I - 1

John Allison, the Elder

Chapter 1: The First Generation

I-1. John Allison the Elder: (A)

John Allison the Elder and wife Jannett, came to North America from the North of Ireland

after his children were young adults and himself middle aged. His parents are unknown. His

eldest son James, was born Nov. 12, 1693 in Ireland. If John married Jannett at the age of

eighteen, and James the eldest child, is born a year later, would place John the Elder’s birth

in 1674. I have assumed the shortest possible time between the birth of James and John

Allison the Elder, due to the likelihood of someone leaving Ireland to move to the wilderness

of Pennsylvania in the waning years of life is not very probable. As is, John the Elder would

have arrived in Pennsylvania at age of 51 years. John Allison’s will is dated Nov. 6, 1728,

probated Feb. 20, 1729; and probably died in early 1729, at the age of 55 years. The History

of Dauphin County, gives his birth place as Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The only led

into John’s parental and siblings data is a will by Robert Allison of Colerain Township of

Lancaster County.

This will by Robert Allison of Colerain Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; dated

May 13, 1760.1 Which states that Robert bequeaths forty pounds to his brother John's (A)

sons Patrick Allison (AC) and Robert Allison (AF). Detracting from this scenario is the fact

that Patrick died in 1749, 11 years before Robert's will was written. Patrick did live in

southern Maryland and Patrick's land in Pennsylvania was not sold until 1761, by his

executors. The will also bequeaths 24 pounds to his brother James' daughter Jane Allison. In

1722 a Robert, James, and John Allison are listed in that portion of Chester County that later

became Lancaster County. The implication is, John the Elder had at least two brother named

Robert and James. Additional research is needed to conform.

Lancaster County was organized in Aug. 1, 1729 comprising most of the territory west of

present day Chester County. John Allison’s will is recorded in Chester County, dated Nov.

6, 1728, nine months before Lancaster County was formed.2 John and Jannet, his wife,

settled in an area called the “Barrens of Donegal”. After the formation of Derry Township in

1729 the area became known as the “Barrens of Derry”. The area was termed "barrens", for

1 Transcribed will of Robert Allison of May 13, 1760 at end of chapter.

2 Transcribed will of John Allison the Elder datedNov.6, 1728, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

I - 2

the reason that the Indians had destroyed, by their annual fires, all of the timber on the higher

and rolling land, upon which there was a thick growth of hickory and oak saplings and

underbrush. This was the first areas to be taken up by the early settlers, the smaller timber

was easier to clear for crops. He took up two hundred acres of land, which were warranted to

him 15th

of April 1734.

The following is from Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of The Junaita Valley,

Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania (CBEJV)

pages 9 and 10, concerning William Allison of Greencastle, Pennsylvania:3

William Allison was born June 17, 1696, in the north of Ireland, and was of Scotch

ancestry; came to America about 1730; and settled in Lancaster County and later

settled in that part of the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania, where the town of

Greencastle, Franklin County, is now situated; and died there December 14, 1778, age

eighty two years. He had the following brothers and sisters born in Ireland: James,

born November 12, 1693; Patrick born February 21, 1699; Jean, born June 22, 1701;

John, born January 18, 1704, had land adjoining his brother William in Cumberland

County; and had a son named John; Robert, born Dec. 21, 1707; Margaret, born June

24, 1709.

John Allison’s will mentions his wife Jannet and the following children, the date of births are

taken from CBEJV:

II-1. James Allison: AA (John, I-1) Born, Nov. 12, 1693 in Ireland, married

Rebehak, his will was dated Aug. 31, 1762, mentioned in John Allison the

Elder’s will as the eldest son, also listed in CBEJV as the oldest son.

II-2. William Allison: AB (John, I-1) Born June 17, 1696 in Ireland, married

Catherine Craig, William’s will is dated December 14, 1778, mentioned in

John Allison the Elder’s will as his second eldest son, also listed in CBEJV as

the second oldest son..

II-3. Patrick Allison: AC (John, I-1) Born Feb. 21, 1699 in Ireland, Patrick made

his will in Somerset County, Maryland on Jan. 14, 1748.

II-4. Jean Allison: AD (John, I-1) Born June 22, 1701 in Ireland, married Mr.

Smith in Ireland and assumed they remained in Ireland when the rest of the

family moved to Pennsylvania.

II-5. John Allison: AE (John, I-1) Born January 18, 1704 in Londonderry

Ireland, marries twice the first wife’s name is unknown, she is the mother his

first five children, secondly he marries Ann Anderson and has four children

from that marriage. John’s will is dated May of 1767. He will be referred to

in the remainder of this document at John Allison, Esq.

II-6. Robert Allison: AF (John, I-1) Born Dec. 21, 1707 in Ireland, unmarried,

Robert’s will is dated 1765.

II-7. Margaret Allison: AG (John, I-1) Born June 24, 1709 in Ireland, married

Mr. White and lived in Kent County Maryland.

3 Commemorative Biographic Encyclopedia of The Juniata Valley Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon,

Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Pennsylvania: Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk &Co., 1897

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The brothers and sisters of William Allison (AB) of Greencastle are an exact match to those

children listed in John Allison’s will of 1729. The timing of birth dates from CBEJV, match

the first and second born sons of John Allison (A) of 1729 as mentioned in his will.

Proceeding though a description of each sibling; the wills, and the timing of events match

this family. There is no reference by any wills or deeds found to date that names the children

of John and Jannett or wills or deeds of his children that states they are the children of John

and Jannett. The only other reference that declares the children of John Allison the Elder and

Jannett, is Engle's Notes and Queries: Series 3, Volume 3. However, I can provide addition

evidence sufficient to prove the children listed above are sibling. The next chapter has a

discussion of each child of John and Jannett’s. The chapter gives a brief account of each

sibling’s wills, deeds, and children; that can be used to show their relationships of to each

other.

History of Lancaster County

The following excerpt is taken from Engle’s Notes and Queries; Series 3, Volume III, Page

164, 1896, the same was print in 1925 by Fredrick Virkus concerning John Allison:

THE ALLISONS OF DERRY

Allison, John, (born: Londonderry Ireland, died: Pennsylvania 1747), came

from North of Ireland with family to America, as early as 1725, and located

on what were termed the “barrens of Derry,” then Chester County (afterwards

Lancaster, now Dauphin) Counties, Pennsylvania, where he had 200 acres

warranted to him April 15, 1734; m: Janet _____; issue (of record): 1-Robert

(died unmarried, Mar. 1766). Will bequeaths ₤100 to the trustees of the

Philadelphia Hospital, ₤100 to the “Grammar School at Newark, ten miles

from New Castle,” and the balance of his estate to his brothers and sisters; 2-

William (died Aug. 1739), m: Grizzle Wray, had three children, Viz.

Margaret, Patrick, and Robert; 3-Henry, married and had a son James; 4-

John(d: Donegal, Pennsylvania, May of 1767), m: Ann _____(she married 2nd

, John Stewart), had children: Patrick; Jean, m: George Clark; Rose, m: James

Crawford; Margaret; John; James (born 1750); Ann (born 1753); William

(born 1755); Robert Allison (born 1757); 5-James (died Donegal,

Pennsylvania, Nov.1762, m: Rebecca ______ (died Sept. 1764), had children:

James, m: Miss Howard; Anna, m: Mr. Defrance; Jean, m: William Watt and

moved to North Carolina; Margaret, m: Mr. Bowman and moved to North

Carolina; Sarah; and Rebecca, m: Hugh Caldwell; 6-Jean, m: Mr. Smith;

7-Margaret, m: Mr. White.

I believe Engles may have become confused with too many John Allisons, he matched John

Allison whose will is dated 1747 as previously discussed for John Allison the Elder (A)

who’s will is dated 1729. I believe none of the children listed above are for the John Allison

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who’s will is dated 1747.4 Most of the children listed above are the children of John Allison

who’s will is date 1729. Patrick is not listed in the will of John Allison-1747, and did not die

until 1748. However, Patrick is the brother of the Robert, William, John, James, Jean Smith,

and Margaret White. When you read the will of John Allison who died in 1747, there is a

repeat of some children’s names, but the families are distinctly different. John Allison of

1747 has children named, Robert, Jean, Isabel, Margaret, Jenate, and James. These children

do not match the John Allison listed in Engles Notes and Queries. The 1747 will is missing

Patrick, William and John as listed above; all of the missing names were alive at the time of

1747 will. I have not been able to find Henry, mentioned in any wills or deeds in Lancaster

County.

To demonstrate the relationship between the children listed in John Allison the Elder’s will,

the first item of proof is the will of Robert Allison (AF).5 Lancaster County Will Book B

page 129, Robert’s (AF) will requested his land be sold at public auction. The land was sold

in 1770, the deed can be found in Deed Book M, page 430. The executors of Robert

Allison’s will were, John McDowell who relinquished his trust, John Allison (AE) who died

before the sale of land, leaving William Allison (AB) as the only executor. William was

alive and well circa 1770. In the Lancaster County Miscellaneous Book of 1768-1772 page

41, William Allison (AB) reports to the court as executor of his brother Robert’s will that he

has made the following distributions of the legacy. To the Hospital in Philadelphia; the

Grammar School of Newark, Delaware; to James (AAA), son of his brother James (AA); to

Patrick Allison (AEA), Jane Clark (AEB), John Allison (AEE), Margaret Allison (AED)

children of his brother John Allison (AE); Patrick (ABB) and Robert Allison (ABD), sons of

his brother William Allison (AB); John (ADA), William (ADB), James (ADC), and Robert

Smith (ADD) sons of his sister Jean Smith (AD); John (AGA) and William White (AGB)

sons of his sister Margaret White (AG). This is further proof that the excerpt taken from

Engles, Notes and Queries; Series 3, Volume III, Page 164, 1896, is incorrect. They list

William Allison that married Grizzle as Robert’s brother, that William died in 1739 even

before Robert’s wrote his will. I think the Engles, Notes and Queries; Series 3, Volume III,

Page 164, of 1896 has been an impediment to solving Allison Genealogy; it has been a

starting point or building block for everyone. A more likely scenario is that John Allison the

Elder and William Allison that married Grizzle are brothers. Robert Allison’s (AF) will has

an exact list of sibling as the John Allison the Elder’s will.

To further the point, the 1748 will of Patrick Allison repeats the same list.6

He names his

brothers James (AA), William (AB), Robert (AF), and John (AE) and his sisters as Jean

Smith (AC) of Ireland and Margaret White (AG) of Kent County, Maryland. The above

information confirms that the following are all sibling. The wills of John Allison (A) the

Elder, Robert Allison (AF), and Patrick Allison (AC), and CBEJV; presents a preponderance

of evidence that sibling listed below are the children of John the Elder and Jannett Allison.

Other nieces and nephews exist, but only the ones listed in the various wills are shown

below. Engle’s, Notes and Queries; Series 3, Volume III, Page 164, 1896; is not used in the

evidentiary data.

4 Transcribed will of John Allison dated 1747, Lancaster County, Will Book J, page 4.

5 Transcribed will of Robert Allison of Sept. 28, 1766, Lancaster County, Pa. Will Book B,429.

6 Transcribed will of Patrick Allison of Sept. 28, 1748; Somerset County, Va. Liber 26, Folio 121.

I - 5

Sibling Nieces and Nephews

James Allison James

William Allison Patrick, Robert

Patrick Allison Grace

Jean Smith John and William Smith

John Allison Patrick, Jenny Clark, Margaret, Rose Crawford, and William.

Robert Allison

Margaret White John White and William White

As a continuation of this point; if Engle’s, Notes and Queries, Series 3, Volume III, Page

164, 1896 as copied below were corrected. By applying all of the available data to correct

the errors, a correct family profile can be achieved. The errors have been highlighted and

follow up explanations of corrections provided:

Allison, John, (born: Londonderry Ireland, died: Pennsylvania 1747), came from

North of Ireland with family to America, as early as 1725, and located on what were

termed the “barrens of Derry,” then Chester County (afterwards Lancaster, now

Dauphin) Counties, Pennsylvania, where he had 200 acres warranted to him April 15,

1734; m: Janet _____; issue (of record): 1-Robert (died unmarried, Mar. 1766).

Will bequeaths ₤100 to the trustees of the Philadelphia Hospital, ₤100 to the

“Grammar School at Newark, ten miles from New Castle,” and the balance of his

estate to his brothers and sisters; 2-William (died Aug. 1739), m: Grizzle Wray, had

three children, Viz. Margaret, Patrick, and Robert; 3-Henry, married and had a son

James; 4-John(d: Donegal, Pennsylvania, May of 1767), m: Ann _____(she married

2nd

, John Stewart), had children: Patrick; Jean, m: George Clark; Rose, m: James

Crawford; Margaret; John; James (born 1750); Ann (born 1753); William (born

1755); Robert Allison (born 1757); 5-James (died Donegal, Pennsylvania, Nov.1762,

m: Rebecca ______ (died Sept. 1764), had children: James, m: Miss Howard; Anna,

m: Mr. DeFrance; Jean, m: William Watt and moved to North Carolina; Margaret, m:

Mr. Bowman and moved to North Carolina; Sarah, and Rebecca, m: Hugh Caldwell;

6-Jean, m: Mr. Smith; 7-Margaret, m: Mr. White.

The first incorrect item is the date of John Allison’s death, the John Allison who died in 1747

has been confused with the John Allison (A) who died in the 1729. If the date of 1747 is

changed to 1729, then I think the correct John Allison is identified. All of the children listed

are brothers and sisters, except for William and Henry. John Allison of 1747 was from Derry

Township and John Allison the Elder, lived in Donegal Township, in 1729 when John

Allison the Elder died that portion of Donegal Township that John Allison the Elder lived in

became part of Derry Township, which confuses the issues.

The second item is the relationship of William Allison that married Grizzle to the rest of the

family. The executors of Robert Allison’s will of 1762 were John McDowell, John Allison

(AE), and William Allison (AB). As explained earlier William Allison that married Grizzle

I - 6

was not alive in 1762. I believe the listing of William Allison that married Grizzle has added

additional errors to that family’s genealogical record, I have seen a Patrick and Robert added

to that family. I have been unable to find any other correct reference that William and

Grizzle had sons names Patrick and Robert. As can be seen in the correct William Allison’s

(AB) Will, he also had sons named Patrick (ABB) and Robert (ABD). I have concluded that

the wills of James (AB), Patrick (AC), John (AE), and Robert (AF) tie the family together as

described above, with the exception mentioned.

The third item that is incorrect is not including John Allison’s (AE) first marriage and

separating the children born of that marriage.7 The list of children is correct, but Ann

Anderson his second wife was not the mother of all the children.

The fourth item is questionable, was Henry a son of John Allison (A)? He is not mentioned

in wills of 1729 or 1747 or the above sibling’s wills. I have found no record of a Henry

Allison is Lancaster County at that period.

The fifth item lists James, Jr. Allison (AAA) as marrying Miss Howard. Mrs. Rebecca

Howard Allison was married to a different James Allison, son of Richard Allison. Lancaster

County Deed dated Feb. 25, 1767; stated Rebecca Allison widow of the Township of

Donegal is the daughter of Gordon Howard and the wife of James Allison who is deceased

and she sells land to her brother Thomas Howard.8 Rebecca Howard Allison is alive and

well in 1767, Rebehak, wife of James Allison (AB) died in 1764. James Allison (AAA) did

not die until circa 1776, therefore could not have been deceased in 1767 or the husband of

Rebecca Howard Allison.9

The following diagram illustrates the preponderance of evidence that the John and Jannett

Allison Family as described above is correct. Each red arrow represents one family member

mentioned in another family members wills. The Green Arrows represents each family

member mentioned in CBEJV. To further the point, in none of wills or CBEJV is there

another or additional person mentioned as a family member that is not on the following

diagram. There is no mention of a Henry Allison as described by Engle’s, nor is the William

Allison that married Grizzle on this diagram. However, there is no direct mention by any of

the children’s will or deeds, that they are the children of John Allison the Elder and Jannett.

The only mention, is in Engle’s, Notes and Queries, Series 3, Volume III, Page 164, 1896,

which the reliability is questionable.

7 Colonel George Steuart and his wife Margaret Harris their Ancestors and Descendants; by Robert Stewart,

Civil and Military Press; Labore, India; 1907; p43. 8 Transcribed deed of Feb. 25, 1767, Lancaster County, Pa., Deed Book Q, Page 225.

9 Transcribed will of James Allison, Jr.; Lancaster County Pa., Will Book C, Page 324.

I - 7

Time of Death

John Allison the Elder’s will is dated Nov. 6, 1728, probated Feb. 20, 1729; and probably

died in January or February of 1729, at the approximate age of 55 years. I have included a

copy of the will of a Robert Allison, who might be brother to John Allison the Elder.

I - 8

Copies of Reference Documents:

1 Lancaster County, Pa.

Will Book I1

Page 2

Robert Allison Will of 1760

In the name of God, amen. This 13th

day of

May 1760, I Robert Allison of the Township of Colerain and

County of Lancaster, being weak of body, but of sound and disposing

mind and memory. Thanks be to God for all his unspeasable gifts, but calling

to remembrance the uncertain state of this life and all men must die do

make constitute, ordain, appoint and declare this to be my last will & testament

and as touching such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with, I

give and bestow and bequeath in the following manner and form.

And first, I allow that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid

out of my estate. I leave and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife Jane Allison

all my estate both real and personal during her life.

I leave and bequeath to my brother John Allison sons Patrick Allison and Robert Allison

the sum of forty pounds, which sum is to equally divided between them and

I give and bequeath to my brother James Allison daughter Jane Allison the

sum of twenty four pounds, all which are above mentioned is to be paid out of

the real and personal estate and that the said Jane Allison is to have all the

rest of the estate at her disposing as she seeth proper, at her death for xxxx with

it. And Lastly, I appoint my well beloved wife Jane Allison and

Samuel whole executors of this my last will and testament and I do revoke

and disallow of any other will and testament any way made by me,

ratifying and confirming this and none but this to be my last will and testament

the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed, published, pronounced Robert Allison

and declared by Ye testator hereof to be his

last will and testament in presence of

Robert Guthry, Henry McLean

Neil McNamea

Not before signing I delivered that widow

Bayert is to have her maintenance of the above widow estate Deafortly

Beard at the duration of ye executors.

I - 9

2 Written in Chester County, Pa.

Probated in Lancaster County

Will Book B1

Page 431

Will of John Allison the Elder, 1728

"In the name of God, Amen. This the 6 of november one thoushand seven

hundred & Twenty Eight I John Allison of the Township of Donnegall in the

County of Chester Yoman being very sick & weak in Body but of perfect mind and

memory thanks be to God. Therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my

body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Dye, do make &

ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principally and first

of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it hoping

through Jesus Christ my only Lord, Savour and Redeemer. that I shall live

happy in the enjoyment in him through all eternity in the higher house of

glory and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian

buriall at ye of my beloved wife Jannet Allison Executrix of this my Last

will and Testament nothing doubting but at the Generall Resurrection I shall

receive the same again by the mighty power of God and as touch such worldly

estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give demise &

dispose of the same in the following manner and form.

Imp: I will that my Just Debts & funerall charges be paid out of the first

and redicst of my personall estate and what remains of my estate, I in the

first place will that my foresaid beloved wife have this my dwelling house

and all within itt so long as she lives & I will that she be mentained by the

produce of the plantation through the care of my Two sons John and Robert

During her naturall life & allow her my riding horse and that cow called

shiftie.

Imp and I leave to my Eldest son James my black suit of cloaths.

Imp and to my second son William I allow him Twenty pounds Currant mony of

this province to be paid by my two sons John and Robert Allison & I allow him

that young sorrell mare with his plow and Irons and Tacklins and ye

improvements of ye plantation I bought of James Brownlee with all the right &

title I had from him.

Imp: and to my son Patrick that young hose came of the Black mare.

Imp: And to my two sons Jon. Allison and Robert Allison I leave the

improvements of this plantation I now dwell upon to live unanimously together

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& as long as they so convenient, themselves and their labours & gains is all

to be in on untill parting. & in the time they live Together they are to

clear land at ye water hole for Robert. Thirty acres of Land to be cleared

in three years after this Date with a well dug and walled and a dwelling

house built with the Floor layd and Chimney Built. And likewise a Barn with

all the meadowing in the swamp to the lowermost fence of the pasture and

whole work is to be done with both and the Cost to be paid of the whole head

and I impower my two sons John and Robert jontly & severally to recover and

get in all my just debts and demands and I leave them what stock I enjoy both

cows, horses, mares, and sheep that is not named to any other of the Family

and when they so cause to part John Allison is to have my new dwelling

plantation with the improvements thereof & Robert to the improvements that is

to be made at the water hole & all ye movables is to be Equally Divided both

money goods and cattle.

