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THOMAS J. HARRISON. - It is impossible to ever put on paper the full account of the valorous deeds and worthy conduct of those champions of liberty who pressed on to the field of battle and withstood the onslaught of the minions of rebellion, facing the cannon and enduring the grief of war in all of its horrid phases, in order that they might preserve intact our legacies of liberty and freedom, and without dismemberment the glorious land and government established by the patriots of the Revolution. The tenacity and chivalrous deeds of the Revolutionary patriots shine with glittering light and naught but glory is to be attributed to the entire population in that struggle; but in Rebellion's strife, how heart-rendering is the conflict, the steel of brother meets brother's steel in dogged resistance and the eyes of the upholder of the right must look through the smoke and confusion of battle into the faces of kindred and upon the forms of well-known friends, so that when the victory is gained the victor can but throw down the hated rifle and bow in tears o'er the prostrate form of the hapless and stricken foe. So all honor to the noble men that could stand for principle when the state was so dire and depressing. As one of this worthy number we mention the gentleman whose name is above, and to whom we would gladly accord space in this volume of Union's chronicles, and regret that our pen cannot more graphically portray his life's career.

Our subject was born to Christopher and Mary Harrison on October 20, 1842, in Martin county, Indiana, and there he remained, gaining his schooling and working on the farm, until he had reached his majority, and when the call came for men to defend the flat he immediately responded, and on August 2, 1862, he enlisted as corporal in Company D, Sixteenth Indiana Regiment, which was assigned to duty in the Thirteenth Corps, under General Grant, and very soon the patriot farmer youth was amid the smoke and roar of battle. Skirmishing a good portion of the time, Mr. Harrison had forgotten the large number of them, but of the battles, he participated in many, of which the following is a partial list: He fought before Vicksburg and at Arkansas Post; also at Champion Hill and Richmond, Kentucky; he participated in the conflict at Chickasaw Bluff and Bayou and did valiant service at Mansfield, Louisiana, where, with others, he was taken captive and consigned to the prison at Tyler, Texas, learning for thirteen months what were the ins and outs of a war prison. Being exchanged he was at once in the service again and continued there until the 13th of June, 1865, when he was honorably discharged and returned to the quieter pursuits of agriculture in the home place in Indiana. He remained in that place and occupation until 1886 and then gathered his substance together and came to the west and located near his present home. Later he acquired the quarter section upon which he lives now, six miles northwest from North Powder and there he has built himself and family a good home. Mr. Harrison, has demonstrated in peace as in war that he is able to fight the battles that come before the pilgrim in this world, and success has attended is efforts, and he is as highly respected and esteemed by his fellows as he was brave and intrepid in the conflicts of war.

Mr. Harrison and Miss Ellen, daughter of Joseph and Rhoda Roach, of Orange county, Indiana, were married on April 13, 1866, and to this worthy couple have been born ten children: Charles A., married to Mary Reynolds and living near North Powder; Joseph C.; Clara E., wife of Edward Carnes, near North Powder; Rhoda J., wife of Henry Locken, near Haines, Baker county; Matilda A., now Mrs. Mathew Simonis, near North Powder; George T., married to Josephine Simonis; Christopher I., married to Marguerette Gilkison; Bennet and Benton, twins; Mary M. Mr. Harrison is one of the most highly respected and substantial citizens of the county, and has always been found on the side of good government, and is an ardent advocate of sound principles, being a man of fine capabilities and unswerving integrity.