4 - 1 John Allison, the Elder Chapter 4: The Fourth Generation General History of the Fourth Generation This generation of Allison’s witnessed the expansion of the Country from the eastern seaboard a crossed the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. The expansion began in earnest after General Anthony Wayne signs a peace treaty with the Indians at Fort Greenville, Ohio, on August 3, 1795, ending the hostilities in what was then known as the Northwest Territories. To achieve the opening of these new lands for settlement centered around a transportation system capable of transporting immigrates in large numbers to inexpensive lands of the west. In March of 1803 Ohio is admitted to the Union as the 17th U.S. state and in Dec. of 1803 United States of America takes title to the Louisiana Purchase, which stretches the United States from the Canadian border to the mouth of the Mississippi River and points west. The Louisiana Purchase has been described as the "greatest real estate deal in history." The United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for 60 million Francs, or, about $15,000,000 for its 800,000 square mile area. The purchase quickly doubled the size of the United States. The Louisiana Purchase secured free navigation of the Mississippi River. Many viewed the ownership of Louisiana Territory by France as a threat to the continued growth of America and supported the elimination of European powers in our realm. Soon after the acquisition, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on an expedition through the new lands. Transportation To deliver settlers to these new lands, required improved Transportation methods. Government and private enterprise came together, to reap the economic rewards of providing a better system. The first federally funded highway in America ran between Cumberland, Maryland into Ohio, it was approved by President Thomas Jefferson on March 29, 1806, with the signing of legislation and an appropriation of $30,000. The highway ran through three states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Construction began in 1811; five years after authorization, the road progressed west, advancing farther west with each year. It broadly followed Braddock's Road, the military route used by George Washington in 1754. The National Road, as it would later be called, now known as Rt. 40, weaved 128 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Wheeling, West Virginia, and would later have its terminus in Vandalia, Illinois. Its crushed-stone surface encouraged many settlers to travel this road into the frontier west.
Transcript
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John Allison, the Elder
Chapter 4: The Fourth Generation
General History of the Fourth Generation
This generation of Allison’s witnessed the expansion of the Country from the eastern seaboard a
crossed the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. The expansion began in earnest
after General Anthony Wayne signs a peace treaty with the Indians at Fort Greenville, Ohio, on
August 3, 1795, ending the hostilities in what was then known as the Northwest Territories. To
achieve the opening of these new lands for settlement centered around a transportation system
capable of transporting immigrates in large numbers to inexpensive lands of the west. In March
of 1803 Ohio is admitted to the Union as the 17th U.S. state and in Dec. of 1803 United States of
America takes title to the Louisiana Purchase, which stretches the United States from the
Canadian border to the mouth of the Mississippi River and points west.
The Louisiana Purchase has been described as the "greatest real estate deal in history." The
United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France for 60 million Francs, or, about
$15,000,000 for its 800,000 square mile area. The purchase quickly doubled the size of the
United States. The Louisiana Purchase secured free navigation of the Mississippi River. Many
viewed the ownership of Louisiana Territory by France as a threat to the continued growth of
America and supported the elimination of European powers in our realm. Soon after the
acquisition, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on an expedition through the
new lands.
Transportation
To deliver settlers to these new lands, required improved Transportation methods. Government
and private enterprise came together, to reap the economic rewards of providing a better system.
The first federally funded highway in America ran between Cumberland, Maryland into Ohio, it
was approved by President Thomas Jefferson on March 29, 1806, with the signing of legislation
and an appropriation of $30,000. The highway ran through three states, including Maryland,
Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Construction began in 1811; five years after authorization, the road
progressed west, advancing farther west with each year. It broadly followed Braddock's Road,
the military route used by George Washington in 1754. The National Road, as it would later be
called, now known as Rt. 40, weaved 128 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Wheeling, West
Virginia, and would later have its terminus in Vandalia, Illinois. Its crushed-stone surface
encouraged many settlers to travel this road into the frontier west.
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The War of 1812 slowed progress of improved transportation project for a period time. After
the resumption of war between France and Great Britain, British ships frequently harassed
American trade vessels in the Atlantic. The conflict diverted money away needed transportation
improvement. America's international trade was disrupted slowing the economy and resulted in
the impressments of American sailors. Because of high desertions rates in the British Navy, they
needed to recover their numbers. As a result, they forced Americans to serve in their navy. They
justified impressments by claiming that because American sailors were once British, they were
always British. On August 19, 1812, British forces and their allied Indians invaded and took
Detroit, Michigan. On September 10, 1813, American Naval forces under General Oliver Hazard
Perry won a major victory over British forces at Lake Erie on Pennsylvania's coastline. Because
the American victory closed off British navigation of Lake Erie, British forces evacuated Detroit.
