Allison, Burgess
educator, clergyman, inventor, was born Aug. 17, 1753, in Bordentown, N. J. He studied at Rhode Island college (now Brown university) in 1777, and subsequently had charge of a small congregation at Bordentown, N. J., where he established a classical boardingschool, which attained great reputation. In 1796 he withdrew from his teaching and devoted his time for several years to inventing. Some improvements in the steam engine and its application to navigation are due to his efforts. He was elected chaplain of the house of representatives in 1816, and later became chaplain at the navy-yard, Washington, where he remained until his death. He died Feb. 20, 1827, in Washington, D. C.