Newark in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rev. Dr. Francis Alison (1705-1779)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 15, 2019
1. Rev. Dr. Francis Alison (1705-1779) Marker
Francis Alison came to America from Ireland in 1735 and served as a Presbyterian minister in New London, Pennsylvania, from 1736-52. In 1743, he started a free school there to which the University of Delaware traces its origin. His first class, which consisted of a dozen boys, was a special one, including signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Dr. Alison was respected as "the greatest classical scholar in America." It is fitting that the University's highest faculty honor is named after him, as is a program for students of exceptional promise.
Alison Hall was constructed in 1953. An annex was added in 1990.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1735.
Location. 39° 40.71′ N, 75° 45.082′ W. Marker is in Newark, Delaware, in New Castle County. Marker can be reached from Academy Street south of Lovett Avenue, on the left when traveling north. The marker is on The Green, and when you are in front of it, you are looking east at Alison Hall West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 240 Academy Street, Newark DE 19716, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lammot du Pont Laboratory (within shouting distance of this marker); The Roselle Grove
this page online
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 15, 2019
2. Rev. Dr. Francis Alison (1705-1779) Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 15, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