The retreating British and Indian forces were subsequently engaged at the Battle of Tippecanoe
along the Thames River in Indiana. General William Henry Harrison and American forces
routed the enemy on October 5, 1813. Despite the American victories, English forces had
defeated France in Europe. The British victory made available large numbers of troops and
supplies which were sent to America in 1814. The British southern campaign was thwarted by
Andrew Jackson's bloody victory over Creek Indians at Horseshoe Bend, Alabama and set the
stage for a massive battle at New Orleans. In August of 1814, however, substantial British
forces sailed through the Chesapeake Bay and landed in Maryland. They then routed American
resistance at Bladensburg, Maryland and quickly took the American capital at Washington. On
August 24-25, British forces burned Washington to the ground. Despite the bombardment of
Baltimore, Maryland, which resulted in Francis Scott Key authoring the Star Spangled Banner,
American forces resisted. On September 13-14, Fort McHenry at the head of the river leading
to the Baltimore harbor withstood a 25-hour bombardment by the British fleet, which prompted
the famous "Star-spangled Banner," by Francis Scott Key when he saw the flag still standing.
Fort McHenry was named after Dr. James McHenry, his wife was Margaret Caldwell daughter of
Grace Allison, James and Margaret's son was at the fort during the bombardment.
On September 11, 1814, American forces defeated the British at Lake Champlain and thwarted a
large-scale British invasion from Canada. After the defeat at Lake Champlain, and because
American trade with a defeated France was no longer an issue, British authorities decided to
abandon the war in America. On December 14, 1814, America and England signed the Treaty of
Ghent which ended the war and called for the abandonment of British forts along its
northwestern frontier. The conclusion of this war allowed the opening of the northern areas
around the Great Lakes for settlement.
Robert Fulton was an artist turned inventor, his family were neighbors to the Allison’s and
related to the Anderson’s of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In 1807, he and his partner,
Robert Livingston, introduced a steamship, on the Hudson River and obtained a monopoly on
ferry service there until 1824. Steamships created an efficient means of transporting goods
upstream, and this led to an obvious need to provide additional transportation to the area via a
canal.
As cities began to pop up across the Midwest, a very important event takes place, anthracite coal
is used as fuel. This inexpensive source of energy enabled a new period called the
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Transportation Revolution. Steam power was used to power railroads, steamships, excavators to
dig canals, build roads, and helped process iron for bridges. Clipper ships also, emerged as new
forms of transportation, beginning in the 1830s for coastal areas.
The conclusion of the War of 1812 an the inexpensive use of steamship increased the need for
transportation into that area, which was lacking at that time. The Erie Canal, the first major
canal project in America, was built by New York beginning in 1817. Stretching 363 miles from
Albany to Buffalo, it was the longest canal in western world at that time. The Erie Canal begins
at Rome, New York, the first section between Rome and Utica, New York was completed two
years later. The canal would eventually connect the Atlantic Ocean, through the Hudson River,
to the Great Lakes, with 83 locks over its 363 miles. The canal completed in 1825 cut transport
costs by 90% and opened a new route to the northern parts of the west. The canal continued as an
important transportation artery until its usage peaked in the 1880s.
The expansion continues with the territory of Indiana being admitted into the United States of
America as the 19th state on December 11, 1816. Mississippi is admits as its 20th state, on
December 10, 1817. The second wave of Amish immigration to North America begins in 1817,
bringing 3,000 Amish from Europe to relocate in the United States. The first wave of Amish
immigration occurred through 1770’s.
The following is an account of the fourth generation as the westward moment begins, many of
this generation was born in an eastern state and died in state further west.
The fourth Generation
IV-1. John DeFrance: AABA (John, I-1; James, II-1; Anna, III-2) Born circa 1761 in East Heidelberg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, married Jane Caldwell circa
1783 and had 10 children. Jane Caldwell was his first cousin. John’s mother Anna Allison
(AAB) and Jane’s mother Rebecca Allison (AAF) were sisters. Jane died in 1813 at Bugler,
Washington County Pennsylvania, John marries Martha Shields after the death of Jane. Martha
was born circa 1776. John died July 20, 1838 at Cross Creek in Washington County
Pennsylvania. John’s will filed at Washington County, Pennsylvania is dated June 28, 1838.36
The following people were named in the will: Wife Martha; seven daughters Sarah, Rebecca,
(Mary) Ann, Jane, Maria, Ruth, and Martha; and sons Hugh and Allison. Martha Shields
DeFrance is listed in the 1850 census of Cross Creek Toswnship, Washington County,
Pennsylvania, living with the James Donahoo Family, at age 74.
* V-1. John DeFrance: AABAA (John, I-1; James, II-1; Anna, III-2: John, IV-1) John
Martha was born circa 1817; Martha married Thomas Donahoo circa 1834 and died
Jan. 17, 1838, and died before her father will of June 28, 1838.
IV-2. James DeFrance: AABB (John, I-1; James, II-1; Anna, III-2). James was born circa 1762 in East Heidelberg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania and died circa
1837 at Guys Corners, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. He marries Elizabeth Arthur circa 1785
in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth was born at Youngsville, Warren County,
Pennsylvania, her parents were Robert Arthur and Susan Boone. The 1820 census lists James
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and family living in French Creek Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, near his daughter
Mary Ann Austin. Eleven family members including James and Elizabeth are living on the farm.
