Nelson McAllister (deceased) was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 4, 1827, and was a son of John and Mary (Grayton) McAllister, who were among the pioneers of Union County.  Our subject grew up on the farm, with no educational privileges, except three months' attendance at a school which was taught in his father's corn-crib.  He was a farmer, and followed that occupation until the rebellion, when he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in 1865.  He was a brave and faithful soldier, a kind and indulgent father and an affectionate husband.  He was married January 16, 1850, to Lany A., daughter of James H. Langstaff, whose sketch appears in this work.  They had four children, viz.: Olintha E., born January 29, 1851 ; Luther E., born May 21, 1854; Cassius R., born March 24, 1856; Ida V., born October 18; 1861.  Mr. McAllister was a Republican in politics.  He owned 125 acres of land which his family has improved and increased to 350 acres.  At the death of her husband Mrs. McAllister assumed the management of the farm affairs and under her everything has prospered.