William Harrison (Canadian politician) explained

William Harrison
Spouse:	Christina Harrison (née Whelpton)
Birth Date:	May 10, 1834
Death Date:	March 2, 1922
Resting Place:	Richmond Hill Presbyterian cemetery

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]

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.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Business on the Hill. Robert M. Stamp. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library. 1991. Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930.
2. Web site: The First Village Council. Robert M. Stamp. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library. 1991. Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930.
3. Web site: Harrison. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library.
4. Web site: Who Was Who in the 1873 Municipal Elections. Robert M. Stamp. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library. 1991. Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930.
5. Web site: Appendix B. Occupations*. Robert M. Stamp. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library. 1991. Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930.
6. Web site: Appendix F. Community Organizations. Robert M. Stamp. Town of Richmond Hill Public Library. 1991. Early Days in Richmond Hill - A History of the Community to 1930.