Ephriam Allison
1905
Ephriam Allison.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Guards Ephriam Allison and Guard John Clay were shot and killed during an escape attempt by inmates at the Missouri State Penitentiary. Four revolvers, ammunition, and explosives had been smuggled into the Missouri State Penitentiary for the inmates. After the murders, the inmates were apprehended by citizens in front of the prison. Three of the inmates were convicted of murder and hanged on June 27, 1907. One of the three who was hanged was a member of the Morrison-Rosenau Gang, which was responsible for the murders of Detective Thomas Dwyer, Detective James McCluskey, and Detective John Shea, of the St. Louis Police Department, on Oct. 21, 1904. Officer Allison had served with the agency for 16 years and had previously served as a Confederate soldier in the Civil War as a Captain with the 116th Missouri Infantry Regiment and was survived by his wife and children. He is buried in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Henry County, Missouri.
Survivors
Officer Allison had served with the agency for 16 years and had previously served as a Confederate soldier in the Civil War as a Captain with the 116th Missouri Infantry Regiment and was survived by his wife and children.
Service Record
Also Served
Missouri Department of Corrections
Prison Guard
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqgc6z23bsqtzx4kx8sd
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Ephriam. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Ephriam.
Leave a Tribute