James had married into the family of William Ogilvie, who was an original settler in the creek area in 1800.

Allison who fought in the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry during the American Civil War and was promoted to major.

Allison became a prosperous farmer and also served in the Tennessee legislature (during 1871–73) and was Commissioner of Agriculture for the state during 1893–1897.

[1] The property was listed on the National Register in 1988 study of Williamson County historical resources, which described the house as "imposing" and as one of the most finely crafted residences in the College Grove area.

This article about a property in Williamson County, Tennessee on the National Register of Historic Places is a stub.