Edwin V. Allison, proprietor of the oldest as all the largest jewelry store of Pontiac, Michigan, is a successor of his father, Henry E. Allison, who conducted the same store continuously for a period of more than 38 years.

Henry E. Allison came to Pontiac in 1849, and two years later succeeded his brother, John H. Allison, as proprietor of the jewelry store in which the latter had conducted since 1847. The business has been established shortly before the last name to date by a Mr. Marsh. Henry E. Allison conducted the business continuously until 1887, and gained prominence throughout the county. During this long. He repaired upwards of 20,000 watches and clocks. Pontiac in January, 1901, and his death was sincerely mourned by his family and many friends. He was a Mason of high degree having been a member of Pontiac Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M.; Pontiac Chapter R. A. M.; and the Consistory, and the Commandery, anything much toward securing your erection of the Masonic Temple. He had one of the most beautiful residences and Pontiac, located in Oakland Avenue; the ground comprising over 5 acres were door and with forest trees and evergreens. He spent considerable time and travel, and covered United States thoroughly, visiting most points of interest. Mr. Allison was married in 1862 to L. Irene Rhodes, a native of Oakland County, and the daughter of James A. Rhodes and Lucinda Martin, natives of Vermont and New Hampshire, respectively. Her parents were early settlers in Oakland County, coming here shortly after marriage. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Allison were parents of six children as follows: Henri D., who was educated at the University of Michigan and is now a lawyer of Seattle, Washington; Edwin V.; Bertha I., wife of Benjamin F. Stevens, a railroad man living in Los Angeles, California; John R., Who is in the jewelry business in Seattle, Washington; Mary L., Wife of Frederick C. Howland of Detroit, Michigan, who is at the home with her mother; and Frank B., a medical student of D. C. M., who is now assistant to Dr. H. O. Walker of Detroit.

Edwin V. Allison was born in Pontiac, Michigan, 1865, and received his educational training in public schools. He was graduated from the Pontiac high school 1882, and from that time until 1887 he was in his father’s store, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business and all of its details. He bought the store of his father in 1887. The store is situated in a handsome brick building at number 35 Saginaw St., North, in one of the best business sections of the city. It is the oldest business of its kind in the city and County, if not the state, and the reputation is always borne for excellence of stock has been maintained under its present management. It is modern and all of its appointments, and very complete stock of watches, clocks, diamonds, and a general line of jewelry is carried. Mr. Allison is a practical engraver and has extensive trade in that line, and is also a practical watchmaker. He employs two men steadily and increases his staff of assistance during rush seasons.

Mr. Allison married a daughter of Charles Bowlby, in early resident and prominent farmer of Oakland County, who died in 1894. The mother of Mrs. Allison is still living. Our subject and his wife have two children: T. Irene, who was born in September 1889, at Pontiac; and Edwinna, who was born at Pontiac May 22, 1902. The family’s residence is at number 35 Saginaw St., North, and a have a summer home at Cass Lake. Mr. Allison is a Republican. He is a Chancellor Cmdr. of Pontiac Lodge number 19, K. of P.; a member of the Uniform Rank, K. of P.; and a Pontiac Lodge number 21, F. & A. M. Mrs. Allison is a Rathbone sister.