Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

James E. Allison, who since March, 1901, has acted as cashier of the First National Bank at Marathon, Iowa, is a wide-awake, alert and enterprising citizen, interested not only in the welfare of the concern with which he is connected but with the general interests of the village and county at large. Mr. Allison was born in Pennsylvania, September 29, 1862, the son of James and Mary (Mason) Allison, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and there lived and died. The father departed this life March 30, 1877, at the age of fifty-seven years, while the mother, surviving for a long period, passed away April, 1893, when seventy years old.

James E. Allison was accorded good educational advantages. He first attended the public schools of his native state and completed the high-school course, subsequent to which time he attended the Twelfth District Normal. Completing his education at the age of twenty-two years, or in 1884, he began teaching school and was thus engaged for a time. He then made his way to the west, believing that he might enjoy better business opportunities than in the east. His first location was at Atkinson, Nebraska, where he was employed as bookkeeper in the Citizen's Bank at that place. He was thus employed for about five years and in 1892 was elected cashier of the Exchange Bank of that city. After a few years he came to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and spent two years as assistant cashier in the bank of Havelock, this state, while for a years he acted in a similar capacity of the First National Bank at Marathon, Iowa, since which time he has filled the position in a most able manner. He is neglectful of no detail of his business and is regarded in high esteem by his business associates.

Mr. Allison was married August 30, 1888, to Miss Cora Burleson, a daughter of Ira J. and Emeline (Hills) Burleson, natives of New York state. In 1893 they removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where they still make their home. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Allison has been blessed with two children: June E., who was born July 6, 1890, and is in school at Cedar Falls, Iowa; and J. Lester, who was born September 9, 1893, and is now a student at Marathon.

Mr. Allison gives his support to the republican party, and is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and the chapter at Sioux Rapids, and to the commandery at Cherokee. He is also a Woodman and a Royal Neighbor and is prominent with the brethren of these various fraternal orders. He has met with success in his business undertakings and owns land in Dickinson county, Iowa, and also in Nebraska. His service in the bank is characterized by integrity, accuracy, promptness and courteous treatment of customers. In the midst of a busy life he finds time for cooperation in any movement for the advancement and betterment of the city and his high moral worth is acknowledged by all with whom he is associated.