James Dallas Allison 1845-1924

ALLISON KERLIN

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/17/2011 at 19:12:54

Whiting Argus
20 March 1924

J.D. Allison
Passing of an Old Settler

James Dallas Allison was born March 22, 1845 in Albany Mo., where he spent his early childhood, and received his education. When the civil war broke out he being the youngest boy in the family was left at home to help care for his widowed mother and sisters; his two older brothers joined the union troops, one was killed in action. Mr. Allison started in the freighting business and made a good many trips from Omaha, Nebr. To Denver, Colo. with mule teams in the days when they were in constant danger of being scalped by the redskins. Tiring of the strenuous life of a plainsman, he located on a farm near Glenwood, Iowa from which place he made numerous trips to Albany, Mo. purchasing stock and where he met and won his bride, Margaret Kerlin. They were united in marriage on May 27th, 1875; they continued to reside on a farm near Glenwood until 1881, when they moved to Monona County and located on a farm in the Whiting settlement.

To this union were born—Arthur L. of Rodney, Iowa; Grace Allison Holden of Taft, Calif.; Walter C. of Chaska, Minn.; Edward C. of Goldendale, Wash; Chas D. who died in infancy.

After a few years he moved to town and started in the stock business, forming a partnership with Al Gray known as Gray & Allison. They used all the pasture land east of Whiting to the hills and had large feed yards on what is known as the Old Gray place, where they handled thousands of cattle. Later Mr. Gray moved away and the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Allison then formed a partnership with J.R. Blair, firm name being Blair & Allison. They were the largest stock dealers in the west and maintained large ranches in Nebraska and South Dakota which they stocked with Texas cattle. This farm received large contract from London, England for a special breed of cattle which they filled. Dal as he was familiarly known knew the stock game and if he started to sell a bunch of cattle you could figure they were going to be sold; he was a square and honest dealer. Mr. Blair moved away and this partnership was dissolved. Mr. Allison continued in the stock business and for years was a familiar figure at the stock yards in Sioux City. He took a keen interest in all civic affairs, and was called the good old democrat of Monona County. He loved his home and was never happier than when surrounded by his family and grandchildren; a good father, a kind and loving husband. This puts a star above the gloom of death.

He was active until a few months ago, when his health failed rapidly. He was given every care, all his wants were catered to by his true and loving helpmate, not because she considered it her duty, but was prompted by the love of a good, pure woman, who deemed it a pleasure and not a task. On Sunday evening March 9th about nine thirty he passed away without any pain. Being weary for a moment he lay down upon his bed to rest and fell into that dreamless sleep which kisses down his eyelids; still he had passed the allotted time of man, three score and ten.

In the passing of Mr. Allison we lose a real pioneer, one of the hardy men who helped blaze the trail to the west and made it possible for the present generation to live in civilized communities. Had every one for whom he had done some kindness brought a flower to his grave, he would sleep tonight beneath a wilderness of blossoms.

Out of town people who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Banks and Mrs. Elmer Peterson of Sioux City; M. P. Kerlin of Murdo, S.D.; Dr. J.D. Kerlin of Shenandoah, Iowa; Mrs. Walter Creech of Glenwood, Iowa; Mrs. Will Baker of Ute, Iowa; Dr. A.L. Allison and children of Rodney; Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Allison of Chaska, Minn. Owing to the suddenness of his death and the long distances they had to come Edward and Grace were unable to attend the funeral.