James H. Harrison is a farmer on section 34, Genesee twp., and a native citizen of the same Township, where he was born Nov. 23, 1842. Mark Harrison, his father, was born May 6, 1804, in Yorkshire, England where he belonged to the laboring class. He spent the years of his life previous to the age of 21 in his native country, where he obtained the rudiments of his education. On becoming the master of his own time and efforts, he came to America, and for a time, located in Canada. He spent some years in the vocation of a sailor, after which he came to Chicago. The place then consisted of a dozen log structures, and he secured a claim which is now included in one of the principal parts of the city, and which was situated on the north side of the river. He was in the employ of Captain Cook, for whom the county where Chicago is located was named, working for him some years. He received land for his pay, which was in village lots, and they were then very cheap. He held title to 160 acres of land in all, but he suffered great annoyance from the Indians, who were there in great numbers, idle, shiftless and altogether mischievous. At one time they burned his cabin and ll his household goods, with $250 in cash. He was so disgusted with the condition of things and the general outlook, that he traded his property at a great sacrifice to obtain release from what then seemed hopeless anarchy, receiving in exchange a few village lots in Fulton, Whiteside County, accompanied by glowing reports of the certainties of that place from its location on the river and natural advantages.

He had business relations with Joseph Mush, and together they came to Whiteside County. Arriving at Fulton, they found that the entire value of the villag elots aforesaid was all concentrated in the gorgeous coloring that had been a concomitant to the exchange referred to. Fulton was a city on paper, with prospects as hazy as the river mists which hung above its vacancy. Mr. Harrison at once and forever abandoned his property there and all hopes concerning it. he encountered Hezekiah Brink of Sterling and, in compliance with his request went to Empire and assisted that gentleman in the erection of one of the first grist-mills built in the county. He remained there three years. Meanwhile he secured a claim in what is now Genesee Twp., where he was one of the first landholders. He paid Mr. Brink $50 for his title, and when the land came into market he purchased it of the U.S. Government at $1.25 per acre. In 1836 he began the work of improving the land. He was married in 1838 in Genesee IL to Mary Taylor. She was born in N.C. and came thence with a colony that located in Carroll County and lived there until she was married. Mark Harrison died Nov. 15, 1877 in Genesee Twp. and was 73 years of age. His wife who still survives is 82 years old.

Mr. Harrison is the second oldest of five children, and he continued under parental authority until he attained his majority. Feb. 9, 1864 he enlisted in Co. G, 56th Regt. IL Vol. Inf. The command was assigned to the corps of General Thomas, and the only action in which the regiment was engaged was that which resulted in the surrender of General Johnston. Mr.Harrison obtained an honorable discharge at Memphis TN in Sept. 1865. He returned home and located a claim of 80 acres of land, which he has since improved and placed in excellent agricultural condition.He has one of the finest and most valuable farms in the township, and an elegant residence on a beautiful location.He is a skillful and thrifty farmer and has increased his real estate to 183 acres.

His marriage to Julia Fitzgerald took place sept. 30, 1865 at Sterling. She is the daughter of Patric and mary (Barry) Fitzgerald. Her parents wer born and married in Ireland, and celebrated their union by coming immediately to the U.S. After a residence of some years in N.Y. they came to DuPage Co IL where Mrs. Harrison was born Jan. 23, 1850. Her parents had 11 children and she is the ninth in order of birth. The family came to whiteside County when she was still an infant, and she was reared on her father's farm in Genesee Twp. Her mother died when she was 8 years old. She is herself the mother of four children - William H. born Sept. 4, 1867; Joshua L. born Oct. 2, 1869, Francis H. and an infant are deceased. Mr. Harrison is a Republican in his political views and relations.
History of Whiteside Co. Portraits & Biographical Pg. 652