DEATH SUMMONED WM. HARRISON
THE PIONEER BUSINESS MAN PASSED AWAY ON MEMORIAL DAY
William Harrison, for over a generation one of this city's captains of industry died at 1:30 o'clock Saturday morning at his home, Walnut Park, on the West Bridge street road, near the city limits.
The cares and illnesses incident to old age brought about his death, for Mr. Harrison was 84 years old and though of a strong, rugged constitution had gone through more than the average man.
He was born in England January 10, 1824, and was apprenticed to a joiner and wheelwright in 1839 for a term of six years, in the good old-fashioned, methodical way of that day.
For some years after his apprenticeship was ended he worked for the same man, part of the time drawing not to exceed 20 cents a day and board – and the day was from 6 in the morning to 8 at night.
In the spring of 1850 he came to this country, going first to Kalamazoo. His father had offered to help him get a start in business if he would stay in England, but the young man, imbued with the spirit of adventure, wanted to go farther afield.
When he struck Kalamazoo he had less then $5 left, but got work at $2 a day at once and began to save his money and look for chances to get ahead.
Came to Grand Rapids in 1856.
He worked at Galesburg and Schoolcraft for a time before coming to this city in 1856. The Harrison Wagon works, an institution that has been a part of the business life of this city for over 50 years, was founded soon after his arrival here.
The first factory of the big concern was established on Front street and was known as the "Old Fort," because of the solidity with which it was built. It was 40 x 80 feet in ground area and two stories high. Some years after its erection it showed that the name was not a misnomer by standing the attack of a spring freshet which swept out the headgates of the old power canal, and sent a jam of ice and logs against the old building.
The Harrison wagon soon became known all over Michigan and, as the company increased in size, achieved a reputation throughout the middle west.
Established great factory.
Practical in every respect, Mr. Harrison kept in the front ranks of the wagon maker's trade, and his vehicles were always up-to-date and models of the builder's art. His reputation for square dealing made his wagons known as the very best of their kind that could be procured.
In 1879 the new works, near fuller station, were occupied, fire having destroyed the old quarters, which for some years had been growing inadequate in size. At that time the factory was far outside the city limits, and it became necessary for Mr. Harrison to build up a suburb of his own called Harrisonville, in which his workmen could find homes. The locality, through now in the city, is still known as Harrisonville.
For years the factory was one of the most considerable in the city and did a great deal to build up the town in the old days.
New Venture Brought Business Fall
About two years ago the company went into the manufacture of automobiles, but this venture did not turn out well and the firm was forced to go into bankruptcy, a proceeding that undoubtedly hastened Mr. Harrison's end.
Nearly all of his life Mr. Harrison had been a staunch Methodist. He was a member of the Second Street Methodist church were he had been trustee and chairman of various committees for years. His devoted Christian character was marked.
His aged wife and four children survive. These are Mrs. Fred C. Drew, of San Bernardino, California and Roger Morton and William Harrison. The later is a student at Olivet College. The others have for some years been connected with the factory.
Funeral services will be held at the old home, Walnut park at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. The remains will be interred privately at Greenwood cemetery.
Grand Rapids Herald
Early June, 1908
THE PIONEER BUSINESS MAN PASSED AWAY ON MEMORIAL DAY
William Harrison, for over a generation one of this city's captains of industry died at 1:30 o'clock Saturday morning at his home, Walnut Park, on the West Bridge street road, near the city limits.
The cares and illnesses incident to old age brought about his death, for Mr. Harrison was 84 years old and though of a strong, rugged constitution had gone through more than the average man.
He was born in England January 10, 1824, and was apprenticed to a joiner and wheelwright in 1839 for a term of six years, in the good old-fashioned, methodical way of that day.
For some years after his apprenticeship was ended he worked for the same man, part of the time drawing not to exceed 20 cents a day and board – and the day was from 6 in the morning to 8 at night.
In the spring of 1850 he came to this country, going first to Kalamazoo. His father had offered to help him get a start in business if he would stay in England, but the young man, imbued with the spirit of adventure, wanted to go farther afield.
When he struck Kalamazoo he had less then $5 left, but got work at $2 a day at once and began to save his money and look for chances to get ahead.
