"Among the wealthy, retired farmers now making their homes in Clinton, Verm., Indiana is Robert Harrison, a native of Virginia and heir to the blue blood, loyalty to opinions, and courage in standing for the right with which the oldest state in the Union seems to endow her children. Though born in Virginia, Mr. Harrison has long been a loyal Hoosier, and is now one of the most highly respected citizens and prominent men in Clinton.
"His father was Benjamin Harrison, who was born in Virginia on Feb. 8th, 1805, and died in Indiana on Feb. 8th, 1897, on his 92nd birthday. His mother was also a native of Virginia, being born in that state on Jan. 19th, 1806. She died in Indiana in 1882. His parents came to Indiana shortly after they were married, believing that a broader field of work and richer rewards lay in what was then considered the West. His father settled on a farm in Vermillion County and was a successful farmer. His friends and neighbors recognized the honesty and justice of Mr. Harrison and he was soon a leader in his community. He was made justice of the peace and held that position for forty years, never being out of office. The justice of his decisions may be appreciated by the fact that no case that he decided was reversed when taken to a higher court.
"Robert Harrison's mother was Jane Anne Bright, and she and her husband had thirteen children, six of whom are still living. Robert was born in Virginia, October 11, 1831, and was one year old when his parents moved to Indiana. he was educated in the best common schools then offered by the state, which were very meagre, and spent his early boyhood on the farm.
"On Feb. 6th, 1855, Robert Harrison married Elizabeth Fisher. She was born in Shelby County, Kentucky, June 23rd, 1833, but was early brought to this state and spent her youth in Vermillion County. She is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Briscoe) Fisher.
"After his marriage, Mr. Harrison became interested in farming on his own account and lived on his farm in Vermillion County for about sixteen years. He is now retired, having sold his sixty-six acres of land to his grandson, and is now living on his income, though still managing all of his own affairs. He and his wife are the parents of five children: Benjamin married Clara Ackerman, and they live five miles north of Clinton, in Helt Township, Vermillion County; James married Josephine Chunn, and he is a mail carrier in Denver, Colorado; Annabelle is the wife of G.R. Hopkins and lives on a farm two miles west of Clinton; Jane Ann married Sherman Bullock, who is in the hardware business in Terre Haute, Indiana; Briscoe married Cora Sparks, and lives in Clinton.
"Mr. Harrison is very comfortably fixed in Clinton, owning his own home and a couple of rentals. He is a leader, both socially and politically. He is a Republican and has always been a credit to his party."