William M. Harrison, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
William M. Harrison
OBITUARY.
The following sketch of the life of M. Harrison has been communicated by a friend, and obviates the occasion for any further notice from us:
DIED -- at his residence in Valparaiso, on July 11, 1850, of Pulmonary Consumption, Hon. WILLIAM M. HARRISON, aged 27 years, 7 months and 23 days.
Mr. Harrison made his appearance when but a striping, and commenced publishing our village paper, called the Western Ranger, in the year 1843. In 1849 he sold out his entire interest in the conern to Hon. Wm. C. Talcott, his partner, who is now sole proprietor of the paper, the Practical Observer.
Mr. Harrison was proverbially an honest man, and during his editorial career, as well as in after life, was very decided and thorough in his politics, which were Democratic. Yet by his manly deportment toward his political opponents, he deservedly had the name among all parties of being honest, candid and fair in the propagation of his political principles. He endeared himself by his urbanity or manners to all who knew him, insomuch that at the early age of 25, in the year 1850, he was elevated to a seat in the State Legislature from the district composed of the counties of Porter and Lake, which station he filled with so much honor to himself and satisfaction to his constiuents that he was re-elected by the county of Porter in 1851. Considering his feeble health, no member of the Lower House was more industrious, and for one so young in years, non acted more efficiently, or exerted a greater influence, than did Mr. Harrison.
For many years, Mr. Harrison had labored under a disease of the lungs, and during the last term of his service in the legislature he grew so feeble that he was compelled to quit his seat and return home in the latter part of February, and in the month of April resigned his seat. During the months of May and June he occasion all had some hope, and at times rather flattering of returning health, and was preparing to move to the south. He continued in this situation of alternate hope and fear until the 3d of July, when he suddenly grew worse and rapidly declined until death ended his earthly sorrows. His funeral took place on Tuesday, July 13, with the rites and ceremonies of Odd Fellowship, and attended by a large concourse of citizens. An appropriate and eloquent funeral sermon was preached on the occasion by Rev. James C. Brown.
Thus has ended the earthly pilgrimage of one whom all conceded to be the noblest work of God, an honest man. Thus early has fallen one who bid fair, had life and health been spared him, to become one of the first men of our country. An aged and heart-broken mother has been deprived of a dutiful and hopeful son; and affectionate wife has been deprived of a doting husband; an infant child of a kind and tender parent, and society of one if its brightest ornaments. He leaves an only brother, who resides in the state of Texas.
At a meeting of the Odd-Fellows of Chequeuk Lodge, No. 56, I. O. O. F., Valparaiso, Indiana, the following preable and resolutions were adopted:
Whereas it has pleased Divine Providence to remove from among us our well beloved brother, WM. M. HARRISON, -- whose warm heart that throbbed for others' woes has endeared his name with love in our memory as one who was kind as a son, affectionate as a husband, generous to his neighbor, and dutiful to his country:
Resolved, That we deeply deplore his loss as a Brother, and as a citizen of rare talent and worth.
Resolved, That we tender to Brother Harrison's family and friends our heart-felt sympathies in this their bereavement.
Resolved, That in token of our affliction we will wear the badge of mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That a copy hereof be presented to the family of our deceased brother, and that one also be furnished the Practical Observer for publication.
[Note: The death year of 1850 should read 1852 and was apparently misprinted in this obituary.]
Newspaper: Practical Observer
Date of Publication: July 19, 1852
Volume Number: 3
Issue Number: 51
Page: 2
Column(s): 5
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook