Owen W. Harrison was the youngest
son of John Strange Harrison and Mariah Louisa Baker.
Below is the obituary of Owen W. Harrison from the Schoolcraft Express dated January 2, 1936:
"Death Claims Kin of County’s First White Pioneer Settler - Owen W. Harrison, 67, grandson of Judge Basil Harrison, Kalamazoo county’s first white settler, died Tuesday, December 31, (1935) at the farm home in Prairie Ronde where he was born, after a short illness with pneumonia. Judge Basil Harrison, who first came to Michigan in 1828, and located in the county near where the city of Kalamazoo now stands, was immortalized in James Fenimore Cooper’s “Oak Openings,” as the “bee hunter.” Owen W. Harrison was born on October 7, 1868 in Prairie Ronde, on the old homestead where Judge Bazil Harrison, the first white settler of Kalamazoo county, located in 1828. He was the youngest son of John S. and Louisa Harrison. On December 20, 1893, he was married to Miss Ida F. Shirley, of Texas Township and for two years they lived just west of Texas corners where their son Clark was born and died in infancy. They then moved back to the old home and he has since resided there. On December 18, 1907, the sad and unfortunate accident befell them of their son Paul, 11 years old, drowning which brought deep sadness to their home for many years. But another son Clare, came to bless their home on January 16, 1909. On June 4, 1930, his wife died and his son and wife lived with him until the 7th of May, 1932, when he was married to Iva V. Woodley, of Greenville, Mich. In Poor health for the past year, he has persevered with his farming, aided by his willing wife help in in every way, and in sickness a capable nurse. Owen was a good neighbor, always ready to share his hospitality with everyone, also to aid in sickness and in need. He always enjoyed the pleasant gatherings of his old associates and friends. He was preceded in death by only 23 days by his brother William. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Iva, one son, Clare of Texas Township, two grandchildren, one sister Mrs. Emma Longwell, a stepson, Claude Woodley of Lansing, several nephews, nieces and other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services will be held from the home on Friday at 2:00 p.m., the Rev. Yinger of the Three Rivers M.E. Church officiating, with burial given in the Harrison cemetery. Arrangements are being made by the Smith Chapel."
This web page is authored by Scott Duncan. All information listed without a reference should be verified.
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