Part of the Indiana Biographies Project
Thomas H. Harrison
In connection with industrial interests, the reputation of Thomas Henry Harrison is not limited by the confines of Richmond, his name being well known in this connection in Chicago and many of the leading cities throughout the central section of our country. In studying the lives and characters of prominent men we are naturally led to inquire into the secret of their success and the motives that prompted their action. Success is oftener a matter of experience and sound judgment and thorough preparation for a life-work than it is of genius, however bright. When we trace the career of those whom the world acknowledges as successful, and of those who stand highest in public esteem, we find that in almost every case they are those who have risen gradually by their own efforts, their diligence and perseverance. These qualities are undoubtedly possessed in a large measure by the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who, by reason of his marked business ability, has recently been appointed manager for the Hazel Pure Food Company.
Mr. Harrison, a son of Timothy Harrison, was born on Cedar Hill, at the corner of Main and West Seventh streets, Richmond, November 16, 1860. He pursued his education in the old Whitewater Friends' school, in a district school taught by Mary Harris, an eminent educator and graduate of Vassar College, and later entered Earlham College, where he was graduated in the class of 1880. He entered upon his business career as an architect and builder, and has since continued in that line of business. He erected the Richmond city hall in 1886, and also built a number of the dwellings in Richmond and Earlham Place. In 1885 he took the contract for the erection of the laboratory for Morrison, Plummer & Company, of Chicago; in 1887 superintended the construction of the water-works at Fort Smith, Arkansas, for A. L. Pogue; in 1888 he built Lindley Hall, of Earlham College; and in 1889 sent in an estimate for the building of the court-house at Richmond, but was not awarded the contract. He then went to Chicago, where he erected the Lakeside hospital; was the architect and superintendent of construction of the plant of the Chicago Wire & Spring Company, near Blue Island, and of Farquhar's furnace plant. He also superintended the construction of the Epworth and Columbia hotels, - World's Fair enterprises, - and remodeled a hotel in Buffalo and one on the Bowery in New York city. In connection with Mr. Campfield he erected the State Soldiers' Home at Lafayette, Indiana, in 1896, and has figured on contracts from Pittsburg to Little Rock, Arkansas, and from the north to the south. In September, 1898, he accepted the position of manager for the Hazel Pure Food Company, having charge of their extensive plant, which is being erected and is owned by the well-known firm of Siegel, Cooper & Company, of Chicago. He will have charge of the manufacturing department, a most responsible position, the duties of which, however, he is ably qualified to discharge.
In 1885 Mr. Harrison wedded Miss Claribel Barrett, of Spring Valley, Ohio, a daughter of Isaac M. Barrett, an extensive miller and pork-packer, who has also served as state senator of Ohio. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, six of whom are living, namely: Isaac Merritt, Raymond T., Russell Earl, Carlos E., William Henry and Thomas. The third son, Julian Paul, has passed away.
In his political views Mr. Harrison is a stalwart Republican and takes a deep interest in the issues and questions of the day, at the same time laboring earnestly to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. His family have long been connected with the Society of Friends, and he is likewise connected therewith. For a time after his father's death he served as clerk of the Whitewater meeting. He is a man of commanding influence in the community and the county, and widely known and honored throughout the state as one who is always on the right side of all questions affecting moral and educational interests. He has attained prominence in business circles, while in private life no man in Richmond has more friends than he, and they have been won and are being retained by his attractive personality, his outspoken devotion to the best interests of the community and his mental ability, which is of a high order.
Source:
Biographical and Genealogical History of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin Counties, Indiana, Volume 1, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1899