Richard Harrison 1801-1900

HARRISON, BRYANT, BACON, VAN HORN

Posted By: Nancy Mumford (email)
Date: 12/1/2004 at 09:29:38

Bellevue Leader, 10 May 1900

Richard Harrison

The death of 'General' Richard Harrison occurred at the county poor farm last Thursday, where he had been taken some months previous. 'General' Harrison was one of the oldest settlers in the state, and was 99 years of age. He was born March 18, 1801 at Petersburg, VA, and when yet a young lad removed with his parents to Kentucky where he grew to manhood. In 1832 he came to Iowa, and settled where the city of Davenport now stands. He remained there until 1846, when he removed to Mineral Point, Wis., then to Madison in 1858, and to Bellevue in 1860, residing here for the past forty years, his remarkable vitality and excellent health for one of his years being oft commented upon. About a year ago his health began to fail, and his decline was then rapid, his mind being affected, necessitating his removal to the institution named above, where his death took place.

"General" Harrison was married to Miss Margaret Van Horn in 1841 and they became the parents of three sons and two daughters, all living, as follows: Mrs. C.G. Bryant, Anaconda, Montana; Mrs. W.F. Bacon, Hastings, Minn.; Will and Frank of this city and Charley of Fairbault, Minn. The deceased in life followed the trade of a shoe maker. He had the reputation of being an expert in his line, the trade as formerly conducted being of larger proportions than that of today.

The remains arrived here Friday, and were interred in the north cemetery, Rev. J.M. Turner conducting a short burial service at the grave.

(Note: Richard Harrison is buried in Republic Cemetery, Bellevue)