National Allison
Family Reunion
A Marvelous Success!!!
Descendants of Joshua Allison I of Haywood County, NC
front row: John David Styles, Jordan Ledford,
Debbie Browning, Jessica Ledford
row 2: Tammy Browning Styles, Becky Howell, Delores Schultz,
Frances Parton Eiland, Barbara Hartman, Bill Moore
back row: Debrada Browning, Ramona Brooks
photo by George Schultz
The Honorable Joe Sam Queen
NC State Senator and Allison descendant dancing with
Janice Allison Jones
Allison descendant and wife of former Cherokee Chief Leon Jones
photo by Jack Rudisail
On Saturday, October 18, 2003, many of the descendants of Hezikiah and Joshua Allison of Haywood County joined with hundreds of other descendants of Thomas and Mary Roberts Allanson (Allison) of London, England and Charles County, Maryland to celebrate 345 years in America at the National Allison Family Reunion in Brevard, NC. Attendees came from 40 states and the British Empire.
Among the special guests of the reunion were Her Majesty's Consul General Micheal Bates, who spoke of the special bonds between the Allison family and the British people.
Her Majesty's Deputy Consul General Steven Collier, accompanied by pipe and drum, presented a memorial wreath to honor the Allison ancestors.
The Honorable Joe Sam Queen of Waynesville, State Senator and Allison descendant, presented the Allison family with a state flag and proclamation of appreciation from the state of NC and spoke of his WNC heritage.
The Honorable Mr. Queen and Janice Allison Jones, wife of former Cherokee Chief Leon Jones, treated the family to an excellent exhibition of mountain clogging.
Brevard Mayor Jimmy Harris and Brevard College President Dr. Drew Van Horn spoke on the contributions of the Allison family in making WNC what it is today.
A memorial in song was presented by noted Haywood County vocalist and Allison descendant Monica Deaver-Noland. She was accompanied on guitar by Roy Chapman, local bluegrass legend.
Mr. Micheal Allison, president of the 600 member National Allison (Allanson) Family Association gave a presentation on the Allison family history and heritage. Mr. Allison was honored last year by being asked to present the toast to Queen Elizabeth at Her Majesty's birthday party.
Ms. Diane Guest read a list of tributes and memorials to past and present family members. An auction followed with many heritage items being presented for bidding.
Following the formal program and luncheon, the family reconvened for an old-time mountain hoedown, complete with dancing and a pig-pickin' supper. Southern Mountain Fire Cloggers presented an awesome exhibition and many Allison family members showed off their dancing skills.
Providing music for the events were Hogtown Squealers Old-Time Band, R.J. and Cindy Grady on pipe and drum, The Buckinghams, and Roy Chapman and True Blue Grass.
Since the beginning of the 1800's, the Allison family has been instrumental in the building of Western North Carolina. On the 3rd Saturday of each October this proud old family celebrates the heritage begun 345 years ago by 19 year old Thomas Allanson of London and his 13 year old wife Mary Roberts Allanson in a raw new world which became our beloved home.
We look forward to seeing all of you next year, on the 3rd Saturday in October, in the most beautiful place on earth--the WNC mountains.
Haywood County donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
Go to: Allison Reunion 2003 photos
Association President
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� Copyright 2003 by Becky Howell