Imp: and I leave to my Daughter Jean two shillings to be paid aft meeting

Imp: and I leave to my Daughter Margaret Thirty pounds with her horse and

saddle and a young bay mare in ten pounds of the mony.

Imp: I will & appoint the abovesd Jennet Allison my beloved wife to be

Executrix of this my last will & testamt and if there should any debates fall

out between her & any of her children with respect to any thing in this my

last will & testamt I do will and appoint that the said debates or

differences be amicably taken away by the Revd Mr. Jams. Anderson minister of

the Gospell in this place which I leave Executor over all these my concerns

and I do hereby utterly disalow revoke and disanull all and every testaments

willis & legacys requests and Executors by me in any ways before this time

named willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be

my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set to my

hand and seal the day and year abovementioned.

John Allison "seal"

Signed sealed published and pronounced and declared by the said John Allison

as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers.

Richard Allison, James Cook, Alexander Hutchison.

Chester February the 20th 1728/9 Then personally appeared Richard Allison

James Cook and Alexander Hutchison the witnesses to the before written will

who on thier solomn affirmation did declare they were present and saw the Test

ator therein named sign seal publish prounce and declare the sd. writing to

be his last will and testamen and that at the doing thereof he was of sound

mind and memory to the best of their understanding.

Coram. Jo. Parker. D. Regr.

I - 11

Be it remembered that on the Twnetieth day of February Anno Dom 1728/9 the

last will and testament of John Allison late of Donegall in the said County

deced. was proved in due form of Law and probate and Letters of

Administration was granted to his wife Jannet Allison sole Executrix therein

named being first attested well and truly to administer and to bring in an

inventory of the said decedt. estate into the Regr. office for the said

County of Chester on or before the Twentieth day of March next to Exhibitt

and to render a just account of thy administration when legally thereunto

required. Given under the seal of ye said office.

P. Jo. Parker. D. Regn."

4

Lancaster County, Pa

Will Book J

Page 6

Will of John Allison 1747

"The Will of John Allison

In the name of God, amen! In the year of our Lord God one thousand

seven...and forty seven, I John Allison of Derrey township and County of

Lancaster being verrey sick and wake of bodey, but of perfect mind and

memory thanks be given to God therefore, and calling to mind that it is

appointed for all men once to die, I therefore recomend my soul to God

who gave it and my body to be buried in a decent christian manner at the

descretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the generall

resurrection I shall receive the saime again by the mightie power of

God; and as for such worlie estate wherwith it hath pleased God to bless

me with, I give and devise and dispose of saime after the following

manner.

I nominate, constitute and ordain my well beloved wife Jeanet Allison,

to be my whole and exacuttory of all my estate, goods and chattels,

moveables and immoveables, during her continnuance in the State I lave

her in, but if my wife do change her state of life she is to have as the

law directs, and all the rest is to be divided amongst my children,

whose names are as folloeth, Robert Allison, Jean Alison, Isabel Alison,

Margrett Allison, Jenate Alison, with the assistance of said Robert;-

And whereas, my son James is now absent from me having given him two

shuts of cloths and a horse and sadle and bridle, new matok and axe I

I - 12

leive to him mor a stand of plow irons that is now here, and my cote and

a new jeist, and ten pound when my place is sold in Virgeny, and if said

James be obedent to his mother she may give him more as she sees cause.

I leve and bequith to my daughter Jane Alison five pound over and above

any of the rest of my daughters; and now I do ratify and confirm this to

be my last will and testament, as wittness my hand and seal this fifth

day of April 1747.

Wittness present his

James McCollough John Allison

William Breden mark"

5

Lancaster County, Pa.

Will Book B

Page 429

Will of Robert Allison of Sept. 28, 1766

In the name of God Amen, September

28th , 1766, I Robert Allison of Derry Township, County of Lancaster &

Provance

of Pennsylvania being weak of body, but of sound mind & memory , blessed

be God for xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and knowing that it is appointed for all men

once to die & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx judgment do make & appoint this to be my

last

will and testament xxxxxxxxxxxxx form following to write:

I return xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx gave it me & my body I recommend

to the grave to be xxxxxxxxxxxxxan defend & orderly manner at the

diseration of my xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx named, not doubting but I shall

receive the same again xx resurrection and as to what of the good thing

of this life it hath please Almighty God to bless me with I leave in the

following manner, Viz.

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Imprimes, it is my will that my first debts & funeral charges be

payed out of the first of my estate.

Item, I leave I bequeath to the Trustee’s of the Philadelphia Hospital the

sum of one hundred pounds for the use & benefit of the said Hospital.

I leave & bequeath to the Trustee’s of that Grammar School at Newark about

ten miles from the New Castle the sum of one hundred Pounds for the use

and benefit of the School and these sums I allow to be payed the

year after my land is sold.

I leave and bequeath to Anabella McDowell, sister to John McDow-

ell, Esq. of Cumberland, that bond due by Thomas and James Anderson being

one hundred and ninety two pounds, elven shillings & sixpence, with

my silver buttons and shoe buckles and Doddridges rise and progress

of Religion, Heresies Meditations, an Mrs. Roc Exercises of the Heart.