The following is from "History Mercer County, Pennsylvania; its Past and Present": Brown,
Runk and Company, Publishers; Chicago Illinois; 1888; page 1053:
James and Elizabeth (Arthur) DeFrance, had 12 children Robert, Allison, John, James,
Charles, Abram, William, Arthur, Matthew, Boone, Anna and Eliza, who died when
small, from the bite of a rattlesnake. The maiden name of the mother of Elizabeth Arthur
was Boone and she was a niece of the renowned Daniel Boone. Robert was at a time a
prominent officer at Burlington, Iowa, and both he and John were in the war of 1812.
Robert fought in the Battle of Lake Erie.
V-12. Robert Arthur DeFrance: AABBA (John, I-1; James, II-1; Anna, III-2: James,
IV-2) Robert was born Feb. 5, 1788 Franklin County, Pennsylvania and died Jan.
15, in 1860 Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa. He married Rebecca DeFrance
2) Elizabeth was born circa 1814 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania and died circa
1825.
IV-3. William Watt: AACA (John, I-1; James, II-1; Janet, III-3). William was born circa 1755. William's will lists wife Elizabeth sons William M., James, John,
and unnamed daughters.
IV-4. James Watt: AACB (John, I-1; James, II-1; Janet, III-3). James was born circa 1756, died circa 1834.
IV-5. Rebecca Watt: AACC (John, I-1; James, II-1; Janet, III-3). Rebecca was born circa 1758, m: Thomas Bailey.
IV-6. Margaret Watt: AACD (John, I-1; James, II-1; Janet, III-3). Margaret was born circa 1760, m: John McLelland, died Mar. 6, 1805.
IV-7. Jane Watt: AACE (John, I-1; James, II-1; Janet, III-3). Jane was born circa 1762 and m: Valentine Houpe.
IV-8. William Bowman: AADA (John, I-1; James, II-1; Margaret, III-4).
IV-9. Jane Caldwell: AAEA (John, I-1; James, II-1; Margaret, III-4).
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She married her first cousin, John DeFrance see (IV-1) for more details. The Lancaster County
Orphan’s Court on June 7, 1776 appointed Robert Craig guardian over Jean Caldwell as a result
of her inheritance from her Uncle James Allison, which indicates her father was deceased by that
time.
IV-10. Mary Allison: ABAA (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7) Mary was born Sept. 6, 1769 and died Mar. 21, 1823. She married Andrew Henderson circa
1791. Andrew was born circa 1762 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and was an early settler
in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Huntington County was formed from Bedford County on
September 20, 1787. He was an officer in the Revolutionary War at the age of seventeen and
belonged to the Order of Cincinnatus. Andrew died June 26, 1812 and Mary died March 21,
1823. He was appointed September 29, 1787, associate judge of Huntingdon County for a term
of seven years. At the same time, he was also appointed recorder of deeds and register of wills,
and on January 15, 1788, received a commission as justice-elect for the town of Huntingdon. On
December 13, 1788, he was appointed prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas. He was a
member of the convention which framed the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1790. After the
adoption of that constitution he was re-appointed by Governor Mifflin on July 11, 1791,
Prothonotary and clerk of the Quarter, McKean re-appointed him to all these offices, which he
continued to hold until February 28, 1809. He was elected chief burgess of the borough of
Huntingdon for five successive years, from 1803 to 1807 inclusive, and again in 1809 and 1810.
He erected the large three-story brick house at the southeast corner of Third and Allegheny
streets, in the borough of Huntingdon, about 1810, which was occupied as the Pennsylvania
Railroad depot for a number of years, and which has recently been torn down (1893).
V-25. John Allison Henderson: ABAAA (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7: Mary
IV-10) John was born 1793 at Huntington County , Pennsylvania. He studied law
at Dickinson College and was commissioned prothonotary Feb. 9, 1821. He died
Sept. 15, 1824 at the age of thirty-one years.37
IV-11. Catharine Allison: ABAB (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Catherine was born April 22, 1771.
IV-12. William Allison: ABAC (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). William was born July 14, 1773.
IV-13. Margaret Allison: ABAD (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Margaret was born April 24, 1775 and died Nov. 17, 1856. She married on Dec. 30, 1806
Samuel McLanahan, brother of Mary who had married Margaret's uncle, William Allison
(ABE), Samuel was born Sept. 11, 1775 and died Nov. 20, 1847 aged seventy-two years. The
1850 census of Antrim Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania lists Margaret living with her
son and his wife John and Mary McLanahan. They lived on Locust Hill Farm near Greencastle,
37 Commemorative biographical encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: comprising the counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin,
Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, page 11. J. M. Runk & Co.; Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; 1897.
V-26. John Allison McLanahan: ABADA (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Margaret, IV-13) John was born Aug. 28, 1807, he married Mary Davidson of
Greencastle on Dec. 23, 1836. He died after the 1850 census and she died Mar. 8,
1885.
V-27. Robert Wilkin McLanahan: ABADB (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Margaret, IV-13) Robert was born Sept. 19, 1809 and died Oct. 30, 1857.
V-28. Margaret A. McLanahan: ABADC (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Margaret, IV-13 Margaret was born March 22, 1814 and she died circa 1889. She
married John McLanahan McDowell of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania on October
22, 1833 and he died September 20, 1882.
