed with great success. On June 25, 1847, he married Miss Sarah McNitt, daughter of William R. and Esther (McCoy) McNitt. Her father was a son of Robert McNitt, one of the first settlers in Kishacoquillas Valley. In 1847 occurred the failure of James and John Potter, of whom Mr. Allison was a creditor to a considerable extent. He was preferred by them on account of old intimacy and business relations, and the judgment they gave him resulted in protracted litigation, Mr. Allison sustaining his claim ultimately. Meanwhile having purchased the factory, hotel, and real estate at Potters Mills, he removed thither, occupying the old residence of James Potter. Here he managed his large interests with his accustomed business skill, and, backed by large experience, as a result uninterrupted prosperity marked his declining years. He was a man of great executive ability, laying his plans with much discretion, and following them up with vigor and determination. While always well- informed on current events, he was especially noted as a chronicler of the past. His wonderful memory coupled with opportunities derived from his father's great age and unusual fund of reminiscence, made him a veritable encyclopedia - a walking digest of the history of Penn's Valley. Mr. Allison was a stanch Republican in later years, and previously a Whig, but while he manifested great interest in the success of the principles which he espoused, he was not a politician. He was a loyal supporter of the government during the Rebellion, and his devotion was shown in many ways. Many regiments from the northern tier of countries passed over the pike on their way to the railroad at Lewistown, and in a single year he donated nearly a thousand dollars worth of provision and meals. Although he was confined to his home for a number of years previous to his death by a paralytic stroke, yet he was always cheerful, and glad to see his friends. His remains now rest in the private cemetery of the Allisons near Spring Mills. His widow, who was a highly respected resident of Potters Mills, died December 18, 1896. Five children also survive: William M., the subject of this sketch; Esther E., born January 15, 1852, now the wife of Frank McCoy, of the firm of Linn & McCoy, iron-masters; Edward, born August 2, 1855, a farmer in Potter township; Lillie E., born September 28, 1860; and Archibald, born June 27, 1863, now a plumber of Bellefonte. With this introduction we may now turn to the personal history of Hon. William M. Allison, who now holds an enviable position in this section as a substantial business man, and an honored and influential citizen. Illingworth, in his work, "A Passing Glance at Penn's Valley," says of him: "Associating himself with business enterprises, he developed the talent necessary to manage successfully a large estate, and to-day, besides his many interests, he is interested in a large tract of the finest farming land in the Valley." In disposition and manner he bears a marked resemblance to his father, and his career has added new luster to the family name. He was born November 4, 1859, in Gregg township, Centre county, about half a mile west of Spring Mills. His education was carefully provided for, his elementary instruction being obtained at Penn Hall, where unusually good opportunities for that time were to be found. Later he pursued his studies at Perrysville, Penn., and at State College. His first business venture was the management of the woolen factory at Potters Mills in partnership with his brothers, Edward and Archibald, and his ability and tact were demonstrated in its success. In 1887 he moved to Spring Mills, and, in connection with the firm of Allison Bros., purchased the gristmill property then belonging to the Barcroft estate. In the following year the mill was thoroughly repaired and remodeled at an expense of $9,000. The John I. Noye rolls were introduced, and the Smith system inaugurated, the establishment being "up-to-date" in every respect. In addition to this enterprise Mr. Allison is interested in the coal business and in the marketing of farm produce, his purchases in this line disbursing annually many thousand of dollars in his locality. His own extensive farming interests require and receive his supervision, but despite his cares and his high position in the community he is easy of approach and friendly to every comer, even the smallest boy being certain of kindly and prompt attention to any errand. 506 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Allison is fond of good horses, and his stables have held some fine specimens. He believes in making proper use of all the good things of life, and his elegant home near Spring Mills, one of the finest in Penn's Valley, is supplied with every possible convenience. Socially he is very popular, his intelligence and geniality making him a most pleasing companion. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Centre Hall; also belongs to the State Millers' Association, and in 1896 accompanied that body on an excursion to Duluth and other points on Lake Superior. On June 2, 1880, Mr. Allison was married to Miss Lurana B. Higman, daughter of John Higman, of Corning, Steuben Co., N.Y. She is a member of one of the well-known families of that section, and is highly accomplished, her education having been completed at the Elmira College, Elmira, N.Y. Four children - Charles E., Mabel, William H. and Frank - brighten their home. Mrs. Allison was formerly a Baptist, but there being no church of that denomination at Spring Mills she united with the Presbyterian Church. Possessing in a high degree the public spirit which has always characterized his family, Mr. Allison has great influence in local affairs, and is one of the leading Republicans of Centre county. He has served creditably in several official positions, and when a candidate he receives the support of many political opponents, his popularity not being limited by party lines. His first office was as judge of elections at Potters Mills, a strongly Democratic locality. In 1887 and 1888 he represented Centre county in the State Legislature, being elected in the face of a normal Democratic majority of 1000, which his character and career had inspired among all classes. His defeat in the previous campaign for the same office was caused by members of his own party, who underestimating his strength, sought to "trade him off" in the interests of another candidate. Notwithstanding this defection, he came within thirteen votes of winning the place, which, taking all the circumstances into consideration, was a remarkable test of strength. He is a generous supporter of all local movements which tend to promote progress, being especially interested in educational affairs, and is now serving a third term as member of the school board at Spring Mills.