Came to Grand Rapids in 1856.
He worked at Galesburg and Schoolcraft for a time before coming to this city in 1856. The Harrison Wagon works, an institution that has been a part of the business life of this city for over 50 years, was founded soon after his arrival here.
The first factory of the big concern was established on Front street and was known as the "Old Fort," because of the solidity with which it was built. It was 40 x 80 feet in ground area and two stories high. Some years after its erection it showed that the name was not a misnomer by standing the attack of a spring freshet which swept out the headgates of the old power canal, and sent a jam of ice and logs against the old building.
The Harrison wagon soon became known all over Michigan and, as the company increased in size, achieved a reputation throughout the middle west.
Established great factory.
Practical in every respect, Mr. Harrison kept in the front ranks of the wagon maker's trade, and his vehicles were always up-to-date and models of the builder's art. His reputation for square dealing made his wagons known as the very best of their kind that could be procured.
In 1879 the new works, near fuller station, were occupied, fire having destroyed the old quarters, which for some years had been growing inadequate in size. At that time the factory was far outside the city limits, and it became necessary for Mr. Harrison to build up a suburb of his own called Harrisonville, in which his workmen could find homes. The locality, through now in the city, is still known as Harrisonville.
For years the factory was one of the most considerable in the city and did a great deal to build up the town in the old days.
New Venture Brought Business Fall
About two years ago the company went into the manufacture of automobiles, but this venture did not turn out well and the firm was forced to go into bankruptcy, a proceeding that undoubtedly hastened Mr. Harrison's end.
Nearly all of his life Mr. Harrison had been a staunch Methodist. He was a member of the Second Street Methodist church were he had been trustee and chairman of various committees for years. His devoted Christian character was marked.
His aged wife and four children survive. These are Mrs. Fred C. Drew, of San Bernardino, California and Roger Morton and William Harrison. The later is a student at Olivet College. The others have for some years been connected with the factory.
Funeral services will be held at the old home, Walnut park at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. The remains will be interred privately at Greenwood cemetery.
Grand Rapids Herald
Early June, 1908
DEATH SUMMONED WM. HARRISON
THE PIONEER BUSINESS MAN PASSED AWAY ON MEMORIAL DAY
William Harrison, for over a generation one of this city's captains of industry died at 1:30 o'clock Saturday morning at his home, Walnut Park, on the West Bridge street road, near the city limits.
The cares and illnesses incident to old age brought about his death, for Mr. Harrison was 84 years old and though of a strong, rugged constitution had gone through more than the average man.
He was born in England January 10, 1824, and was apprenticed to a joiner and wheelwright in 1839 for a term of six years, in the good old-fashioned, methodical way of that day.
For some years after his apprenticeship was ended he worked for the same man, part of the time drawing not to exceed 20 cents a day and board – and the day was from 6 in the morning to 8 at night.
In the spring of 1850 he came to this country, going first to Kalamazoo. His father had offered to help him get a start in business if he would stay in England, but the young man, imbued with the spirit of adventure, wanted to go farther afield.
When he struck Kalamazoo he had less then $5 left, but got work at $2 a day at once and began to save his money and look for chances to get ahead.
Came to Grand Rapids in 1856.
He worked at Galesburg and Schoolcraft for a time before coming to this city in 1856. The Harrison Wagon works, an institution that has been a part of the business life of this city for over 50 years, was founded soon after his arrival here.
The first factory of the big concern was established on Front street and was known as the "Old Fort," because of the solidity with which it was built. It was 40 x 80 feet in ground area and two stories high. Some years after its erection it showed that the name was not a misnomer by standing the attack of a spring freshet which swept out the headgates of the old power canal, and sent a jam of ice and logs against the old building.
The Harrison wagon soon became known all over Michigan and, as the company increased in size, achieved a reputation throughout the middle west.
Established great factory.
Practical in every respect, Mr. Harrison kept in the front ranks of the wagon maker's trade, and his vehicles were always up-to-date and models of the builder's art. His reputation for square dealing made his wagons known as the very best of their kind that could be procured.
