SUDDEN DEATH OF JAS. F. HARRISON OUR GREAT LOSS

All Of His Busy Life Was Devoted To This Community

James F. Harrison, life long resident of Leaf River and immediate vicinity, postmaster for the past thirty years, and local editor of the Leaf River Mirror, died at the Rockford City Hospital at 9 o'clock Wedneday morning.

Mr. Harrison has been in poor health for the past month, and a patient at the hospital for two weeks. He submitted to two operations, the final one a very serious one on Monday morning. For a time he appeared to be rallying from the operation very nicely, but during Tuesday night there was a decided change for the worse.

James F. Harrison was born at Lightsville on January 11, 1857. He was the son of John and Catherine Gerrick Harrison. His education completed, he engaged as teacher in Ogle County schools for twenty years. Over thirty years ago he was appointed Postmaster at Leaf River and from that time until his death he continued in this position and served faithfully and well. About the same time he was elected Clerk of Leaf River Township and to this position he was re-elected every four years until a few years ago when a ruling of the Post Office Department made it impossible for him to hold the office and continue as Postmaster. He also served as local editor of the Leaf River Mirror since its purchase by the present owners, as well as correspondent for other papers in the county and the Rockford dailies.

In 1880 he married Miss Mary E. Helman at Forreston. To them three children were born, Mrs. David N. Berg of Rockford, who has been in charge of his affairs since his illness; Charles L., of San Fernando, California; and Shelby M. of New York City, Vice General Director of the Russell Sage Foundation, who has been with his father since last week. These, with a sister, Mrs. Hamilton Little of Rockford, and two grandchildren, James and Roger Harrison of New York survive him.

Mr. Harrison was a member of the United Brethren Church. He had been a member of Leaf River Camp No. 90 of the Modern Woodman and had served as its clerk for many years. It was largely due to his efforts that the camp continued so active. He was also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, having his membership at Mt. Morris.

Politcally he was a staunch Republican and was active in party circles...(the rest is cut off)

Leaf River Mirror, November 11, 1927

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