John G. Harrison (1853-1903)

HARRISON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/3/2023 at 20:36:36

John G. Harrison
(December 14, 1853 – January 23, 1903)

The home of this wide-awake, intelligent and progressive farmer is on section 14, Elm Grove Township. His farm of two hundred and forty acres indicates his careful supervision, for it is neat and thrifty in appearance and the fields give promise of golden harvests. He has always resided in the Mississippi Valley and is a typical resident of this part of the county, manifesting in his business affairs, the enterprise and resolution which have led to the splendid substantial development of the rich territory bordering on the father of waters.
Mr. Harrison is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred near Chicago, in Cook County, on the 14th of December, 1853. His
father, John Harrison, was a native of England, and on coming to the new world took up his abode in Illinois, developing and improving a farm in Cook County. He also owned and operated a stone quarry and in that locality reared his family and spent his remaining days. In the district schools of the locality John G. Harrison obtained his education and was early taught the value of industry and honesty as a preparation for the duties of life. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority and then went to Kansas securing and improving a farm in Rice County where he made his home for six years. About 1882 he sold that property and came to Calhoun County. After renting land for three years he purchased a farm. It was in 1888 that he removed to his present farm place, purchasing eighty acres of raw land. With characteristic energy he began its development and soon the wild prairie was transformed into rich fields. As opportunity offered he extended the borders of his farm until it now comprises two hundred and forty acres. He removed his home to the southern line of the farm and he has here a good substantial residence, commodious barns and outbuildings and all the accessories which are in keeping with the progressive spirit of the time. An orchard yields its fruits in season and shade trees add to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In the pastures are found good grades of stock and everything about his farm shows the care of a painstaking owner.
In Green County, Iowa, on the 9th of December, 1885. Mr. Harrison was united in marriage to Miss Isabella White, a native of Scotland, and a daughter of James White, who on coming to the new world with his family, settled in Kendall County, Illinois, in 1866. Later he removed to Cook county where he remained for nine years and in 1875 he came to Iowa settling in Green County. His daughter obtained her education in the common schools and in Jefferson Institute, and for four or five years previous to her marriage successfully engaged in teaching. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison has been blessed with seven children, namely: Maggie; George J.: Alma; Nellie; May; Grace: and James. The parents hold membership in the Elm Grove Presbyterian church and Mr. Harrison is a stanch Republican in politics, voting a straight ticket on national issues. He has never sought or desired office in recognition of his party fealty, preferring to devote his energies to his farm work in which he is meeting with very creditable success. He is, however, public spirited and progressive and has always done his part in improving the county and promoting its welfare along all lines of progress. During the twenty years of his residence here he has supported all measures for the public good and has become widely known for his genuine worth which is in harmony with the principles of honorable manhood. [Source - Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.568]