William Harrison (Canadian politician)

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
BornMay 10, 1834
DiedMarch 2, 1922
Resting placeRichmond Hill Presbyterian cemetery
Spouse(s)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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. "Harrison". Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
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