William Harrison (May 10, 1834 – March 2, 1922) was a harness and saddle[1] maker who served as the second reeve of Richmond Hill, Ontario, in 1874. He was the community's first historian.[2]
William Harrison | |
|---|---|
 William Harrison with wife Christina | |
| Born | May 10, 1834 |
| Died | March 2, 1922 |
| Resting place | Richmond Hill Presbyterian cemetery |
| Spouse | Christina Harrison (née Whelpton) |
Born in Bath, England,[3] his family moved to a farm north of Richmond Hill in 1843.[4] After the death of his father a mere nine months after the family arrived in Canada, the family moved into the Richmond Hill community. Harrison opened a saddle and harness maker's shop in Richmond Hill in 1856.[5] In Richmond Hill, Harrison took an active role in society. He was involved in organising the community's first fire brigade. He was a founding member of the Richmond Hill Mechanics' Institute and Literary Society. Harrison closed his shop in 1908.
Harrison was elected reeve of the village of Richmond Hill in 1874.[6] He served on the Richmond Hill Village Council only a single year, and was replaced in 1875 by William Trench.
References edit
- ^ Robert M. Stamp (1991). "Business on the Hill". Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.
- ^ Robert M. Stamp (1991). "The First Village Council". Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.
- ^ "Harrison". Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.
- ^ Robert M. Stamp (1991). "Who Was Who in the 1873 Municipal Elections". Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.
- ^ Robert M. Stamp (1991). "Appendix B. Occupations*". Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.
- ^ Robert M. Stamp (1991). "Appendix F. Community Organizations". Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.