William Harrison (Canadian politician)

(Redirected from William Harrison (Reeve))

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
SpouseChristina 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

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  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.