The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-11-08
CHAPTER in UNWRITTEN
HISTORY IS RECALLED
Another Link in History Of
City Broken by Death Of
Mrs. Pyott.

The death OF this noble ana beloved
woman. which occurred Saturday. was
an event OF more than ordinary signifl-
canoe TO the community. Her life was
filled with usefulness. and was an edu-
cation In the great school OF pfecept
and correct example. Then, she be-
ionged TO one of these families now be-
coming too rare. who were well known
In Chattanooga before, during, and
after the Civil war. II would be sur
prising to one who knows the condi-
lions here subsequent TO the war, and
knows the people who made up our So
ciety. n he found any weli-known per-
son who lived hero then and did not
know the late James II. Allison. He
was n man OF intelligence and force OF
character. but very quiet. indeed an
urbane man, who claimed as friends
most OF his acquaintance, but was OF
that positive type who perforce have
enemies, II they are honest enough to
speak the truth when truth-speaking
Is a matter OF principle. Mr.. Allison
was one OF the men who came to
Chattanooga with the definite purpose
of making II a life homo. and came
knowing just what he wanted to do IN
the way OF gaining-a livelihood. Yes.
and he knew just how to do the thing
honest, q rugged apprenticeship ana
learned the jewelers. trade. Two men
OF character and subsequent promin-
ence In business. social and political
life had come and established them
selves ms sailors. One OF these was ID.
q. McMiiiin. the other, John l.. Divine.
Mr.. Allison came from 0reenevilie,
where he had piled his trade Of jeweler,
while Andrew johnson was busying
himself NJ his art OF tailoring.
Mrs. Pyott was the daughter OF Mr..
Allison. She had many interesting
recolections OF Chattanooga. especially
in the days of Civil war. and upon &C.
casion told them most interestingly.
They were living on West Seventh
street. where now stands st. Paurs
Grant and James A. Garfield visited
the home TO arrange for their safe re-
moval elsewhere. she vividly remem.
bered that Gen. Garfield saw a white
linen coat hanging by the wall and the
day being very warm, asked II no
might take II, which he was gladly
permitted to do. In the family COLLEGE
tion OF souvenirs II very humbly
worded petition which was signed by
Mr.. Allison, begging the federal military
authorities TO permit him to continue
occupying his own home, notwithstand-
Ing that II had been selected for his
headquarters by certain captain.
One OF the reasons urged In support
OF his petition was that the house was
sole refuge OF fourteen persons depen-
dant upon him, including his wife, who
was In delicate health. For all OF these,
there were only two habitable rooms.
The petition finally made it's impress
sion and "cut the qordian knott tied
with many yards OF red tape. where
upon Mr. Allison was instructed by the
highest local military authority. TO keep
on living Mt homo with his family and
other dependents.
At tho Allison homo on West Seventh |
street was well which was famed for
the purity and GOODNESS OF Its water. |
and OF course Chattanooga was at that
time dependent upon wells. springs, and
water carrying vehicles for Its water
supply. 10 popular was this well with
the troops In town, that Mrs. Allison
was forced TO make application 60 tho
provost marshall for permission TO use
water from their own well. TO keep her
children from suffering Of thirst and
crying because OF II. Mrs. Pyott said, |
these details, There was a
stream Of thirsty soldiers, and
the water was cold"
Mr., Allisone friendship Tor Andrew |
Johnson, while living at Greenevilie, |
caused him TO be friend and faithful
supporter of the great commoner, up 70
the date OF his death, He was also a |
staunch friend to the late Hon, William |
In the DAYS just preceding |
the Civil war. and the earlier days OF |
that great event, when men OF Mr.. |
convictions needed the |
sympathy and support OF their friends |
much more than In normal times OF |
course there came time when Mr., |
was IN position to befriend
his friends 20 good deal OF purpose. |
being on terms OF intimate acquaint-
ance and enjoying friendly relations
with important commanders, Including |
Iiosecrans Grant and sheridan, 'Cit-
tens Register Pass" number, Sia, is-
sued Dec. tth. 1864. certified that James
r. Allison was registered for military
iuty In the civil guard" II Is signed
by Edwin s, McCook, comma nding. AM
,ther pass, dated May 8. 1868. reads;
Headquarters rost, Chattanooga, Tenn.
''ofilce Provost Marshal
MAY 8. 1865,
Guards viii pass J. Il. Allison.
EVERY store. within city limits for
thirty days,
my command of Col, c. II. Carlton,
M. BUXZElIs,
'I4icut. Sixteenth Y. =, g. l., and as
slntunf proynaf Mnrahalu