The John S. Harrison Family was first recorded in the 1880 Federal Census of Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, page 314A, enumerated on the 1st of June:The family of John S. Harrison and Ruth Lillian Young, (son of Dr. Bazel Harrison, Jr.). This photo was taken in about 1910. Front row from left to right: Clarence Harrison, John S. Harrison, Lillian or "Lilla", Alma (Harrison) Bingham, and Bert Harrison. Back row from left to right: Alta (Harrison) Koon, Walter Harrison, Ernest Harrison, and George Harrison. Photo contributed by Marie Mackey.
#3 3 Harrison, John S. 27 Farmer Michigan Virginia OhioDuring the next 20 years John and Lillian added several children to the family. From the 1900 Federal Census of Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, ED# 131, sheet 3A, enumerated on the 5th and 6th of June, their household listed (both John and Lillie stated that they had been married for 25 years; Lillie stated that she had given birth to 8 children, 7 of whom were still living):
Lillie R. 22 Wife Keeping house Michigan Michigan Conn
Clarence 3 Son Michigan Mich Mich
Walter 2 Son Michigan Mich Mich
Leverich, Lizzie 14 Servant Servant Michigan Mich Penna
#58 58 Harrison, John Head Sept 1852 47 Mich Ohio Ohio FarmerIn the 1910 Federal Census of Schoolcraft Township, Precinct 2, Kalamazoo County, Michigan ED# 163, sheet 10B, enumerated on the 1st of May, their household listed (John and "Ruth L." both stated that they had been married for 35 years; Ruth stated that she had given birth to 8 children, 7 of whom were still living):
Lillie L. Wife Oct 1856 43 Mich New York New York
Clarence Son Aug 1876 23 Mich Day Laborer
Walter Son Apr 1878 22 Mich Day Laborer
Earnest Son June 1881 18 Mich Day Laborer
Alta Daughter Aug 1884 15 "
Bertie Son Apr 1885 14 "
Almira Daughter Feb 1881 12 "
George Son Oct 1891 8 "
#302 304 Harrison, John S. Head 56 Michigan United States United States Farmer General FarmIn the 1920 Federal Census of Schoolcraft Township West, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, ED# 192, sheet 9A, enumerated on the 6th and 7th of January, their household listed:
Ruth L. Wife 52 Michigan New York New York none
Earnest J. Son 27 Michigan Farmer Working Out
Bertie D. Son 25 Michigan Farmer Working Out
Elmira E. Daughter 22 Michigan Teacher Public School
George Son 18 Michigan Farmer Home Farm
#9 9 Harrison, John S. Head 67 Michigan Ohio Ohio noneAfter John's death in 1922, Lillian was recorded for the last time in the 1930 Federal Census of Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, ED# 57, sheet 3A, enumerated on 18 April (Walter, Clarence and Lillian all gave their marital status as "married"):
Lillian L. Wife 63 Michigan US US none
#71 71 Harrison, Walter Head 52 Michigan Farmer farming
Clarence Brother 53 Michigan Farmer Crippled
Lillian R. Mother 73 Michigan none
(13.10.6.1) Clarence Bazel Harrison, was born on 29 August 1876 (according to his WW I Draft Registration Card, Kalamazoo County, Michigan), in Prairie Ronde Township, Michigan and died in March 1938. Clarence married Florence Bennett in about 1902, their 1910 household in Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, ED# 165, sheet 4B, enumerated on the 26th of April, listed (Clarence and Florence both stated that they had been married for 8 years; Florence also stated that she had given birth to 2 living children):The children of John S. Harrison and Lillian Young were:
#96 98 Harrison, Clarence Head 33 Michigan LaborerI did not locate the family in the 1920 census--Clarence was living with his mother and brother Walter, in the 1930 census of Schoolcraft Township.
Florence Wife 28 Michigan none
Clifford Son 7 Michigan
Walter Son 5 Michigan
He is buried in Schoolcraft Cemetery. His obituary below is taken from the “Schoolcraft Express” dated 10 March 1938:
“Clarence Harrison-age 61. Died at home of Sister Mrs. Floyd Koon of stroke. Born in Prairie Ronde son of John Harrison, great gr. son of Bazil Harrison. Surv. By two sons, Clifford of Branch & Walter of Bangor, 3 gr. ch. 2 Sis. Mrs. Koon & Mrs. Wallace Bingham, 3 Bro. Ernest, George, & Bert. Rev. Everitt Cooley, burial Schoolcraft Cemetery.”Clarence and Florence had two sons:
(13.10.6.1.1) Clifford Leroy Harrison, obituary from Schoolcraft Express, dated 16 December 1943, submitted by Jan Getz:(13.10.6.2) Walter C. Harrison, was born in April 1879, in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and died in 1936. He is buried in Schoolcraft Cemetery. He married Ida May Young or Youngs in about 1906, she was born in 1865 in New York and died in 1925. She is also buried in Schoolcraft Cemetery. I did locate Walter and Ida in the 1910 Federal Census of Melville Township, Foster County, North Dakota, ED# 80, sheet 3A, enumerated on the 22nd and 23rd of April (Walter and Ida both stated that they had been married for 4 years; Ida stated that she had given birth to 7 living children and that this was her 2nd marriage):"CLIFFORD LEROY HARRISON, born Schoolcraft Jan 17, 1903, died Dec 5, 1943. Son of Clarence & Florence Harrison, wife mother, 1 bro. Walter Harrison of Paw Paw, Mrs. Florence Atwood of Branch, came to Branch 11 yrs ago."(13.10.6.1.2) Walter Harrisonwas born on 7 November 1904 and died on 22 September 1986. On 27 June 1930 Walter married Mildred F. Shultz. Mildred died on 27 April 1976. He served in the Army from 1926 to 1929 (his obituary).
