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George E. Rolison Family Mystery

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Description: This is George Emmett Rolison, 1882-1940, son of Benjamin Franklin Rolison, and second, grandson of Old George E. Rolison, the mystery man.

Rolison, Rawlinson, Rollinson Researchers: Can you help us find George?

My grandfather, George E. Rolison (above) never meet his grandfather and namesake, George E. Rolison. In fact, old George's children were quite young when he passed --
the oldest Margaret Frances, only eleven; sons Benjamin Franklin and William Francis, wee lads of six and eight years old. In early 1860, just prior to Civil War, George and Elizabeth Meggs moved their young, growing family to Pierce Springs, Mississippi. Then, just as mysteriously, George retuned to Selma, Alabama (Bessemer?) His decision to move the family was never clearly explained to his wife or children. So, understandably, there remains much speculation among Rolison family members and researchers as to his reasons
and actions. 

In the way of trade, George was a railroad agent, working in Selma, Alabama. Perhaps, as some researchers think, he realized the upcoming demand on rail the war would bring; sensing the demanding, and indeed, dangerous times ahead, he opted to secure his family and face the war outcome alone. According to family history/lore past down some 5 generations, George died (1863) in Selma, Alabama, of complications from pneumonia.  His body was never retuned to his family, and despite, concentrated effort from many Rolison researchers, old George E. Rolison's final resting place is still not known to his family. Ironically, even today, we know little more about his family background, than did, his young wife and children in 1860. For many hundred of thousands of descendants, Rolison family history stops with him!

George Rolison's early demise, coupled with his mysterious impenetrable past, surely made an impact on his descendants. The individuals this strange and enigmatic man put forth are family oriented, family focused, individuals who cherish their collective family history with a passion. I, for one, kind of suspect this is what old George was aiming for all along.
Jan Rolison Farren, 2001, White River, Indiana   

If you have additional information to past on regarding George Rolison and
Elizabeth Meggs, please contact me at jano@aol.com
317-254-0464
Jan Rolison Farren
7551 Terrace Beach
White River
Indianapolis, Indiana
46240 

Send Comments about this Montgomery County site to Carolyn Golowka I do not live in Alabama so I am unable to help with your personal research questions. All the information I know about Montgomery County is posted promptly on this site. Please visit the "Research Resources" section of this site. I would suggest that if you don't find the information your looking for here, that you join the email list and post your question on the query board. The more places you ask the question, the better your chances of getting an answer.

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