V-29. James Craig McLanahan: ABADD (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Margaret, IV-13) James was born Sept. 12, 1816. He married Sarah Kennedy
April 9, 1850 at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. They lived in Greencastle,
Pennsylvania; and James died in 1893 at aged seventy-seven years.
IV-14. Robert Allison: ABAE (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Robert was born Mar. 10, 1777 at Greencastle, Pennsylvania; he married Mary Eliott on Sept.
21, 1802; Mary was born circa 1781, the daughter of Benjamin Elliot and Mary Carpenter. As a
young man, he went to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he was clerk in the public offices held
by his brother-in-law, Andrew Henderson. Here he read law with Richard Smith, and was
admitted to the Huntingdon bar at April Term, 1789. He was captain of the "Huntingdon Light
Infantry", a volunteer company which on May 4, 1812, voted to tender its services to the
President in the then impending war with Great Britain, a formal declaration of the war not being
issued until June 18, 1812. The tender was accepted, and the company marched from
Huntingdon on September 7, 1812 and reached Buffalo, New York, October 2, 1812. His diary
keep during this period is in the possession of the family. In 1830 he was elected to Congress,
his opponent being John Scott. He was elected chief burgess of the Borough of Huntingdon in
1815, and again 1817, 1819, and from 1821 to 1824 inclusive, and again in 1826 and in 1830.
He and his brother-in-law, Andrew Henderson, erected Allegheny Furnace, near Altoona, in
1811. He had a stroke and paralysis in the fall of 1830, which affected his speech to a great
extent. He died Dec. 2, 1840, aged sixty three years.39 In the 1850 census Mary Elliott Allison
is living with her daughter Mary Henderson Allison wife of Dr. Jonathan H. Dorsey.
V-30. Mary Henderson Allison: ABAEA (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Robert, IV-14) Mary was born Dec. 13, 1803 and died there October 22, 1884,
aged eighty-one years. She married Dr. Jonathan Dorsey on Jan. 6, 1824. Dr.
Jonathan H. Dorsey of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania died in 1865. In 1868 she moved
to St. Paul, Minn. where her son William lived.
V-31. Elizabeth Wilkin Allison: ABAEB (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Robert, IV-14) Elizabeth was born Nov. 19, 1805 and she died on May 11, 1887.
Elizabeth married Benjamin Miller (son of Henry Miller and Rebecca Graffius) of
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania on Dec. 28, 1826. Benjamin Miller died on Jan. 10,
1839.
39 Commemorative biographical encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: comprising the counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin,
Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, page 11. J. M. Runk & Co.; Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; 1897.
Robert, IV-14) Nancy was born Aug. 29, 1825 and died circa 1865. Nancy
married Rev. W. R. Bingham, D.D. of Oxford, Pennsylvania on Dec. 8, 1856.
* IV-15. Patrick Allison: ABAF (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Patrick was born Feb, 14, 1779, Patrick's will in Franklin County is dated in 1804, died
unmarried.
IV-16. Nancy Allison: ABAG (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Nancy was born Dec. 14, 1780 and died Dec. 25, 1818. Nancy married Elias Davidson of
Greencastle, Pennsylvania. Elias died in Sept. of 1828.
16) Elias was born on July 17, 1814 and died on May 7,1865 in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania.
V-40. Elizabeth Lydia Davidson: ABAGC (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Nancy, IV-16) Elizabeth was born October 1, 1818 and died September 3, 1860.
Elizabeth married January 30, 1850 to William Dorris, Esquire, of Huntingdon,
Pennsylvania. He was born in Sept. of 1822; he was a lawyer and President of the 1st
National Bank of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
IV-17. Elizabeth Allison: ABAH (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Elizabeth was born June 5, 1784, she married Dr. John Henderson, April 11, 1811 at
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, by Rev. John Johnston. Dr. John Henderson of Franklin County,
Pennsylvania had settled in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Dr. John Henderson was born circa
1774 died about 1848, married first in 1800 to Margaret Jamison of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, she
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died in 1804. He married his second wife Elizabeth Allison in 1811. He was a practicing
physician of Huntingdon Pennsylvania with reputation and considerable land and property. 40 V-41. Matthew Allison Henderson: ABAHA (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Elizabeth, IV-17) Matthew was born circa 1814 and died circa 1894. He married
Margaret Boyd daughter of Rev. Alex Boyd of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Matthew
practiced medicine at Lock Haven and was Surgeon in Civil War. Matthew married
Margaret and lived in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, later in life he moved to San
Francisco, California with his family.
V-42. Andrew Augustus Henderson: ABAHB (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7:
Elizabeth, IV-17) Augustus born 1816 and died 1875; he married Mary Virginia
Peace, daughter of Dr. John Peace, of US Navy. Graduated in medicine at Jefferson
College Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Engaged in Geological Survey of Pennsylvania
Commissioned as Assistant Surgeon in U. S. Navy in 1841, as Surgeon in 1856, and
Medical Director in 1871. Was in Everglades during Florida Indian War and present
at the storming of forts on Canton River in China.
