The Biographical Dictionary of America/Allison, Burgess

ALLISON, Burgess, educator, was born in Bordentown, N.J., Aug. 17, 1753. When but sixteen years old he began to preach in the Baptist church, and after attendance at the college of Rhode Island in 1777 he settled in his native town, where he preached for a short time, and then founded a very successful classical boarding school. In 1879 he received the honorary degree of A.M. from the college of Rhode Island, and that of D.D. in 1804. In 1796 he relinquished teaching, and invented and introduced into use some valuable improvements on the steam-engine in its adaptation to steam navigation. In 1801, he returned to his teaching and preaching, but the condition of his health soon obliged him to discontinue both. In 1816 he was elected first chaplain of the house of representatives, and from 1816 to 1824 held the same position at the U. S. navy yard in Washington. He contributed frequently to magazines, but wrote no books. He died in Washington, D. C., Feb. 20, 1827.