Husband William M. Allison 1 2
Born: 4 Nov 1850 - Gregg Twp, Centre Co, PA 2
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: William Allison (1794-1877) 3 4
Mother: Sarah A. McNitt ( -1896) 2
Marriage: 2 Jun 1880 5
Wife Lurana B. Higman
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: John Higman ( - ) 5
Mother:
Children
1 M Charles E. Allison 5
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F Mabel Allison 5
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
3 M William H. Allison 5
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
4 M Frank Allison 5
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
General Notes: Husband - William M. Allison
His education was carefully provided for: his elementary instruction was obtained at Penn Hall, where unusually good opportunities for that time were to be found. Later he pursued his studies at Perrysville, Pennsylvania, 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. In addition to that enterprise Mr. Allison was 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 required and received his supervision, but despite his cares and his high position in the community he was easy of approach and friendly to every comer, even the smallest boy being certain of kindly and prompt attention to any errand. Mr. Allison was fond of good horses, and his stables held some fine specimens. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Centre Hall; also belonged to the State Millers' Association, and in 1896 accompanied that body on an excursion to Duluth and other points on Lake Superior.
He had great influence in local affairs, and was one of the leading Republicans of Centre County, Pennsylvania. He served creditably in several official positions, and when a candidate he received 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. 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 testimony of strength. He was especially interested in educational affairs, and served multiple terms as a member of the school board at Spring Mills.