#39 40 Harrison, Walter Head 33 Michigan Michigan Michigan Farmer Genl FarmAfter Ida's death in 1925, he was listed as the head of the 1930 household in Schoolcraft Township (shown above).
Ida Wife 43 New York State New York State New York State
Youngs, Daisy Step Daughter 11 North Dak Michigan New York State
Luna Step Daughter 20 North Dak Michigan New York State Laborer Housework
Walter C. Harrison's obituary was taken from the “Schoolcraft Express” dated 27 February 1936:
“Walter C. Harrison-son of John & Lillian (Young) Harrison. Born 1876 died Bronson Hospital Feb. 26, 1936. When young he went to Carrington, N. Dakota. Married 1905 to Miss Ida Young. No Ch. Resided 20 yrs. then returned to Schoolcraft. Then made home with Mother, she died 2 yrs. ago. Surv. By 4 bros., 2 sis. Clarence, Ernest, Bert, George, Mrs. Alta Koon and Mrs. Alma Bingham. Burial Schoolcraft Cemetery, besides his wife.”From the Kalamazoo Gazette (date unknown), the following article about the suicide of Walter C. Harrison. Although the exact details differ from the above obituary in the “Schoolcraft Express”, it is probable that this is the same Walter C. Harrison:
SCHOOLCRAFT MAN(13.10.6.3) Ernest J. Harrison, was born in June 1881 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and died in 1952. He married Ethel M. Barnes, she was born on 31 July 1894, the daughter of John and Irene Barnes, and died in October 1995. They are both buried in Schoolcraft Cemetery. She and her husband Ernest farmed in the Kalamazoo area and raised 2,000 chickens each year. They had eleven children. Ethel celebrated her 100th birthday in 1994. From the "Schoolcraft Express" an abstract of his obituary dated 2 October 1952:
COMMITS SUICIDE
_____Walter C. Harrison, 47,
Uses Shotgun; Dies in Hospital Here.
_____“Walter C. Harrison, 47, living on a farm three miles west of Burson’s Corners, near Schoolcraft, ended his life by suicide Sunday. Harrison shot himself in the abdomen with a .12 gauge shotgun at 8:30 Sunday morning. He died in Bronson Hospital at 8 Sunday evening. Dr. Ralph Cook, Kalamazoo, was the corner called to investigate the case after the death. Sheriffs officers who investigated the suicide reported Harrison had been despondent for some time, especially since the death of his mother a year ago. He made is home with his brother, Clarence B. Harrison, a Schoolcraft farmer. Harrison was a great-grandson of Judge Bazil Harrison, one of the first settlers of Kalamazoo County. He returned about 11 years ago from North Dakota where he resided for 30 years. His wife died in the West.”
Ernest and Ethel (Barnes) Harrison, photo submitted by Maryjo Harrison.
"Ernest J. Harrison of Vicksburg, died Sept. 21. Born June 8, 1881 in Prairie Ronde, son of John and Lillian Harrison. Surv. by wife Ethel, 5 dau. Mrs. Carmeletta Bundy of Marcellus, Mrs. Lillian Bowers of Mason, Mich., Mrs. Esther Peacock of Paw Paw, Mrs. Gertrude Bower of Vicksburg, and Alta Harrison at home, 4 sons, Max of Doster, Mich., Roy of Vicksburg, John of Schoolcraft, Lyle stationed in Germany with U.S. Army. Mrs. Alma Bingham of Texas Corners, & Mrs. Alta Koon of Schoolcraft [sisters], 24 gr. ch. Funeral Sept. 25 at Rupert Funeral Home in Vicksburg, burial Schoolcraft Cemetery."The obituary of Ethel M. (Barnes) Harrison was submitted by Jan Getz, from the Kalamazoo Gazette dated 4 October 1995:
HARRISON, Ethel M.