IV-17) Kearsley was born circa 1817, and died 1850, unmarried.
IV-18. Lydia Allison: ABAI (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Born September 19, 1786 and died November 4, 1828.
IV-19. Rebecca Allison: ABAJ (John, I-1;William, II-2; John, III-7). Rebecca was born April 1, 1789 and died June 22, 1824. After the death of her sister Nancy
(ABAG), she married her brother-in-law Elias Davidson.
IV-20. John Craig Allison: ABAK (John, I-1; William, II-2, John, III-7). Born August 8, 1791.
40 From the book entitled "The descendants of Jonathan Kearsley, 1718-1782, and his wife Jane Kearsley", by Elmer
L. White.
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Born October 4, 1793, was a student at Dickinson College, Carlisle, died August 11, 1810.
IV-22. Esther Allison: ABBA (John, I-1; William, II-2, Patrick, III-8) Esther was born Feb. 17, 1792 in Baltimore, Maryland, she married George J. Brown on Mar. 7,
1810. George John Brown was born on Oct. 4, 1787 in Ireland and died Aug. 30, 1859, the son
of Dr. George Brown and Rose Davison. He is buried at the Green Mount Cemetery (Section
A), Baltimore, Maryland. He died leaving six children. George John Brown, embarked in
business pursuits, and became a partner in the firm of Brown and Hollins.41
V-47. George William Brown: ABBAA (John, I-1; William, II-2; Patrick, III-8;
Esther, IV-22) Mr. Brown was born in Baltimore City, October 13, 1812. He
formed a law partnership with Mr. Frederick W. Brune and shortly afterwards
married Miss Clara Maria Brune, October 29, 1839. Judge Brown died September
Rebecca was born Nov. 10, 1762 and died May 13, 1841 in Wilkes County, Georgia. She
married her first cousin once removed Lt. Col. John Allison (AEE) on April 24, 1788.
They were the parents of 6 children. See John Allison (III-22) for more details.
IV-25. William A. McCrea: ABCC (John, I-1; William, II-2; Agnes, III-9) William Allison McCrea was born circa 1763 in Artrim Township, Franklin County,
Pennsylvania and died before 1830 in Florida.
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IV-26. Nancy Allison McCrea: ABCD (John, I-1; William, II-2; Agnes III-9) Nancy was born circa 1765 at Antrim Twp. of Franklin County, Pennsylvania and died Aug. 7,
1843 in Wilkes County, Georgia. Apparently neither Nancy or Margaret are married when their
mother died in 1813, Agnes gives the two daughters her house and furniture in Washington,
Georgia.
IV-27. Margaret McCrea: ABCE (John, I-1; William, II-2; Agnes III-9) Margaret was in her mother's will of 1813. Margaret married a man named Clark and died 1838.
IV-28. Robert McCrea: ABCF (John, I-1; William, II-2; Agnes III-9) Robert was taking care of family business circa 1817 in Wilkes County, Ga.
Isabella, IV-35) Isabel was born Feb. 26, 1838. She attended the Bethlehem
Young Ladies Seminary, as her mother did. She married Bishop Edmund De
Schweinitz on October 18,1868. Isabel was his second wife.
IV-36. John Allison: ABEC (John, I-1; William, II-2; William, III-11)
IV-37. James Allison: ABED (John, I-1; William, II-2; William, III-11) James was born June 5, 1798 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania and died Jan. 25, 1861. He and
married Susan Brown circa 1823. Susan was born Dec. 10, 1795 and died Jan. 29, 1861. The
Biographical Annals of Franklin County lists James children: William, Thomas, James, Louisa,
and Mary. The 1850 census of Artrim Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania lists 5 children:
William, Susan, Thomas, James, and Percilla. The 1860 census of Artrim Township, Franklin
County, Pennsylvania lists Precilla and Elizabeth. The 1850 census should of ended the child
bearing years for Susan, and James and Susan died a year after the 1860 census. My conclusion
is they only had 5 children, and Precilla and Louisa are one in the same; Susan and Mary both
being born in the 1829 to 1830 years are also are one in the same.
James was born circa 1833 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. He married Susan E.
Campbell.
IV-38. Robert Allison: ABEE (John, I-1; William, II-2; William, III-11)
IV-39. Samuel Allison: ABEF (John, I-1; William, II-2; William, III-11) Samuel was born Feb. 24, 1802 according to the tombstone located in Moss Spring Cemetery,
Greencastle, Franklin County, Pennsylvania and died Oct. 30, 1845. The 1828 census of
Franklin County lists Samuel living in Lurgan, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The 1840
census of Antrim Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania lists Samuel as married with no
children. Biographical Annals of Franklin County lists Samuel married to Sarah Gurley with the
three following children. Since Samuel died in 1845, the 1850 of Greencastle only lists Sarah
and two children, Mary and John R., Louisa must have died before the 1850 census.
V-79. John R. Allison: ABEFC (John, I-1; William, II-2; William, III-11; Samuel,
IV-39) John R. was circa 1844 in Pennsylvania.
