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Below is a family biography included in Biographical Record of Oakland County, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1903.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Edwin V. Allison, proprietor of the oldest as well as the largest jewelry store of Pontiac, Michigan, is the successor of his father, Henry E. Allison, who conducted this same store continuously for a period of more than 38 years.

Henry E. Allison came to Pontiac in 1849, and two years later succeeded his brother, John H. Allison, as proprietor of the jewelry store which the latter had conducted since 1847. The business had been established shortly before the last named date by a Mr. Marsh. Henry E. Allison conducted the business continuously until 1887, and gained prominence throughout the county. During this long period, he repaired upwards of 20,000 watches and clocks. He died at Pontiac in January, 1901, and his death was sincerely mourned by his family and many friends. He was a Mason of high degree, having been a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M.; Pontiac Chapter. R. A. M.; the Consistory, and the Commandery, and he did much toward securing the erection of the Masonic Temple. He had one of the most beautiful residences of Pontiac, located on Oakland avenue; the grounds comprising over five acres were adorned with forest trees and evergreens. He spent considerable time in travel, and covered the United States thoroughly, visiting most of the points of interest. Mr. Allison was married in 1862 to L. Irene Rhodes, a native of Oakland County, and a daughter of James A. and Lucinda (Martin) Rhodes, natives of Vermont and New Hampshire, respectively. Her parents were early settlers in Oakland County, coming here shortly after marriage. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Allison were parents of six children, as follows: Henri D., who was educated at the University of Michigan and is now a lawyer of Seattle, Washington; Edwin V.; Bertha I., wife of Benjamin F. Stevens, a railroad man residing in Los Angeles, California; John R., who is in the jewelry business in Seattle, Washington; Mary L., wife of Frederick C. Howland of Detroit, Michigan, who is at home with her mother; and Frank B., a medical student of the D. C. M., who is now assistant to Dr. H. O. Walker of Detroit.

Edwin V. Allison was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1865, and received his educational training in the public schools. He was graduated from the Pontiac High School in 1882, and from that time until 1887 he was in his father’s store, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details. He bought the store of his father in 1887. The store is situated in a handsome brick building at No. 35 Saginaw street, North, in one of the best business sections of the city. It is the oldest business of its kind in the city and county, if not in the State, and the reputation it has always borne for excellence of stock has been maintained under its present management. It is modern in all its appointments, and a very complete stock of watches, clocks, diamonds and a general line of jewelry is carried. Mr. Allison is a practical engraver and has an extensive trade in that line, and is also a practical watchmaker. He employs two men steadily and increases his staff of assistants during rush seasons.

Mr. Allison married a daughter of Charles Bowlby, an early resident and prominent farmer of Oakland County, who died in 1894. The mother of Mrs. Allison is still living. Our subject and his wife have two children: T. Irene, who was born in September, 1889, at Pontiac; and Edwinna, who was born at Pontiac, May 22, 1902. The family residence is at No. 35 Saginaw street, North, and they have a summer home at Cass Lake. Politically, Mr. Allison is a Republican. He is chancellor commander of Pontiac Lodge No. 19, K. of P.; a member of the Uniform Rank, K. of P.; and of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M. Mrs. Allison is a Rathbone Sister.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Biographical Record of Oakland County, Michigan published in 1903. 

View additional Oakland County, Michigan family biographies here: Oakland County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Oakland County, Michigan here: Oakland County Michigan Map

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