Mini Bios of People of Scots Descent
Robert Allison Biography

ROBERT ALLISON, one of the most substantial and successful agriculturist of Cavour township, Beadle county, is a forcible illustration of the self-made man thrown upon his own resources when but a boy, he has steadily overcome the difficulties in the path to success by his untiring industry, perseverance and good management, and is now the possessor of a comfortable competence. 

Mr. Allison was born on the 14th of March, 1846, near Summit Centre, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and is the sixth child of William and Margaret (Crawford) Allison, both natives of Glasgow, Scotland. The father, who was a machinist by trade, died in January, 1862, but the aged mother is still living and now finds a pleasant home with our subject. At an early age Robert Allison began the battle of life for himself by sawing wood for neighbors and doing chores for war widows, and in this way aided in the support of the family after the father's death. In 1865, he commenced sailing on the Great Lakes, first as a common sailor, later filling subordinate positions for six years, and then as master or captain had command of vessels for seventeen years. During the last years he spent upon the water, he assisted his brothers, Andrew and Maxwell H., in obtaining free homes in Dakota. In 1881 the northwest quarter of section 15, Cavour township, Beadle county, was entered by Andrew, who died in April, 1896, but later was turned into a pre-emption and deeded to their mother. On this quarter-section buildings were erected and there our subject now resides. He owns in all eleven hundred and twenty acres and rents nine hundred and sixty more, on which he carries on farming and stock raising quite successfully on a large scale. 

Mr. Allison married Mrs. Bertha Orness, who was born in Freeborn county, Minnesota, December 15, 1871, a daughter of Erick and Bertha (Esse) Jerdie. As a result of her first marriage to Andrew Orness she has -one son, Arthur J. C., and by her union with our subject also has a son, Andrew M. Although an ardent Republican in politics, Mr. Allison cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his extensive business interests. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but since coming to Dakota has not kept up his connection with the order.