WILLIAM ALEXANDER HARRISON
Written by: Nancy Fleetwood Miller, great great great great granddaughter.
1863: 1st Justice appointed to the newly created West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Major figure in the Division of the State of Virginia and creation of the State of West Virginia.
William Alexander Harrison was born on August 17, 1795 in Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, to a successful merchant and his wife, Matthew Harrison and Eleanor Tyler Harrison. William was raised and educated in Dumfries and began his study of law in Winchester, Virginia, under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Obed Waite, a prominent lawyer of the day. At an early age he was admitted to the Winchester, Virginia bar and accepted his first position in Marietta, Ohio. After a short time, William was determined to pursue better opportunities in the legal field and moved to Parkersburg, Virginia, in 1819. Again after a very short tenure, he accepted a promising position in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Clarksbur g was well-known for its abundance of important legal scholars providing an excellent foundation for launching Harrison's career. He was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Harrison County on September 14, 1820, at the young age of 25.
William launched his career with vigor and quickly became a well-known trial lawyer. He had the good fortune to be involved in the important cases of the day and was in great demand. His career advanced quickly and in 1823, he became a United States District Attorney.
In 1836 Mr. Harrison was appointed attorney in the U.S. Court for the Western District of Virginia. For a few years, he also served as Harrison County's prosecuting attorney. Having an abiding interest in advancing the legal tenants of Virginia, William Harrison represented Harrison County in the Virginia General Assembly in 1836, 1837 and 1838.
During the Civil War, he was an avid Republican and supporter of the Union cause. In 1861, William Harrison was elected Circuit Judge to replace Judge Gideon Draper Camden, who left his position to support the South when Virginia seceded. Harrison was actively involved with the division and reorganization of Virginia. He served as a member of the Governor's Council, creating and implementing the legal system of the newly formed West Virginia. In 1863, William Alexander Harrison was chosen the first of three judges for the new West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. All three judges had two common elements: each was a Republican and a Union supporter. It was the Supreme Court's first recorded order of business to appoint Harrison of Harrison County as president pro tempore. At 66 years, Harrison was described as "of large stature and commanding presence." According to the first volume of West Virginia reports, Harrison's "powers as an advocate were of a pre-eminent character.
Due to his failing health, William Harrison stepped down from his position on the Supreme Court on September 1, 1870, having left an indelible mark on not only the legal system, but in the birth of a new State---West Virginia. Over his lifetime, he is remembered for his "profound research and investigation" and intense exploration and analysis of the legal foundations. Before the birth of the State of West Virginia, Harrison appeared before seven U. S. Federal Judges, 15 Circuit Judges and twelve judges on the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia. He was a figure admired by his colleagues and friends.
William Alexander Harrison was an outstanding member of the legal community, but his living legacy is his outstanding family. Peppered with admired members of the community, Harrison descendants have left indelible imprints. From lawyers to judges to farmers and doctors and influential lawmakers throughout our Nation's history, William Alexander Harrison continues to leave his mark.
Children:
(1) Thomas Willoughby Harrison (1824-1910).
(2) Matthew Waite Harrison (1826-1916).
(3) Frederick Jones Harrison (1828-1829).
(4) Charles Tyler Harrison (1830-1914).
(5) William Gustavus Harrison (1832-1902).
(6) Mayburry M. Harrison (1834-1893).
(7) Susan Ellen Harrison (1836-1887).
(8) Elizabeth Jones Harrison (1838-1917).
(9) Llewellyn Cuthbert Harrison (1840-1861).
(10) Sarah Jane "Sallie" Harrison (1842-?).
(11) Anna Rebecca Harrison (1844-1924).
Written by: Nancy Fleetwood Miller, great great great great granddaughter.
1863: 1st Justice appointed to the newly created West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Major figure in the Division of the State of Virginia and creation of the State of West Virginia.
William Alexander Harrison was born on August 17, 1795 in Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, to a successful merchant and his wife, Matthew Harrison and Eleanor Tyler Harrison. William was raised and educated in Dumfries and began his study of law in Winchester, Virginia, under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Obed Waite, a prominent lawyer of the day. At an early age he was admitted to the Winchester, Virginia bar and accepted his first position in Marietta, Ohio. After a short time, William was determined to pursue better opportunities in the legal field and moved to Parkersburg, Virginia, in 1819. Again after a very short tenure, he accepted a promising position in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Clarksbur g was well-known for its abundance of important legal scholars providing an excellent foundation for launching Harrison's career. He was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Harrison County on September 14, 1820, at the young age of 25.
William launched his career with vigor and quickly became a well-known trial lawyer. He had the good fortune to be involved in the important cases of the day and was in great demand. His career advanced quickly and in 1823, he became a United States District Attorney.
In 1836 Mr. Harrison was appointed attorney in the U.S. Court for the Western District of Virginia. For a few years, he also served as Harrison County's prosecuting attorney. Having an abiding interest in advancing the legal tenants of Virginia, William Harrison represented Harrison County in the Virginia General Assembly in 1836, 1837 and 1838.
