1891 Biography - George Harrison

GEORGE HARRISON is a representative native-born citizen of Calhoun County and one of the most practical and wide-awake farmers and stock-raisers of Belleview Precinct, where he has a well-managed and thoroughly equipped farm on section 20. He was born February 18, 1845, and is the son of Joseph C. and Bridget (Red) Harrison, pioneers of this county. His father came here from Ohio when a boy and his mother removed hither from Pennsylvania when she was quite young. They married here and became the parents of five children, of whom two are living, George and Joseph C.

George, who is the subject of this brief sketch, was only a boy when he had the sad misfortune of losing his father by the latter's premature death, and some time after was deprived of the tender care of his mother, who did not survive her husband many years. He was therefore thrown upon his own resources early in life, and was enabled only to obtain a common-school education. He is, however, a well-informed man, as by much reading and observation he has made up for the want of a better education when a boy. In August, 1863, he left Calhoun County for California, but he stayed his steps in Arkansas where he remained about three months, then went to Colorado and followed mining a short time. He spent about eight years altogether in the Western, Southwestern and Northwestern States, and finally came back to Calhoun County in 1871 and has lived here the most of the time since. He has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile and well-tilled land and is doing a good business in raising grain and stock.

Mr. Harrison's first marriage, which took place in 1874 was with Miss Mary White. To them were born three children, of whom Annie is the only one now living, Mary A. and Charles being the names of those deceased. May 14, 1890, Mr. Harrison was wedded to Miss Hattie Reed, who presides over his home and helps him to dispense its hospitalities to their numerous friends.

Our subject takes an intelligent interest in politics and stands with the Democrats of his native county. He possesses energy, shrewdness and foresight, and as he is fair and honest in his dealings enjoys the confidence of the business community. His portrait shown on another page represents one of the valued citizens of Calhoun County.

Extracted 16 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, published in 1891, page 419