My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin J. Harrison. Few farmers and stock raisers of Lake City Township have been more universally successful than the subject of this sketch, who is a native of Marshall County, Tenn., born November 27, 1844. He is a son of J. W. Harrison, born and reared in Virginia, who, when a young man, moved to Tennessee, and there married Lucy Emeline Culberhouse, a native of North Carolina. He then located on a farm in Marshall County, and there engaged for several years in agricultural pursuits. In 1856 he came to what is now Craighead County, Ark., where he resided until his death, in 1881, his wife having previously died, in 1871. Benjamin J. was but twelve years of age when he came with his father to this State, and he grew to manhood and was educated in Craighead County, remaining with his father until his marriage. In 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate service, Fourteenth Tennessee Cavalry, and served until near the close of the war, being at home on a furlough at the time of the surrender. He was second sergeant, was once captured, and participated in a number of engagements. Returning home, he engaged in farming until 1881, when, in June, he bought a building in Lake City, put in a stock of general merchandise, and followed mercantile business for three years. December 25 following, he lost everything by fire, having no insurance, his loss is estimated at $10,000. The following fall he rebuilt the store and rented it, himself moving to a farm near the village, where he has since resided. He has a comfortable home, with 125 acres of good land in a splendid state of cultivation, and a large orchard of 1,200 trees, mostly apple, and all choice fruits, some just beginning to bear. March 25, 1868, he married Miss Mary E. Lewis, a native of this county, who died in 1877, leaving two sons. Mr. Harrison chose a second wife, and February 14, 1879, was united in marriage with Victoria Eveline Grayson, born, reared and educated in this county, and a daughter of Col. Adam D. Grayson, a colonel in the Confederate army, killed at the battle of Shiloh. Mrs. Grayson died March 5, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have also two sons, the four children being John A., George T., James and Walter S. Mrs. Harrison is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Harrison owns, in connection with his farm, a cotton-gin and grist-mill, possessing also hotel property in Lake City. He is one of the leading spirits of the community.