During the Civil War, he was an avid Republican and supporter of the Union cause. In 1861, William Harrison was elected Circuit Judge to replace Judge Gideon Draper Camden, who left his position to support the South when Virginia seceded. Harrison was actively involved with the division and reorganization of Virginia. He served as a member of the Governor's Council, creating and implementing the legal system of the newly formed West Virginia. In 1863, William Alexander Harrison was chosen the first of three judges for the new West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. All three judges had two common elements: each was a Republican and a Union supporter. It was the Supreme Court's first recorded order of business to appoint Harrison of Harrison County as president pro tempore. At 66 years, Harrison was described as "of large stature and commanding presence." According to the first volume of West Virginia reports, Harrison's "powers as an advocate were of a pre-eminent character.
Due to his failing health, William Harrison stepped down from his position on the Supreme Court on September 1, 1870, having left an indelible mark on not only the legal system, but in the birth of a new State---West Virginia. Over his lifetime, he is remembered for his "profound research and investigation" and intense exploration and analysis of the legal foundations. Before the birth of the State of West Virginia, Harrison appeared before seven U. S. Federal Judges, 15 Circuit Judges and twelve judges on the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia. He was a figure admired by his colleagues and friends.
William Alexander Harrison was an outstanding member of the legal community, but his living legacy is his outstanding family. Peppered with admired members of the community, Harrison descendants have left indelible imprints. From lawyers to judges to farmers and doctors and influential lawmakers throughout our Nation's history, William Alexander Harrison continues to leave his mark.
Children:
(1) Thomas Willoughby Harrison (1824-1910).
(2) Matthew Waite Harrison (1826-1916).
(3) Frederick Jones Harrison (1828-1829).
(4) Charles Tyler Harrison (1830-1914).
(5) William Gustavus Harrison (1832-1902).
(6) Mayburry M. Harrison (1834-1893).
(7) Susan Ellen Harrison (1836-1887).
(8) Elizabeth Jones Harrison (1838-1917).
(9) Llewellyn Cuthbert Harrison (1840-1861).
(10) Sarah Jane "Sallie" Harrison (1842-?).
(11) Anna Rebecca Harrison (1844-1924).
WILLIAM ALEXANDER HARRISON
Written by: Nancy Fleetwood Miller, great great great great granddaughter.
1863: 1st Justice appointed to the newly created West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Major figure in the Division of the State of Virginia and creation of the State of West Virginia.
William Alexander Harrison was born on August 17, 1795 in Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, to a successful merchant and his wife, Matthew Harrison and Eleanor Tyler Harrison. William was raised and educated in Dumfries and began his study of law in Winchester, Virginia, under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Obed Waite, a prominent lawyer of the day. At an early age he was admitted to the Winchester, Virginia bar and accepted his first position in Marietta, Ohio. After a short time, William was determined to pursue better opportunities in the legal field and moved to Parkersburg, Virginia, in 1819. Again after a very short tenure, he accepted a promising position in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Clarksbur g was well-known for its abundance of important legal scholars providing an excellent foundation for launching Harrison's career. He was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Harrison County on September 14, 1820, at the young age of 25.
William launched his career with vigor and quickly became a well-known trial lawyer. He had the good fortune to be involved in the important cases of the day and was in great demand. His career advanced quickly and in 1823, he became a United States District Attorney.
In 1836 Mr. Harrison was appointed attorney in the U.S. Court for the Western District of Virginia. For a few years, he also served as Harrison County's prosecuting attorney. Having an abiding interest in advancing the legal tenants of Virginia, William Harrison represented Harrison County in the Virginia General Assembly in 1836, 1837 and 1838.
During the Civil War, he was an avid Republican and supporter of the Union cause. In 1861, William Harrison was elected Circuit Judge to replace Judge Gideon Draper Camden, who left his position to support the South when Virginia seceded. Harrison was actively involved with the division and reorganization of Virginia. He served as a member of the Governor's Council, creating and implementing the legal system of the newly formed West Virginia. In 1863, William Alexander Harrison was chosen the first of three judges for the new West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. All three judges had two common elements: each was a Republican and a Union supporter. It was the Supreme Court's first recorded order of business to appoint Harrison of Harrison County as president pro tempore. At 66 years, Harrison was described as "of large stature and commanding presence." According to the first volume of West Virginia reports, Harrison's "powers as an advocate were of a pre-eminent character.
Due to his failing health, William Harrison stepped down from his position on the Supreme Court on September 1, 1870, having left an indelible mark on not only the legal system, but in the birth of a new State---West Virginia. Over his lifetime, he is remembered for his "profound research and investigation" and intense exploration and analysis of the legal foundations. Before the birth of the State of West Virginia, Harrison appeared before seven U. S. Federal Judges, 15 Circuit Judges and twelve judges on the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia. He was a figure admired by his colleagues and friends.
William Alexander Harrison was an outstanding member of the legal community, but his living legacy is his outstanding family. Peppered with admired members of the community, Harrison descendants have left indelible imprints. From lawyers to judges to farmers and doctors and influential lawmakers throughout our Nation's history, William Alexander Harrison continues to leave his mark.
