Finding John R: 4. The Allison Expert Speaks

Who knew that all over America volunteer archivists, historians, writers are making a huge effort to keep their local histories alive. These local historians know their stuff.  Often they act as angels offering help and sharing what they know.  

We are amazed with the reply from the Allison Antrim Museum's president Bonnie Shockey:   

From: "KBShockey@aol.com"
To: stellaallison@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 5, 2013 12:09 PM
Subject: Re: An Allison in search of an Allison.....
 Stella, 

 There are actually no Allisons living in Greencastle anymore.  There are Allisons in Franklin County, which is where Greencastle and Antrim Township are located.  Found some in the phone book in Washington county, MD. Back then (1800s) there were so many Allisons in town and township and the families did not use Sr. or Jr. very often back then that to trace the genealogy is extremely difficult.

I went to Ancestry and emailed you several records that I found.  One was for a John R. who deserted during the Civil War, Co. L, of Regiment 22.  Below you'll see two PA Veterans cards for a John R. Allison in the 22nd Regiment.  One lists him in the Field and Staff (F&S) the other in Co. C, 22nd.   Below those two is the John R. that I think you're looking for.  It lists him as being from Greencastle, 18 when he enlisted.   He was in Co G, 55th Regiment, Infantry.  It also gives his muster in and discharge dates.  I don't think Hugh and Catherine were his parents because of a Census record I found for Hugh and Catherine with a lot of kids.  John and Mary were not among their children. I don't know that this has been of any help to you.   Bonnie A. Shockey, presidentAllison-Antrim Museum, Inc.365 South Ridge Avenue, Greencastle, PA 17225-115  www.greencastlemuseum.org

Catherine Franciscus Allison 1810-1865. Not likely our grandma. 

Sources: 

portrait of Catherine Franciscus Allison
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=69154004&PIpi=61771533

Allison Antrim Museum: www.greencastlemuseum.org