Joseph Allison, the first town constable named at the first Adolphustown meeting, was of Scottish descent, but was a native of New York State and one of the Pioneer Refugees. He settled on the Bay Shore in the first concession. His wife was Mary Richmond. They had no children. He adopted his nephew Joseph B. Allison, and made him his heir. He was a farmer and died on his farm in 1840, aged 86 years; his wife died at 95 years. They were both buried in the U.E.L. burying ground at Adolphustown. Joseph B. Allison, his nephew and adopted son , lived and died on the same farm, which is now owned and occupied by his son Henry and grandson. There are today three generations living in the same house. He was an active and influential man in Church and State.

He became a Methodist local preacher in 1835, receiving his certificate from Rev. Wm. Ryerson, who was then the presiding elder. He was for years a township officer, elected at the Town meetings, and later on Reeve of the township and a member of the Counties Council for Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. He was also for years Superintendent of Schools for the township-in the sixties-and held other positions.

His brother Cyrus became a leading Methodist minister, and died at Picton years ago. Joseph died and was buried in Adolphustown over thirty years ago. One son, David Wright Allison, has twice represented Lennox in the House of Commons, and was Warden of the County, and for years a member of the County and Township Councils. Another son, Cyrus Allison, is now a County Commissioner for the U.E.L. division in the County Council, and was Reeve of South Fredericksburg. Another, Joseph, is Clerk of the Court and a leading man in the church. There are a large number of descendants.