Children:
(1) Thomas Willoughby Harrison (1824-1910).
(2) Matthew Waite Harrison (1826-1916).
(3) Frederick Jones Harrison (1828-1829).
(4) Charles Tyler Harrison (1830-1914).
(5) William Gustavus Harrison (1832-1902).
(6) Mayburry M. Harrison (1834-1893).
(7) Susan Ellen Harrison (1836-1887).
(8) Elizabeth Jones Harrison (1838-1917).
(9) Llewellyn Cuthbert Harrison (1840-1861).
(10) Sarah Jane "Sallie" Harrison (1842-?).
(11) Anna Rebecca Harrison (1844-1924).
Written by: Nancy Fleetwood Miller, great great great great granddaughter.
1863: 1st Justice appointed to the newly created West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Major figure in the Division of the State of Virginia and creation of the State of West Virginia.
William Alexander Harrison was born on August 17, 1795 in Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia, to a successful merchant and his wife, Matthew Harrison and Eleanor Tyler Harrison. William was raised and educated in Dumfries and began his study of law in Winchester, Virginia, under the tutelage of his brother-in-law Obed Waite, a prominent lawyer of the day. At an early age he was admitted to the Winchester, Virginia bar and accepted his first position in Marietta, Ohio. After a short time, William was determined to pursue better opportunities in the legal field and moved to Parkersburg, Virginia, in 1819. Again after a very short tenure, he accepted a promising position in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Clarksbur g was well-known for its abundance of important legal scholars providing an excellent foundation for launching Harrison's career. He was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of Harrison County on September 14, 1820, at the young age of 25.
William launched his career with vigor and quickly became a well-known trial lawyer. He had the good fortune to be involved in the important cases of the day and was in great demand. His career advanced quickly and in 1823, he became a United States District Attorney.
In 1836 Mr. Harrison was appointed attorney in the U.S. Court for the Western District of Virginia. For a few years, he also served as Harrison County's prosecuting attorney. Having an abiding interest in advancing the legal tenants of Virginia, William Harrison represented Harrison County in the Virginia General Assembly in 1836, 1837 and 1838.
During the Civil War, he was an avid Republican and supporter of the Union cause. In 1861, William Harrison was elected Circuit Judge to replace Judge Gideon Draper Camden, who left his position to support the South when Virginia seceded. Harrison was actively involved with the division and reorganization of Virginia. He served as a member of the Governor's Council, creating and implementing the legal system of the newly formed West Virginia. In 1863, William Alexander Harrison was chosen the first of three judges for the new West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. All three judges had two common elements: each was a Republican and a Union supporter. It was the Supreme Court's first recorded order of business to appoint Harrison of Harrison County as president pro tempore. At 66 years, Harrison was described as "of large stature and commanding presence." According to the first volume of West Virginia reports, Harrison's "powers as an advocate were of a pre-eminent character.
Due to his failing health, William Harrison stepped down from his position on the Supreme Court on September 1, 1870, having left an indelible mark on not only the legal system, but in the birth of a new State---West Virginia. Over his lifetime, he is remembered for his "profound research and investigation" and intense exploration and analysis of the legal foundations. Before the birth of the State of West Virginia, Harrison appeared before seven U. S. Federal Judges, 15 Circuit Judges and twelve judges on the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia. He was a figure admired by his colleagues and friends.
William Alexander Harrison was an outstanding member of the legal community, but his living legacy is his outstanding family. Peppered with admired members of the community, Harrison descendants have left indelible imprints. From lawyers to judges to farmers and doctors and influential lawmakers throughout our Nation's history, William Alexander Harrison continues to leave his mark.
Children:
(1) Thomas Willoughby Harrison (1824-1910).
(2) Matthew Waite Harrison (1826-1916).
(3) Frederick Jones Harrison (1828-1829).
(4) Charles Tyler Harrison (1830-1914).
(5) William Gustavus Harrison (1832-1902).
(6) Mayburry M. Harrison (1834-1893).
(7) Susan Ellen Harrison (1836-1887).
(8) Elizabeth Jones Harrison (1838-1917).
(9) Llewellyn Cuthbert Harrison (1840-1861).
(10) Sarah Jane "Sallie" Harrison (1842-?).
(11) Anna Rebecca Harrison (1844-1924).
Family Members
Siblings
Half Siblings
Children
-
![]()
Thomas Willoughby Harrison
1824–1910
-
![]()
Matthew Waite Harrison
1826–1916
-
![]()
Charles Tyler Harrison
1830–1914
-
![]()
William Gustavus Harrison
1832–1902
-
![]()
Mayburry M Harrison
1834–1893
-
![]()
Susan Ellen Harrison Osborn
1836–1887
-
Elizabeth Jane Harrison Hewes
1838–1917
-
![]()
Sarah Jane "Sallie" Harrison Irwin
1842–1923
-
![]()
Anna Rebecca Harrison Patton
1844–1924
