| Notes |
- From: INDIANA AND INDIANANS A HISTORY OF ABORIGINAL AND TERRITORIAL INDIANA AND THE CENTURY OF STATEHOOD 1919. Available from Google Books
ALFRED HARRISON was one of the earliest merchants of Indianapolis, and as his life was prolonged until 1891 many present day citizens recall the achievements and characteristics which made him notable. He was born in Sparta, Tennessee, in 1801, of Virginia parentage. Little is known of his boyhood days, but evidently they were an index to his subsequent career. He possessed a rather superior education for men who grew up in that time and under such circumstances. Apart from the business position which he long enjoyed he moved as a man of distinction in society because of his precise and methodical habits, his immaculate dress, his Chesterfieldeau deportment. Coming to Indiana when a boy, he worked as a clerk for a Mr. Gallion at Brookville. In 1821 he came to Indianapolis, practically at the foundation of the city, and was clerk in the store of John Conner. Later he engaged in merchandising for himself, his store being at what is now the northwest corner of Washington and Meridian streets. Still later he was in the banking business. He was a true picture of the gentleman of the old school, courteous, and clung tenaciously to all old traditions and customs. The only office he ever held was that of city forester. This was an office in name only, and was probably bestowed upon him because of his great love of trees and the outdoors. He contributed much to the early landscape gardening of Indianapolis. A man who plants a tree and makes it grow is entitled to the lasting gratitude of mankind, and Alfred Harrison on his own initiative and through the temporary vitality he gave to his office planted trees everywhere about the small town of Indianapolis. In a short time the small fund allotted for the purpose was exhausted, and it is said that he was removed from office because of this extravagance. Many of the trees planted by his hands are still standing and have furnished shade for two generations of Indianapolis citizens. Alfred Harrison has been described as almost painful in his neatness. He was a handsome man, his physical attractiveness being enhanced by an immaculate dress. It is related how a lady once appeared at his door, rang the bell, and when answered by the owner said "Mr. Harrison, in passing I saw a leaf upon your lawn." This may be an exaggeration but it was one of many such stories that grew up around this quaint and interesting personality. The fact to remember is that these eccentricities were only the minor features of a really big, strong and kindly character. Alfred Harrison married Caroline Hanson. They had a large family of children. His son James Henry Harrison is now survived by two sons, Edward H. and Hugh H. Harrison. There are also numerous other grandchildren.
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1802 - 1891 (88 years)
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