In 1879 the new works, near fuller station, were occupied, fire having destroyed the old quarters, which for some years had been growing inadequate in size. At that time the factory was far outside the city limits, and it became necessary for Mr. Harrison to build up a suburb of his own called Harrisonville, in which his workmen could find homes. The locality, through now in the city, is still known as Harrisonville.
For years the factory was one of the most considerable in the city and did a great deal to build up the town in the old days.
New Venture Brought Business Fall
About two years ago the company went into the manufacture of automobiles, but this venture did not turn out well and the firm was forced to go into bankruptcy, a proceeding that undoubtedly hastened Mr. Harrison's end.
Nearly all of his life Mr. Harrison had been a staunch Methodist. He was a member of the Second Street Methodist church were he had been trustee and chairman of various committees for years. His devoted Christian character was marked.
His aged wife and four children survive. These are Mrs. Fred C. Drew, of San Bernardino, California and Roger Morton and William Harrison. The later is a student at Olivet College. The others have for some years been connected with the factory.
Funeral services will be held at the old home, Walnut park at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. The remains will be interred privately at Greenwood cemetery.
Grand Rapids Herald
Early June, 1908
THE PIONEER BUSINESS MAN PASSED AWAY ON MEMORIAL DAY
William Harrison, for over a generation one of this city's captains of industry died at 1:30 o'clock Saturday morning at his home, Walnut Park, on the West Bridge street road, near the city limits.
The cares and illnesses incident to old age brought about his death, for Mr. Harrison was 84 years old and though of a strong, rugged constitution had gone through more than the average man.
He was born in England January 10, 1824, and was apprenticed to a joiner and wheelwright in 1839 for a term of six years, in the good old-fashioned, methodical way of that day.
For some years after his apprenticeship was ended he worked for the same man, part of the time drawing not to exceed 20 cents a day and board – and the day was from 6 in the morning to 8 at night.
In the spring of 1850 he came to this country, going first to Kalamazoo. His father had offered to help him get a start in business if he would stay in England, but the young man, imbued with the spirit of adventure, wanted to go farther afield.
When he struck Kalamazoo he had less then $5 left, but got work at $2 a day at once and began to save his money and look for chances to get ahead.
Came to Grand Rapids in 1856.
He worked at Galesburg and Schoolcraft for a time before coming to this city in 1856. The Harrison Wagon works, an institution that has been a part of the business life of this city for over 50 years, was founded soon after his arrival here.
The first factory of the big concern was established on Front street and was known as the "Old Fort," because of the solidity with which it was built. It was 40 x 80 feet in ground area and two stories high. Some years after its erection it showed that the name was not a misnomer by standing the attack of a spring freshet which swept out the headgates of the old power canal, and sent a jam of ice and logs against the old building.
The Harrison wagon soon became known all over Michigan and, as the company increased in size, achieved a reputation throughout the middle west.
Established great factory.
Practical in every respect, Mr. Harrison kept in the front ranks of the wagon maker's trade, and his vehicles were always up-to-date and models of the builder's art. His reputation for square dealing made his wagons known as the very best of their kind that could be procured.
In 1879 the new works, near fuller station, were occupied, fire having destroyed the old quarters, which for some years had been growing inadequate in size. At that time the factory was far outside the city limits, and it became necessary for Mr. Harrison to build up a suburb of his own called Harrisonville, in which his workmen could find homes. The locality, through now in the city, is still known as Harrisonville.
For years the factory was one of the most considerable in the city and did a great deal to build up the town in the old days.
New Venture Brought Business Fall
About two years ago the company went into the manufacture of automobiles, but this venture did not turn out well and the firm was forced to go into bankruptcy, a proceeding that undoubtedly hastened Mr. Harrison's end.
Nearly all of his life Mr. Harrison had been a staunch Methodist. He was a member of the Second Street Methodist church were he had been trustee and chairman of various committees for years. His devoted Christian character was marked.
His aged wife and four children survive. These are Mrs. Fred C. Drew, of San Bernardino, California and Roger Morton and William Harrison. The later is a student at Olivet College. The others have for some years been connected with the factory.
Funeral services will be held at the old home, Walnut park at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. The remains will be interred privately at Greenwood cemetery.
Grand Rapids Herald
Early June, 1908
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