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C. C. Harrison

C. C. Harrison, deceased, is numbered among the early settlers of this county. He was born in Kingsbury, Norway, June 26, 1823, and died at his home in Westfield Township, October 18, 1862, respected by all who knew him. His boyhood days were spent in his native land and in early life he learned the gunsmith's trade, at which he worked as long as he remained in Norway, being an expert in that line. At length he determined to make his home on this side of the water, and in 1845 sailed for the United States. He spent a short time in New York and then removed to Michigan. His trunk and effects were stolen from him soon after coming to this country and he had to begin life in the New World empty handed. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California in company with two companions he started for the Pacific Slope. Their provisions gave out by the time they had reached Salt Lake City and they had to wait until after harvest for grain. Then securing a fresh supply they again started, but three days before reaching their destination they once more found themselves without food. Their best horse was given in exchange for eleven pounds of flour, but at length Mr. Harrison arrived at the gold mines and his efforts were so successful that within two years he cleared over $3,000. In 1852 he started home, making the return trip by way of the Panama route to Philadelphia, where he had his gold coined. He then resolved to once more visit his native land and sailed to Scotland. A month later he reached Norway and on the 25th of August, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa S. Ray, a native of Kingsbury, Norway, born February 8, 1830.

The following month, with his young bride, Mr. Harrison started for the United States, landing in October. Traveling across the country he then came to Fayette County, Iowa, where he entered land and began the development of a farm - that upon which the family still resides. From time to time he kept adding to the original tract until within the boundaries of his land were comprised two hundred and seventy-one acres of valuable land which is under a high state of cultivation and is improved by good buildings and other accessories of a model farm. Mr. Harrison cast his first Presidential vote for Fremont and was a warm advocate of Republican principles until his death. He died in the faith of the Lutheran Church, of which his wife was also a member. He was a highly esteemed citizen, and many friends shared with the family their deep grief at his loss.

Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were the parents of four children. Caroline, the eldest, prepared herself for college in the schools of Fayette, and graduated from the scientific and elocutionary courses in Valparaiso, Ind. She took a prominent part in Sunday-school conventions, in temperance work and other interests for the advancement of mankind. In 1884 she was called to teach in the Cabell School, of Washington, D. C., and in 1887 received the appointment of assistant botanist in the Department of Agriculture in the Capital City. The efficient service she has rendered those institutions of learning reflects credit on herself, upon her country and upon her sex; Elizabeth S., the second daughter, is graduate of the normal department of the Valparaiso school, has taught several terms and been offered good positions, but personal considerations prompt her to stay at home; George W. is a prominent farmer of Cherokee County, Iowa; and Crit C. farms the old homestead and raises quite a number of good horses."