Robert Clark Allison1,2

b. 23 February 1828, d. 31 May 1902
Robert Clark Allison
photo courtesy Dr. Fred Allison
FatherWilliam Beattie Allison3 b. Mar 1800, d. 7 May 1849
MotherMary Clark4 b. 1 Oct 1800, d. 26 Nov 1863
Birth23 Feb 1828 Robert Clark Allison was born on 23 Feb 1828 in Meadowview, Washington County, Virginia.5,1 
Educationfrom 1847 to 1849 Robert attended Emory and Henry College in Washington County from 1847 to 1849. He studied mathmatics and science. One of his instructors later described Robert as a mathematical genius.5 
Anecdote  However, the remainder of the college curriculum did not interest him and he persuaded his father to permit him to quit college and join the Gold Rush. Robert and one of his Clark cousins formed a partnership which dissolved as they crossed Missouri. The cousin settled in Missouri and Robert continued westward on his own. He reached California safely but was not successful in panning for gold and instead bought passage on a ship sailing for South America. The voyage was difficult, but eventually he made his way back home, arriving in tatters and rags. He seldom spoke of these adventures to his children, but was a very reticent and scholarly man.5 
Fath-DeathMay 1849 Robert's father, William Allison, died in May, 1849, leaving a will written early in 1848 which specifically stated that Robert was not to receive a share of the family land or of the proceeds from the farm. He did however, leave Robert $800, a bay mare, a saddle and bridle, and his gun.3 
Exec-Legatee28 Dec 1863 Robert's mother died in late November, 1863 by which time Robert had returned to Virginia. She named him executor of her will and left him two beds as well as an equal share of her personal property and monies.4 
Marriage29 Aug 1867 He married Rebecca Jane Clark, daughter of Andrew Jackson Clark and Margaret Rains, on 29 Aug 1867.6 
Cens-Sum  Robert and Rebecca lived in Glade Spring where Robert worked as a surveyor. They raised a family of 6 children and also provided a home for Rebecca's younger sister Mary Clark.7,8 
  Robert was known within the community as an accomplished surveyor. Allison family momentoes include Robert's surveyors sextant and several handbills advertising his services. One, dated May 1885, noted that he had located to Bristol with a residence address on Shelby Street, near the west end of town.9 
Cens-19005 Jun 1900 However the family did not remain in Bristol. In 1900 Robert (72) and Rebecca (55) were enumerated back in the Glade Spring district of Washington County.10 
Death31 May 1902 Robert died on 31 May 1902 at age 74.1 
Burial He was buried at Old Baptist Cemetery in Washington County, Virginia.1 
  Robert's son Fred Allison remembered his father's mathematical skills with some degree of awe. He noted that Robert "could stand at a railroad crossing as a fast freight train pounded through Glade Spring and total the sum of registration numbers imprinted on the freight cars while they whizzed by, one after the other."11 

Related Links and Images:

Robert's childhood home12
Robert's stone (alone and with other Allison stones)
Other interments in Old Baptist Cemetery

Family

Rebecca Jane Clark b. 18 Jun 1844, d. 1923
Children
ChartsDescendants of Robert Clark and Martha Harvie
Last Edited21 Apr 2010

Citations

  1. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 166. Stone reported to read: Robert Clark Allison, 23 Feb. 1823 - 31 May 1902. [Martha Keys photographed Robert's stone in August 2005; when viewed under magnification it is apparent that the year of birth was 1828, not 1823]
  2. [S2203] Leonard Allison Morrison, The History of the Alison or Allison Family, p. 162.
  3. [S680] William B. Allison will (1849), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 11: 170. William's will was dated 22 March 1848 and recorded 28 May 1849. The executor was John Clark; witnesses were John Clark, Sr, David Edmondson and James O. Ryburn; bond was $2,000.
  4. [S686] Mary Allison will (1863), Washington Co., VA Will Book 16: 126. Mary's will was dated 25 Nov. 1863 and proved in court 28 Dec. 1863. It named sons Robert, Samuel, John, William and Abram, daughter Martha, and daugher-in-law Catharine. Son Robert was named executor.
  5. [S37] "Robert Clark Allison", manuscript, written 10 Sept. 1966 from the recollections of his son, Fred Allison.
  6. [S2281] Fred Allison Jr., Fred Allison 1882-1974 Scientist, Educator, p. 17.
  7. [S635] Robert C. Allison household, 1870 U.S. cens, Washington Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Glade Spring township, p. 74b (stamped), dwelling 296, family 301, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2005, image 42 of 49. Robert C. Allison, 42, farmer; Rebecca J., 26; Mary C., 2; Rosa S., 5/12, b. Jan, Mary B. Clark 11; all b. VA.
  8. [S165] Robert C. Allison household, 1880 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Glade Spring, ED 94, page 28 (66D stamped), dwelling 242, family 244, viewed online at www.Ancestry.com, The census lists: Robert C. Allison 52, surveyor; Rebecca J., 35, wife; Mary C. 11, dau; Rosa S. 10, dau; Robert H. 8, son; Jennie K. 7, dau; William A. 4, son; Mary B. Clark 21, sister-in-law; all born in Virginia; all parents born in Virginia.
  9. [S2281] Fred Allison Jr., Fred Allison 1882-1974 Scientist, Educator, p. 11.
  10. [S574] Robert Allison household, 1900 U.S. cens., Washington Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Glade Spring District, ED 108, sheet 4B, dwelling 71, family 74, viewed online at Genealogy.com, April 2003, image 8 and 9 of 70. Robert Allison, 72, married 33 yrs, b. Feb. 1828, land surveyor; Rebecca, wife, 55, married 33 yrs, b. June 1844, mother of 6 children, all living; Jennie, dau, 27, sgl, b. Feb. 1873, milliner; Fred, son, 17, b. Jul 1882; Mary B. Clark, sister-in-law, 41, Nov. 185_, dressmaker; all b. VA, all parents b. VA.
  11. [S2281] Fred Allison Jr., Fred Allison 1882-1974 Scientist, Educator, p. 15.
  12. [S35] Nanci C. King, Places In Time Vol. II, p. 138. Black and white photo used with permission of the author.