I leave to Mary Scott, housekeeper the bed and bed clothes, she sleeps on and

Mr. Baxter’s life of faith with Dr. Watts Hymns.

I leave to my cousin Patrick Allison son to my brother William my stock,

buckle, & the two year old colt and the remainder of books & I leave

to his brother Robert my watch & my negro boy Dick, to serve seventeen

years from this death, then to be free.

I leave to Mary Clark, daughter to George Clark, deceased that bond due

by James Fulton, being thirty pounds to be applied to bring her up

and it is my will that the remainder of my personal estate be sold at public

sale and my real estate either by public or private sale as my Executors

think best, and when the whole is sold it is my will that the remainder of

Page 430

it be divided into six equal parts or shares, and the one half of

one of the six parts, I leave to my cousin James Allison son to my

brother James, deceased and the other half of the sixth part, I leave

to Patrick Allison, son of my brother John, and one of the six parts

I - 14

to be divided in two equal parts the one half of it I leave to

John Allison and the other half to be deved betwixt Jenny Clark

and Margaret Allison children to my brother John & one sixth

Part I leave to Patrick Allison and one sixth part the Robert Allison

Sons to my brother William, and one sixth part, I leave to the sons

Of my sister, Jean Smith, deceased, equally betwixt them, & the

Remaining sixth part I leave to my two cousins John and William

White, sons of my sister Margaret White, deceased.

And now I constitute & appoint my two brother William & John

Allison and John McDowell, Esq. of Cumberland whole and sole Executors

of this my last Will and Testament, disallowing, nullifying & making

void all other will or wills by me made confirming this and this only

before these witnesses they being by me called for that purpose.

Signed, sealed & executed in the presents of:

David Allison

Abraham Scott Robert Allison

Mary Scott

I again confirm the within will only with this alteration that

before the general division is made of my estate it is my will that my

two brothers have my wearing apparel and Rose Crawford, Daughter

to my brother John have my own bed and bed clothes the table &

chairs the pewter & tea things and William Allison, son of my

brother John have the year old colt.

Done this 11th of March, 1763.

Present

David Allison Robert Allison

Mary Scott

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6 Somerset County, Va.

Liber 26

Folio 121

Will of Patrick Allison dated Jan. 14, 1748,

In the name of God, Amen, I Patrick Allison of Princess Ann Town, Somer-

set County, Maryland being very sick weaken body, but of sound mind and

perfect memory, thanks be to God; and being assure that it is appointed for all men

are to die. To prevent therefore any disputes that might arise after my death

concerning the good things of this life of which in the course of providence I am

possessed, do think it proper to make this my last Will and Testament in the

following manner and form.

And as I heartily commend my soul to God the almighty father of

the spirits of all flesh and body to the grave during that it may be de-

cently interred at the discretion of my Executor, in a sure and certain hope of

receiving the same at the general resurrection of the dead. So dispose of my world-

ly estate. Inprimis, I give and bequeath to my to my only child, Grace Allison, all my

houses and lots in Princess Ann Town with all my household furniture and all

appurtenances thereupon belonging. Likewise I leave to my child Grace Alli-

son aforesaid my Negro’s Lot, Pallis, his wife, and their children. Item, I

give and bequeath to my child, Grace Allison, aforesaid a plantation lying and

bring in the County of Lancaster & Township of Donegal upon Connywago Creek

in Pennsylvania to her and her heirs for ever.

Item, I leave the guardianship of my child, Grace Allison, to the care of my

brother Robert Allison of Donegal, to Captain John Meas and William Alli-

son both in Philadelphia. Expecting that they will endeavour to have her

educated in the Christian faith and other proper qualifications that they will

keep her at school in Philadelphia for the space of three years after my de-

cease under proper tutors for that purpose.

And in case of ye death of my brother Robert Allison, aforesaid whom I

appoint sole Executor of this my last Will. Before my child, Grace Allison, afore-

said should arrive to the years of maturity, that then the aforesaid Captain

John Meas & William Allison be the Executors of this last Will and Testa-

ment; and in case of the death of my child, Grace Allison in minority or with-

out lawful issue of her body, I then leave my plantation in Donegal to the

children of my brothers James Allison and John and also to the children

I - 16

of my sisters Jean Smith in Ireland and Margaret White in Kent County

and also the sum of ten pounds sterling to be distributed among the children

of each family aforesaid as my Executor shall think proper; I also give and

bequeath in case of the death of my child, Grace Alison in minority

or without lawful issue of her body all my houses and lots in Princess

Ann aforesaid together with my negro’s Lot and Pallis, his wife, with

their children to my brother Robert Allison aforesaid and my best

suit of clothes, three of my best shirts, and my best wig. The rest of my

wearing apparel to be equally divided among my three brothers James,

William, and John Alison; but if my child, Grace Alison, aforesaid when

come to maturity should by incontinent living or other misbehavior or

join in marriage with some undeserving fellow as a degradation of

herself and family, that then and in such case she or her husband

shall receive but one half of the aforementioned articles of my estate, the other

half I will and leave to her children an to be appropriated for the use of the said

children by my Executor. Item, I give and bequeath to ye Rev. Mr. John Ha-

milton, minister of the gospel at Monoken, To Captain David Willson, to Cap-

tain Henry Waggaman the sum of ten pounds paper currency to be laid out

for the use and advantage of the Monoken Congregation as they I think

proper and this sum I order to be paid to the aforementioned persons in some

short time after my decease, by my Executor, and further if it should please

God to remove by death my child, Grace Allison, and also my brother Robert

Allison, without lawful issue, then I leave the whole of my estate to be equal-

ly divided into five shares among the children of my three brother James,

William, & John Allison and my two sister Jean Smith & Margaret White, that

is one fifth share to the children of each of my brothers & sister aforesaid.

