James C. Harrison

JAMES C. HARRISON, dealer in groceries, boots and shoes, at Osceola, established his present business in 1867. It was first carried on under the firm name of Read & Harrison. In 1878 Mr. Harrison purchased his partner’s interest, and in 1880 added boots and shoes to his stock.  Mr. Harrison was born in Clinton, Oneida County, New York, June 20, 1843. His parents, Francis and Catharine (Ward) Harrison, removed to McHenry County, Illinois, where his father died in 1880; his mother still lives in that county. James remained at home until he had attained his eighteenth year, then enlisted as a private in Company F, Fifteenth Regiment, Illinois Infantry.  He remained with his regiment until 1863, when he was promoted to Second Lieutenant of Third Regiment, United States Artillery. He took part in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and in several skirmishes. He was honorably discharged in April, 1866, at Memphis, Tennessee, and then returned to McHenry County.  In July, 1867, he came to Osceola. In 1870 Mr. Harrison married Margaret C. Hess, of Osceola. They have two children – Grace and James E.  Mr. Harrison has served as alderman several terms. He belongs to the Odd Fellows order, and the Knights of Pythias.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 413-4