Allison, Richard (1757–1816)
Richard Allison, who was the first physician to practise in Cincinnati, was born near Goshen, New York. Like many practitioners of that day, he was not a graduate in medicine. In 1776 he entered the army of the Revolution, remaining in it until the close of the war, and in 1789, when a corps under Gen. Harmar was organized for the protection of the frontier, was appointed surgeon. In 1790, when a new army was organized, Dr. Allison was made surgeon-general. After the defeat of Harmar's army in 1790, an entirely new organization was effected under Gen. St. Clair. Dr. Allison was made surgeon of the first infantry.
Following St. Clair's defeat in November, 1791, a new "Legion" was formed in 1792, under Gen. Wayne. Dr. Allison was appointed surgeon of the "Legion."
When peace was declared in 1795, he practised in Cincinnati and vicinity, though not mustered out of the army until 1798.
Dr. Allison practised in Cincinnati nearly a quarter of a century. He was the first physician to die in that city, his death taking place on March 22, 1816.