And lastly, I now order, constitute, and appoint my loving brother Ro-

bert of Donegal in Pennsylvania to be the whole and sole Executor

of this my last Will and Testament, disallowing, nullifying & denying

all other will or wills formerly made & do now ratify and confirm this

to be my Last Will & Testament and no other this Fourteenth day of Janu-

ary One Thousand Seven Hundred & Forty Eight 8/9. Signed, sealed & execut-

ed with my hand before these several witnesses in my presence they

being thereunto by me required.

Testes: John Hamilton Pat. Allison

Benjamin Franceway

Jean Caldwell

On the back of the aforegoing Will

was thus written, Viz.

March ye 7th , 1748 Came Benjamin Fances-

way and Jean Caldwell, two of the subscribing evi-

dences to this will and made oath of the Holy Evangelist to Almighty

I - 17

God that they saw the Testator Patrick Allison sign and seal and heard

him publish, pronounce and declare the within instrument of writing

as him last Will and Testament and that a the time of his so doing

he was to the best of their apprehensions of sound, disposing memory and

understanding and that they the said Benjamin Franceway and

Jean Caldwell subscribed as evidence John Hamilton, subscribed at

same time they did. All which was one in the presents, and at the

request of the testator Patrick Allison.

g/ 2 sides Sworn before Nekemiah King

Deputy Com. Of Somerset County

7

Taken from: Colonel George Steuart and his wife Margaret Harris their Ancestors and

Descendants; by Robert Stewart, Civil and Military Press; Labore, India;

1907; p43.

Ann Anderson

Who John Allison’s first wife was we know no—probably

she was a Campbell. By her he had five children: Patrick,

Jane, Rosey (Rosannah), Margaret, John—all named in

his will. She must have died about the time of John Stuart’s

death.

By his second wife , Ann, John Allison had four children:

James, Ann, William, and Robert

I - 18

8

Lancaster County, Pa. Deed Book Q Page 225

Rebecca Allison ) This Indenture made the twenty fifth and day of February in he year

To ) Of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty seven Thomas Howard ) between Rebecca Allison widow of the Township of Dongall

in the County of Lancaster, yeoman ( of the other part). Whereas Gordon Howard (father to the parties to these presents) obtained a patent from the Honorable, the Proprirtaries of the Province aforesaid bearing date the seventeenth day of June 1737, which was duly entered in Rolls Office for Recording of Deeds for the City and County of Philadelphia in Patent Book Vol. P, whereby he the said Gordon Howard became seized or a certain tract of land situate in Dongall Township aforesaid, containing five hundred and seventy acres and one quarter of and acre of land to have to hold the said Gordon Howard his heirs and assigns forever reference to the above recited patent being had my more fully and at large appear.

And whereas the said Gordon died and before the time of his death made his last will and testament in writing wherein he bequeathed to his son William Howard one hundred and seventy five acres of land adjoining his brother Joseph’s land on one side and his brother Robert one another side as by the said will proven and remaining in the Registers Office at Lancaster may more fully and at large appear. And whereas the said William Howard by his deed bearing date the ninth day of June one thousand seven hundred fifty nine did sell and con- firm unto his brother Thomas Howard (party to these presents) all that one hundred and seventy five acres devised to him by will aforesaid to hold to him the said Thomas Howard his heirs and assigns forever.

And whereas after an allotment or division of the above recited one hundred and seventy five acres has been made from the whole tract the following described tract of land described appears to be the tract of land devised to the aforesaid William by the will aforesaid and to him conveyed to the afsd. Thomas Howard bounded and described as follows; Viz. Beginning at a hickory, thence by land of Joseph Howard, North sixty seven degrees and an half of a degree West seventy two perches to a black oak North eighty five degrees West twenty six perches to a stone South sixty one degrees West twenty four perches to a white oak South eighty nine degrees and a half of a degree West three hundred and seventy perches to a post; thence by James Kerr’s land North seventeen degrees West fifty six perches to a post, North nine degrees East twenty four perches to a post; thence by land of Robert Howard’s East three hundred and fifty four perches to a black oak South eighty degrees East one hundred and fifty six perches to a post; thence by land of Stewart Rowan’s south nine degrees and an half of a degree West sixty eight perches to a hickory the place of Beginning, containing two hundred and thirteen acres of land and the usual allowance of six acres per cent for roads and highways.

Now this indenture witnesseth that the said Rebecca Allison (daughter to the said Gordon Howard mentioned in this indenture who intermarried with James Allison which Allison is now

I - 19

dead) as well to secure and vest the title of the above said tract of land to said Thomas Howard as also in consideration of the sum of five shillings lawful money of the Province of Pennsylvania do grant and sell and by these presents have granted, bargained, sold all her right, title, and interest, use, liberty, property claim & demand to and of all singular the Page 226 houses, buildings, improvements, rights, members, hereditaments, appurtenances, whatsoever to her belonging or any of her heirs, executors, or administrators of, in, or to the same belonging or in any other wise appertaining and do from me my heirs executors & administrators forever ac- quit, disclaim, and release unto him the said Thomas Howard his heirs, executors, administrators, & assigns all and every part or parts of my right, title, moiety portion, patrimony interest and property to the herein given granted premises or any part or parcel thereof.

