My Genealogy Hound

JOHN WESLEY HARRISON, of Warrensburg, comes from a pioneer family of Johnson County, as but one other family had located within its present boundaries in 1829, when they became residents of Hazle Hill Township. For twelve years our subject was engaged in the livery business in this city, and is now the owner of about eight hundred acres, most of which is situated in this county. Possessed of natural business talent, he has been very successful, and has laid up enough to surround himself and family with comforts and many luxuries during his declining years.

The father of J. W., Harvey Harrison, was a second cousin of President William Henry Harrison. He was born in Alabama in 1806, and grew to manhood in that state, where he married Zilpha Bell, a second cousin of John Bell, of Tennessee, who was a candidate for the Presidency in 1860. The father of Harvey Harrison, Joseph by name, was a native of Tennessee, and, moving to Alabama, purchased a large plantation. In 1827 the latter and wife, and their son Harvey and his wife and infant son, William C.,
moved to Lafayette County, Mo., driving across the country with an ox- team, and one horse hitched to a two-wheel cart. They located on the Missouri River near Dover, but two years later moved to Hazle Hill Township, Johnson County. Grandfather Harrison lived to be ninety-one years of age, and on his death was placed to rest in the family burying-ground at Hazle Hill, on land entered by him from the Government, and now the property of our subject. He was a Baptist, and held official positions in the church.

Harvey Harrison took part in the Osage Indian War, and also participated in the Mormon War, by which the Mormons were driven to Illinois. For many years he was Justice of the Peace, and was also Judge of the County Court for a long period. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in 1856 joined the Masonic fraternity in Warrensburg. Until 1863 he was engaged in farming, but at that time embarked in the real-estate business in this city. His death occurred March 7, 1890, his wife having preceded him to the better land by about one year. His eldest son, William C, was a soldier in the Mexican War, being a teamster in Taylor’s army. There were seven other sons in the family and two daughters; nine of the number grew to maturity and six are still living.

J. W. Harrison was born in Johnson County, February 28, 1838, and spent his boyhood on his father’s farm, attending the district schools of the vicinity to some extent. When in his nineteenth year he commenced freighting, first making a trip to New Mexico, and thence went to Salt Lake City and into Idaho. On his journey across the plains he was frequently attacked by Indians, and at times was compelled to deliver up his possessions, when not able to defend them from the enemy. Many times he was near immense herds of buffaloes, which apparently covered the prairies for miles. During his three years of freighting life he had many strange experiences and narrow escapes as well. About 1860 he purchased eighty acres of land in Leavenworth County, Kan., about three miles from the city of Leavenworth, and resided on the property until 1865, when he traded it for a farm in Hazle Township, Johnson County. Five years later he rented his farm, and, leaving his family in Warrensburg, went to Montana in search of gold; but, as he did not succeed very well, returned in about a year. His principal occupation in life has been that of agriculture, in which he has met with success, and most of his investments have been in farm land, which he rents to responsible tenants.

March 3, 1860, Mr. Harrison married Eliza C. Ovens, then of this county, but a native of Nashville, Tenn. She is a daughter of William and Emily (Riddles) Ovens, who died in Nashville of yellow fever about a year before Mrs. Harrison came to Missouri with an uncle. Four children came to bless the union of our subject and his wife, but only two survive. Emma became the wife of M. C. Shryack, a merchant of this city, and they have one son, Charles H., a lad of twelve years. The only son of our subject, Charles H., is mentioned at the close of this sketch. Leetta and Ada died at the ages of twelve and six years, respectively.

Politically Mr. Harrison is a Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote for Bell and Everett. His father, however, was a Republican, and voted for John C. Fremont, his last vote being cast for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. Our subject is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is a contributor to its support. Socially he is a non-affiliated member of the Odd Fellows’ society, but is actively connected with the Masonic order and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Charles H. Harrison was born October 26, 1865, and at the age of thirteen years commenced clerking in a book store. Three years later he obtained employment in a dry-goods store, and held the position for three years and a-half. In the year 1886 he borrowed money and started in business for himself as a dealer in books, stationery, toys, wall paper, queensware, etc., and has been very successful. He carries a large and well selected stock of goods, and by his correct business methods has won the respect of all. Like his father, he is a Democrat, and socially belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows’ orders, and is also a Knight of Pythias.

November 8, 1885, Charles H. Harrison and Pauline Holiday, of Holliday, Monroe County, Mo., were united in marriage. They had become acquainted while she was a student in the State Normal. Two bright children have been born of their union: Holliday, whose birth occurred October 5, 1886; and Don, born in February, 1888.