IV-40. Joseph Allison: ABEG (John, I-1; William, II-2; William, III-11)
IV-41. Mary Allison: ABEH (John, I-1; William, II-2; William, III-11) Mary was born circa 1819 and died Dec. 17, 1846. She married the Rev. Hamilton Vandyke, a
IV-42. John Caldwell: ACAA (John, I-1; Patrick, II-3; Grace, III-13) John was born circa 1759 and died in Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1820. He became a lawyer and
lived in Baltimore, Maryland. He married a cousin Margaret Caldwell.
* IV-43. Elizabeth Caldwell: ACAB (John, I-1; Patrick, II-3; Grace, III-13) Elizabeth was born in Aug. or Sept. of 1761 in Philadelphia, she died in infancy.
IV-44. Margaret Caldwell: ACAC (John, I-1; Patrick, II-3; Grace, III-13) Margaret the only surviving daughter of David Caldwell, merchant of Philadelphia, was born
Oct. 8, 1762 in Philadelphia and died circa 1855. She is buried at Westminster Burial Ground,
Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland. Her father died in Philadelphia, the year in which she was
born and was married to Miss Grace Allison circa 1758 in America. Her widowed mother then
married on Dec. 17, 1763, her cousin, Captain William Allison of Philadelphia, also a near
relative of the Rev. Patrick Allison, first pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Baltimore.
Margaret Caldwell married Dr. James McHenry on Jan. 8, 1784 who was an understudy to Dr.
Benjamin Rush. He was Secretary of War in the cabinet of President Washington and Adams.
Fort McHenry near Baltimore was named for Dr. James McHenry. Their son participated in the
1814 defense of the Baltimore fort named for his father, the battle which inspired Francis Scott
Key to write the "Star-Spangled Banner.” Additional information is available concerning James
and Margaret McHenry in The Life and Correspondence of James McHenry (Cleveland:
Burrows Brothers Co., 1907) by Bernard C. Steiner.
James McHenry came to America in 1771, he journeyed from Ballymens, near Belfast, County
Antrim, Ireland, with his father and brother to follow at a later date. “He was a youth of less
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than twenty years and was placed under the care of Captain William Allison of Philadelphia,
whose step daughter, Margaret Caldwell, he subsequently married.” James McHenry and his
wife were communicant members of the First Presbyterian Church of Baltimore. Mc Henry also
served in 1786, as one of the original trustees of the graveyard of the church.” They were the
parents of five children. Margaret died in Baltimore, Nov. 20, 1833.
James began his education at a classical academy in Dublin, by 1772 he was at the Newark
Academy in Delaware. “The Reverend Patrick Allison and the Reverend Francis Allison, both
connections of Captain William Allison, were among the incorporators of this academy; which
fact, doubtless, explains McHenry’s presence there. From Newark, he returned to Philadelphia
and took up the study of medicine under the famous Dr. Benjamin Rush. James died May 3,
1816.
As stated previously, the Reverend Patrick Allison and Grace Allison were first cousins. If the
reference is true, there needs to be further study. They were further apart than first cousins.
Grace’s father, Patrick Allison, had four brothers who in total had two sons named William
Allison both born in the 1750’s, therefore the William Allison that Grace marries in not a first
cousin. I assume the William Allison of Philadelphia is a nephew of John Allison the Elder.
Therefore the closest the relationship could be, is first cousin once removed.
50) William was born in 1838. The 1850 census lists William as twelve years old.
IV-51. Elizabeth Allison: AEAC (John, I-1; John, II-5; Patrick, III-18). Elizabeth was born May 30, 1803 in Fleming County, Kentucky and died Dec. 6, 1878 in Wayne
County, West Virginia. Elizabeth married Leeroy Garrett son of Joseph Garrett on April 4,
1819 in Lawrence County, Ohio. Leeroy Garrett was born circa 1799 and died July 4, 1832. He
had an estate sale in Cabell County in 1833, which Bathemia (AEA-Spouse) and William
(AEAB) attended. She remarried Aenos Carter on Nov. 13, 1835. Aenos Carter had married
Kezia Ray on Mar. 7, 1829, I assume he widowed sometime in the early 1830’s Leeroy and
Elizabeth had nine children. I assume Elizabeth and Aenos had three children. Aenos was born
Oct. 8, 1806 and died Oct. 8, 1866. Joseph’s mother being Kezia Ray. The 1850 census lists
Bathemia (age 84) living with Elizabeth. They are buried at the Carter Family Cemetery located
in Fairview Estates, Lavalette, Wayne County, West Virginia. The 1860 census of Wayne
County, West Virginia lists a Mary L. Carter (AEACIA) born 1851, I believe her be the
granddaughter of Elizabeth by Junietta Garrett (Rice).
* IV-53. John Crawford: AECA (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20) John was born, Oct. 2, 1762 in Hanover, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and died unmarried in New
56) Rosanna was born Sept. 14, 1794 and died July 1,1872 in California. She
married ? Hibbard.
V-140. Maria Walker: AECDF (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20; Ann, IV-56) Maria was born Oct. 30, 1796 in North Bend, Hamilton County, Ohio and died
31,1861. She married John Finton born circa1800.
