Francis Alison

1705-1779. Presbyterian minister and educator. Born in Ireland, he studied at Glasgow University and in 1735 moved to America, settling first in Maryland, then in New London, Pennsylvania. In New London he was licensed to preach and shortly afterwards opened a school (1743). In 1752 he became rector of a new academy in Philadelphia. At his suggestion the trustees of the school approved the granting of degrees, and in 1755 Alison was chosen vice-provost of the college, with which his name was linked for over twenty-five years. He founded the Presbyterian Society for the Relief of Ministers and their Widows.