To have and hold the herein given, granted premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto him the said Thomas Howard his heirs & assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Thomas Howard his heirs and assigns forever subject nevertheless to the proportionable part of the yearly quitrent now due & hereafter to become due to the chief lord or lords of the fee thereof and at the special instance and request of him the said Thomas Howard his heirs and assigns at any time hereafter for to sign, seal & acknowledge all of any instrument of writing or writings as he or they by their council learned in the law may reas- onably be advised or directed at the proper cost or costs oh him the said Thomas Howard his heirs or assigns. In testimony whereof the party to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set her hand and seal the day and year above written. Her Rebekah X Allison Mark Sealed & delivered in the presence of: John Howard Anna Allison Received the day and date of the above Indenture from the above named Thomas Howard five shill- ings currency it being the full consideration money above mentioned, I say received by me. Witness present: John Howard Anna Allison

Lancaster County ss: Be it remembered that on the day and date of the above Indenture before me the subscriber one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid personally appeared the above named Rebecca Allison & acknowledged the said Indenture to be her act and deed & desired that the same might be recorded as such she being of full age & voluntarily consented thereunto the contents hereof being first made known unto her. Witness my hand and seal. Jno. Allison Recorded the 7th of April 1775 Edw. Shippen, Recorder

I - 20

9 Lancaster County, Pa.

Will Book C1

James Allison Will of 1776 Page 324

In the name of God, Amen. I

James Allison of the Township of Donegall and County of Lancaster being weak in body,

but of sound and perfect mind and memory, and calling to mind that it is appointed for all

men once

to die, make and ordain this my last will and testament. First of all I recommend

my soul to God that give it and my body, I commit to the earth ,to be buried in a

Christian and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors hereafter mentioned.

Nothing doubting but, I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God by

it hath the intercessions of Jesus Christ my only Savoir, and as to what worldly goods

it hath pleased God to bestow on me in thy life, I give and dispose of the same in the

manner and form following, Viz. Imprimis, it is my will that all my just

debts and funeral charges be paid out of the first part of my personal estate. Item, I leave and bequeath to my sister Sarah Allison, five hundred pounds for which

sum of money my sister Sarah has received a bond from me bearing equal date,

herewith. Item, I leave and bequeath to my nephew James DeFrance four

hundred pounds, my silver watch, and the half of my wearing apparel.

Item, I leave and bequeath to my nephew John DeFrance four hundred pounds,

my rifle, Phuzee guns together with the other half of my wearing apparel.

Item, I leave and bequeath to my niece Jane Killwell, daughter to my sister

Rebehak one hundred pounds. It is my will that all my estate real and personal

be sold to the best advantage by my Executor and after deducting the above

legacies from the amount of the whole sales the residue thereof. It is my will

it be equally divided amongst the sons and daughters of my sisters Janet

Watt and Margaret Bowman in North Carolina, and I hereby nominate &

appoint my trusty friends John Mays and John Jamison, Junior sole Executors

of this my last will and testament, revoking and disannulling all other wills by me

made ratifying and confirming this only as my last will and testament. In

Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 12th day of March

1776.

Sealed in the presence of & Signed. James Allison

John Leech So formed xxxxxxxxxx &, Jacob Coplner xxx xxxx

Lancaster County. On the twenty fourth day of April Anno Domini 1776, before

me the subscriber personally appeared the within named John Leech one of the subscribing

I - 21

witnesses to the within will and on his corporal oath did depose and say that the was

present and saw and heard James Allison the testator within named sign, seal, publish

pronounce and declare the within writing as and for his last will & testament and that

at the doing thereof he was of sound and well disposing mind, memory & understanding

to the best of his knowledge, observation, and belief; and that the word [be] between

the twenty fifth and twenty sixth lines was interlined before testator executes

the within will.

Edw. Shippen, Deputy Register

Lancaster County. On the twenty fourth day of April Anno Domini 1776, before

me the subscriber personally appeared the within named John Longeneeher and on

his solemn affirmation according to law did declare and say that he was present &

saw and heard James Allison the testator within named sign, seal, publish, pronounce

and declare the within writing as and for his last will and testament and that at

the doing thereof he was of sound and well disposing mind, memory & understanding

to the best of his knowledge, observation, and belief.

Edw. Shippen, Deputy Register

Be it remember that on the twenty fourth day of April Anno Domini

1776 the last will and testament of James Allison late of Donegall Township

in the County of Lancaster, yeoman deceased was proved in due form of law and

letter. Testamentary thereon were granted to John Mays and John Jamison Jr. the

Executors therein named they being first duly qualified will and truly so to

administer the estate of the said decedent and to exhibit a true and correct inventory thereof into the registers office at Lancaster on or before the twenty

fourth day of May next and to render a true and just account of their administration

on the said estate when thereto lawfully required given under the seal of the said office

and me.

Edw. Shippen, Deputy Register