Hi Esther - great to hear from you!
My research has revealed that ALL the Allison undertakers around at that time were related. They consisted of a father (in London) and 6 brothers (mostly in Australia), and sons of the 5 brothers who ventured out to the colony as well.
Through research, I believe that:
Thomas Allison (born 1806, Liverpool) married Mary Davis (whom I’ve found nothing about). (Actually, I haven’t found their marriage registration yet… can anyone help?)
They had at least 7 children, including 6 boys:
1. Thomas Allison (b. cir. 1829)
2. Mary Allison (b. cir. 1831)
3. Edward William Allison (b. cir. 1833, d. 1887 in Australia)
4. Henry Allison (b. 1835, d. 1884 in Australia) (Henry is my 3g grandfather)
5. James Allison (b. cir. 1838, d. 1879 in Australia)
6. Joseph Allison (b. cir. 1843, d. 1886 in Australia)
7. John Allison (b. cir. 1844, d. 1921 in Australia)
I believe Edward William came to Australia in 1852 on board the Severn (age 20), Henry followed in 1854 on the Bulgersteyn (age 19). Both paid their own way. I haven’t been able to make out the passenger lists for the other brothers yet.
Henry, my 3g grandfather, is Alfred’s father. I know a fair bit about Henry and his his 3 families.
I’ve learnt some about Alfred, and I know about Rachel and her remarriage. Both very interesting people and lives! It seems Rachel was a lovely woman!
Please PM me (I believe you’ll have to make 1 or 2 more posts to be able to access that feature) or email me (profile page) if you would like.
A lot of the funeral companies in Melbourne today evolved from a business started by an Allison brother. There is a book in the Allison brothers, I’m sure of it.
