Benjamin Franklin Allison, Principal of the schools of Redding, Shasta County, California, was born in Missouri, February 8, 1860. He comes of good old Revolutionary stock, the ancestors of his family having settled in the colonies at an early period in the history of this country, and having been active participants in the Revolutionary struggle. His grandfather, John Allison, was one of the pioneers of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and his father, James W. Allison was born there. Mr. Allison’s mother, nee Laura A. Martin, was also a native of Kentucky. His parents had five children, of whom he was the third. He is now the only survivor of the family.

Mr. Allison received his education in Kentucky and Ohio; graduated at the academy at Greenville, Kentucky, and afterward in both the scientific and classical courses of the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. He is also a graduate of the commercial course of Kentucky University at Lexington. His first intentions were to enter the medical profession, but his natural talent and adaptation for teaching became so apparent that he turned his attention to the profession of teaching. For the past twelve years he has been a successful teacher. He had charge of the Columbia High School, Kentucky, from 1881 till 1883; was superintendent of the Hamilton College, Texas, from 1883 till 1886; conducted the Apopka public schools, in Florida, three years; and came to Redding and took his present position April 1, 1889.

His school work here, as it has been elsewhere, is thorough and systematic. Everything goes on like clock-work, without friction or disorder. As a teacher, Professor Allison is regarded with high esteem by both pupils and patrons. In the higher departments of the school the young ladies and gentlemen of his classes are thrown entirely upon their honor for deportment, and their conduct is such that it reflects credit not only upon themselves but also upon their worthy instructor.

In 1886, Professor was united in marriage, in Texas, to Miss Mary Hart, a native of Iuka, Mississippi. At the time of their marriage she was a teacher of ability and experience. Mr. Allison and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Social and affable, they are valuable acquisitions to the good society of the city of Redding.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, T
he Lewis Publishing Co., 1891 Page 650
Transcribed by: Christine Helmick - August 2004