V-141. Benjamin Walker: AECDG (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20; Ann,
IV-56) Benjamin was born July 24, 1798 in Dearborn County, Indiana, died
September 9, 1860 in Ohio County, Indiana; he married Elizabeth Ann Wilbur on
Dec. 11, 1822 in Dearborn County, Indiana.
V-142. Henry Harrison Walker: AECDH (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20;
Ann, IV-56) Henry was born December 20, 1799 in Dearborn County, Indiana
and died March 21, 1876 in Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana. He married
Harriet Bisbee on Dec. 11, 1822 in Dearborn County, Indiana.
V-143. Robert Walker: AECDI (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20; Ann, IV-
56) Robert was born March 17, 1802. He married Delilah Blue, born in Nelson
County, Kentucky.
V-144. Elizabeth Walker: AECDJ (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20; Ann, IV-
56) Elizabeth was born November 15, 1803 in Dearborn County, Indiana and
died July 22, 1851 in Dearborn County, Indiana, she married Joel Lynn.
V-145. Samuel Walker: AECDK (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20; Ann, IV-
56) Samuel was born October 22, 1808 in Dearborn County, Indiana and died
December 17, 1892 in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California, he married
1st Emily H. Smith Jan 27, 1831 in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Indiana , 2nd
Hannah Conwell Feb. 10, 1835 in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Indiana.
IV-57. Thomas Crawford: AECE (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20)
Thomas Crawford, born March 27, 1769 in Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania,
died December 7, 1857 in North East Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Thomas married
Mar. 29, 1791 in North East Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, Mary "Polly" Custard (born
1771 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania; she died March 21, 1850 in North East
Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania). The 1850 census lists Thomas at age 81, living in Erie
County, Pennsylvania with his son Robert. Thomas and Mary are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery,
North East Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania. Thomas moved to Erie County, Pennsylvania
Jane Crawford, born November 1, 1770, in Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
and died March 31, 1773 in Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
IV-59. Mary Crawford: AECG (John, I-1; John, II-5; Rosanna, III-20) Mary Crawford born March 3, 1772 in Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and
died June 25, 1835 in Greenwood, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. She married John
McMichael on Sept. 18, 1792 in Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. John was born
1758 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania and died April 25, 1817 in Greenwood, Crawford
William, IV-62) William was born September 30, 1816 became a successful
merchant of Clintondale, Pennsylvania and died at the age of 74 leaving a large
estate.
* IV-63. Chesney White: AEDC (John, I-1; John, II-5; Margaret, III-21) Chensey was born circa 1776. Lycoming Gazette of July 3, 1821 states "Chesney White, died
unmarried on Thursday last, of Pine Creek Township." He died June 28, 1821, age 45. Chesney
White's occupations was listed in the History of Lycoming County as, farmer.
IV-64. James W. White: AEDD (John, I-1; John, II-5; Margaret, III-21)
James White, fifth child of Colonel Hugh White and Margaret (Allison) White, born in Pine
Creek Township in 1777 married Elizabeth Weitzel (daughter from Charlotte’s first marriage or
James W.'s step-sister) on Mar, 1, 1815. He dies in Pine Creek Township, Clinton County,
Pennsylvania in Feb. of 1819 at age 42. Elizabeth Weitzel White was the second child of James
and Charlotte (Weitzel) White, (first marriage) and was born December 10, 1800, on White’s
Island, marries at age fifteen. She marries second George Crawford, on January 29, 1822, see
the remaining children of Elizabeth Weitzel under George Crawford (AECCB) section V-130.
A Jan. 1, 1822 article in the Lycoming Gazette listed George Crawford married to Mrs. Elizabeth
White, both of Pine Creek Township on Tuesday last, by Rev. Grier.
V-176. Allison White: AEDDA (John, I-1; John, II-5; Margaret, III-21; James W.,
IV-64) Allison was born Dec. 21, 1816; first marries Sarah Lawshe born circa
1821 and died in Lock Haven in 1863. On July 30, 1870 at Woodbury, New Jersey
he married Mary Ogden. He was a U. S. Congressman.
V-177. James White: AEDDB (John, I-1; John, II-5; Margaret, III-21; James W., IV-
64) James was born Aug. 5, 1818 and died Mar. 5, 1855
* IV-65. Allison White: AEDE (John, I-1; John, II-5; Margaret, III-21) Allison was killed in his youth during a horse race when his horse run him against a tree.
IV-66. Nancy (Agnes) White: AEDF (John, I-1; John, II-5; Margaret, III-21). Nancy was born 1784 and died Dec. 10, 1861 age 77. She married John Fleming McCormick
on Dec. 29, 1807. From the Lycoming Gazette newspaper, Maj. Fleming McCormick, of Bald
Eagle Township, and Miss Nancy, daughter of Col. Hugh White, of Pine Creek Township
married on the Dec. 29, 1808, by Rev. Isaac Grear. John Fleming McCormick was born Aug.
11, 1782 at Bald Eagle Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania and died Oct. 14, 1850
in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, at age 68. The family lived at Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.
John Jr. was born April 12, 1889 at Alexandria Virginia and died June 25, 1802 in Wilkes
County, Georgia, at age 13.
