The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1888-06-21
Gen. James W. Harrison.

Gen. James w. Harrison, whose death
was published last week, was at the time
of his death about seventy years Of age,
He was the last surviving member Of the
family of his father, Mr.. James Harrison,
of fAndersonville. His brother, Col. Frank
Harrison, died about ten years ago, and
his sister, Mrs. Judge Whitner, about two
years ago. In early life Gen. Harrison
married Mary j., daughter of Mr.. E. B.
Benson, prominent citizen and successful
merchant of Old Pendleton, who survives
him. Together they reared large family
of sons and daughters, who mourn their
fathers death.
Having adopted the profession of law he
resided at old Pickens for two or three
years after his marriage in the active prac-
tice of his profession. In 1S43 or 1874 he
returned to Anderson, entered into part
nership with Judge Whitner, then at the
bar, and from that time resided here almost
continuously up to within two or three
years preceding his death, when he re-
moved to Walhalla with his wife and
youngest daughter, to be near two of his
married children who were living there.
He was at one time part owner, with the
late A. o. Norris, of the old Anderson
Gazette and its editor. He had peculiar
talent for journalism, and was recognized
as one of the most graceful and forcible
writers in the State. Although actively
engaged in the practice of his profession,
he represented for several years the mu-
nicipal corporation of the Town of Ander-
son as Intendent, and always with sstis-
faction to the corporators. he also befoIe
the war represented Old Pendleton District
in both branches of the Legislature
in the House and afterwards in the Sem
ate-and was Senator for Anderson, after
the division of Pendleton District, when
the war broke out. He was at this time in
the prime of life, and was justly regarded
as one of the leading men in the councils
of the State. Conservative in his views,
earnest in his convictions and sagacioua in
counsel, he rose to position of great
usefulness and influence in the legislative
halls. He was an active friend and CO.
laborer in projecting the old Blue Ridge
Railroad, was during its active prosecution
up to 1850 one Of the chief Counsel of the
Company, and abandoned his profession
after the war to become its President. He
earnestly desired and strove for its compile
ton as State enterprise, and large issue
of bonds was authorized for this purpose,
but he soon found himself unable to cope
with, and still less to assent, to the disre-
toh1 Ia ,f U
trolled the State government and the road
the carpet-bag host-and retired from the
presidency of the road in disgust, with his
labors unrewarded and his character un-
smirched. Disappointed in this his last
ambition, with impaired health and a for
tune scattered by the results of the war,
Gen. Harrison thenceforth withdrew him
self from the public gaze and lived in re-
tirement.
But 1t was as arlawyer that Gen. Harri-
son displayed the most marked ability, and
achieved his greatest distinction, and espe-
cially in equity practice. Quick Of dis
cernment he seized upon the strong points
of a case with almost unerring Judgment,
and applied to them the principles of the
law with rare discrimination, AS q
counsellor few were his equals and none
were his superiors, and among his profes.
sional brethren his judgments ranked as
the highest. Possessing weak voice and
rose to the heights Of eloquence as an ad-
yocate, but was so wary and acute that he
often surprised and put to flight his adyer-
sary by some coup d'main that won him
the victory.
Gen. Harrison was man of decided Lit.
erary tastes, and being of retiring dispo-
sition those who knew him well we're not
slow to perceive that he found moro real
pleasure In general reading and literary
culture than in the active pursuits OF his
profession. But it is as the genial gentle
man, and for his many private virtues,
that his friends will most delight to re-
member him and to honor his memory.
Amiable in disposition, of gentle courtesy
and great kindliness he had few, If any.
enemies and was greatly beloved by his
friends. Generous to fault he gave as
long as he had anything to give, and would
forgive debt rather than enforce Its col
lection, and of such large-hearted chari.
ty was he that he rarely spoke censoriously
Of another. Yet was he steadfast in prin.
ciple despising whatever vas mean and
despicable, and regulating his own conduct
by the highest sentiments of truth and
honor. Though never allied to any Of the
Christian churches, in outward conduct he
possessed many of the noblest traits of
Christian gentleman. "Whatsoever things
were true, Whatsoever things were honest,
whatsoever things were just, whatsoever
things were pure, whatsoever things were
lovely, whatsoever things we've Of good re-
port" on these things be thought, and en-
deavored to practice them in his daily life.
Deeply imbued with these Christian vir-
tues who shall say that he had not In his
heart that love of God and his fellow-man
Shat make up the Christian character