Biography of James E. Harrison Excerpted from "Collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, 1911-1912", Edited by Geo. W. Martin, Secretary. Vol XII., State Printing Office, Topeka, Kansas 1912. submitted by Teresa Lindquist (merope@radix.net); (copyright) 2001 by Teresa Lindquist ----------------------------------------------------------------------- KSGENWEB INTERNET GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY COPYRIGHT NOTICE: In keeping with the KSGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- JAMES E. HARRISON was born at Alexandria, Va., in 1829. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States revenue marine service in 1853. In 1855 he served as a volunteer in a campaign against hostile Indians in Washington territory, in the course of which he behaved with such conspicuous gallantry that he was tendered a commission in the newly organized Second cavalry. He joined the regiment in Texas in December, 1856. In the fight with the Comanches at the Wichita village, October 1, 1858, he killed two warriors in hand-to-hand combat. He was repeatedly mentioned in orders and reports for valor in action. He was offered strong inducements in the way of promotion and rapid advancement if he would resign his commission and join the forces in rebellion against the United States, all of which he steadfastly declined to consider. He saw active service in the Army of the Potomac during the early years of the war. Shortly after the battle of Beverly Ford he suffered a sunstroke, and thereafter he had to be content with less arduous service on account of failing health. He had given promise of a most brilliant career, had reached the rank of captain and had been breveted major and lieutenant colonel. He died at Washington, D. C., November 4, 1867. (Included with the article: "Indian Fight in Ford County in 1859", page 321)