* IV-69. Nancy Allison: AEEB (John, I-1; John, II-5; John, IV-22) Nancy was born Sept. 8, 1791 and died Sept. 12, 1793, at age 2 years in Wilkes County, Georgia.
Robert was born April 19, 1794 and died Aug. 28, 1821, in Wilkes County, Ga. He marries
Elizabeth ? , she second marries Samuel Barnet of Washington, Georgia.
* IV-71. William C. Allison: AEED (John, I-1; John, II-5; John, IV-22)
William was born Mar. 29, 1797 and died Jan. 31, 1832 in Wilkes County, Georgia.
* IV-72. James Allison: AEEE (John, I-1; John, II-5; John, IV-22) John was born Feb. 28, 1803 in Wilkes County, Georgia and died one month after his father,
James was born Dec. 12, 1799 and died Sept. 10, 1805,at age 6.
* IV-74. Ruth Stewart: AEGA (John, I-1; John, II-5; Ann, III-24) Ruth was born Nov. 26, 1775 and she died Mar. 10, 1785.
IV-75. John Y. Allison: AEHA (John, I-1; John, II-5; William, III-25)
John Y. was born in Bourbon County Kentucky circa 1802. At some point in early manhood his
father moved to Augusta County, Virginia. His uncle James Allison's, will dated Mar. 24, 1821
in Augusta County Virginia; bequeaths to John Y. most of his estate. His father’s will is dated
Nov. 25, 1825 divides his estate amongst his children. John married Margaret Brown in Augusta
County, Virginia May 20, 1823. John became of age sometime in1823.
The following was submitted to the Augusta County Court on Dec. 27, 1831: I do
hereby certify that John Y. Allison so is commissioned a Captain of the Militia,
Thirty second Regiment, Seventh Brigade, and Third Division, was duly sworn
before me according to law. Given under my hand this 10th day of December 1831.
John Seawright
He apparently lived in the area until about 1837, when a group opposed to slavery decided to
leave Virginia and move to Edgar County, Illinois and start a new community base on these
beliefs. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and sometimes call the Rev. John Y.
Allison. He was an Illinois State Senator beginning is 1847, said to be a friend of Abraham
Lincoln. He owned about 928 acres of farm land near Grandview and Kansas, Illinois. John
died June 15, 1869, leaving Margaret as a survivor. Margaret died on July 12, 1869. They are
buried at a remote Cemetery near Grandview. It appears John Y. marries Margaret Brown of
Augusta County, Virginia. In John Y. Allison's (AEHA) will and he mentions his niece Martha
4 - 48
Jane Brown (AEHBA), the census indicates she has been living with them since the 1850 census.
I assume Martha born circa 1829, is the daughter of Jane Allison, the sister of John Y. Allison
who married James Brown the brother of Margaret Brown Allison.
It appears Frances Brown, Margaret's Father, dies intestate sometime in 1831 in Augusta County,
Virginia. Information about the family is available from the inventory of his estate. The estate
was divided into seven parts, although 10 children are listed: John, Elizabeth, Agnes, Nancy,
Isabella, Francis, James, Jane, James H. Young (married Mary Brown), and Margaret Brown
Allison.
V-192. James W. Allison: AEHAA (John, I-1; John, II-5; William, III-21; John, IV-
75) Born May 23, 1828 August County, Virginia. He marries Anna E. Nelson on
May 4, 1858. Anna was from Hanover, Indiana, where James went to college.
Anna died Aug. 4, 1861. On Oct. 7, 1862 James marries Mary A. Howell (mother
of Ellis). Mary's father was Rev. Ellis Howell and mother was Mary Ann Lindley,
Mary was born July 19, 1836. Mary was born Aug. 12, 1836.
V-193. Francis Allison: AEHAB (John, I-1; John, II-5; William, III-21; John, IV-75) Francis was born circa 1829 in August County, Va. He marries Delinda E.
(Ellen) Christian, on Dec. 20,1853 and has two children, Mary Virginia and John C.
Francis dies July 29, 1859 and Ellen and children move in with Francis's mother
IV-75) Erasmus was born circa 1835 in Augusta County, Virginia. Moved to
Edgar County, Illinois, with his parents in 1837. Erasmus becomes the family
farmer after the death of his father.
V-195. Emily Virginia Allison: AEHAD (John, I-1; John, II-5; William, III-21; John
, IV-75) Emily is born circa 1838. Married Bill Delaney Trimble Travis in Edgar
County Jan. 14, 1873, she died in 1889. Travis marries her niece Mary Virginia
Oct. 17, 1912 in North Dakota. Travis died July 24, 1918 at Burlington, New
Jersey.
IV-76. Jane Allison: AEHB (John, I-1; John, II-5; William, III-25). Jane Allison born circa 1808, marries James Brown on March 1, 1821. Cyrus Brown, Margaret's
brother, in 1865, buys the land Margaret Brown Allison received in 1832 as her share (one
eighth) of her father estate, and also Martha Jane Brown sold a one sixth share of her father
share, James Brown share (one eighth). This means Jane Allison Brown had at least five
Children, with one of them being Martha Jane Brown.