Tender Care Nursing Home
Oshtemo, MI"Ethel was born July 31, 1894 in Potterville, MI to John and Susan (Baxter) Barnes. Ethel loved to crochet and cook. She belonged to the Rebekkah Lodge in Schoolcraft where she was a lifetime member. Ethel worked at Borgess Hospital in housekeeping until she was 72 years old. She helped to run concession stands at fairs around southwestern Michigan for over 30 years; she even ran a concession stand at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. On August 6, 1912 she married Ernest Harrison and they had eleven children, seven of whom are still living; Carmeletta Bundy of Dowagiac, Lillian Bowser of Portage, Esther Peacock of Paw Paw, John (Barbara) Harrison, Gertrude (Bill) Bower, all of Florida, Lyle (Katie) Harrison of Vicksburg, and Alta Horn of Kalamazoo. Ernest preceded her in death on September 20, 1952. Other members of Ethel's family include two daughters-in-law, Alice Harrison of Portage and Helen Harrison of Otsego; 36 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 40 great-great grandchildren; 12 great-great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews great and great-great. Also preceding her in death were a baby daughter June; two sons, Roy and Max; 3 sisters and 1 brother. Ethel died Monday afternoon, October 2, 1995 at Tender Care Nursing Home in Oshtemo. Friends may spend time with the family today from 5-9 at Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Funeral Home, Vicksburg Chapel where Celebration of life Services will be held on Thursday at 1 PM. Interment will follow in Schoolcraft cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Vicksburg Foundation or South County E.M.S."
(13.10.6.4) Alta M. Harrison, was born in August 1884 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and died in 1973. She married Floyd D. Koon
.
Floyd was born in 1883 and died in 1952. They are both buried in
Schoolcraft
Cemetery. In the 1920 Federal Census of Schoolcraft Township,
Kalamazoo, Michigan, Floyd and Alta were living on Pine St., with sons
Gerald A., age 13, and Edwin D., age 10. In 1930, Alta and Floyd
were living on Cherry St., Gerald was not living at home, Edwin was now
20 and they had added another son Virgil, age 7. Their three known
sons were:
(13.10.6.4.1) Gerald A. "Jerry" Koon, was born on 6 November 1906 and died in 1954 (his obituary). Jerry was married and living on Cherry St., in Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, ED# 55, sheet 3A in 1930. He may have spent some time out west, he and his wife Mariam, had one daughter, Nona, age 2 years, whose birthplace was listed as California.(13.10.6.4.2) Edwin Koon, was born on 25 November 1909, Edwin died in 1965, his obituary contributed by Jan Getz:
Obituary from Schoolcraft Express
dated 11 February 1965:"EDWIN D. KOON, native of Schoolcraft, died at his home 3265 Belfast, in Flint, Mich., Monday Feb. 8, 1965, at 55. Born in Schoolcraft Nov. 25, 1909, son of Floyd Koon & Alta Koon. He was employed by Grandtrunk R.R. Surv. are his wife Dorothy, his Mother Mrs. Alta Koon of Schoolcraft, Nieces & nephews. Service was held at the Reigle Funeral Home in Flint, Wed. evening & in Schoolcraft Thursday P.M., with Rev Stillison officiating, burial Paw Paw, St. Marys Cemetery."
(13.10.6.4.3) Virgil Koon, was born in about 1923 in Michigan (he is not mentioned in either of his brothers obituaries).
(13.10.6.5) Bert D. "Bertie" Harrison, was born in April 1887 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and died in 1948. He is buried in Schoolcraft Cemetery. In the 1920 Federal Census of Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, ED# 192, sheet 8A, Bert was living with his family on South St., enumerated on the 16th and 17th of January. His household listed:
#225 227 Harrison, Bert Head 33 m Michigan laborer dayThey apparently were divorced after about 1922, Ellen was remarried and enumerated in the 1930 Federal Census of White Pigeon, St. Joseph County, Michigan, ED# 29, sheet 7A, recorded on the 21st of April (the last name is difficult to make out, however there is a marriage for Ellen Harrison and Nelson Milliman listed on the St. Joseph County website in Book H, page 268; Book H recorded marriages between 1910 and 1925):
Ellen B. Wife 28 f Michigan none
Ruth L. Daughter 6 f Michigan
Rex H. Son 5/12 m Michigan
#177 181 Milliman, Nelson H. Head 38 Michigan Paper maker Paper MillI did not locate Bert in the 1930 census. His children were:
Ellen B. Wife 37 Michigan none
Harrison, Ruth L. Step Daughter 17 Michigan none
Rex H. Step Son 14 Michigan none
Elizabeth A. Step Daughter 10 Michigan none
Beatrice M. Step Daughter 8 Michigan none
(13.10.6.5.1) Ruth L. Harrison, was born in about 1913 in Michigan.
(13.10.6.5.2) Rex H. Harrison, was born in about 1919 in Michigan.
(13.10.6.5.3) Elizabeth A. Harrison, was born in about 1920 in Michigan.
(13.10.6.5.4) Beatrice M. Harrison, was born in about 1922 in Michigan.
Photo contributed by Mike and Kim Wolbers
(13.10.6.6) Almira E. Harrison, was born in February 1888 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and died in May 1972 (Alma's obituary). Alma married Wallace T. Bingham in 1918, Wallace born on 29 October 1885, the son of Frances and Susan Bingham.
In the 1920 Federal Census of Texas Township, Kalamazoo
County, Michigan, ED# 194, sheet 8B, enumerated on the
24th of January, their household listed:
#152 158 Bingham, Wallace Head 34 Michigan Farmer General FarmIn the 1930 Federal Census of Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, ED# 58, sheet 6A, enumerated on the 16th of April, their household listed:
Alma Wife 30 Michigan none
Betty Daughter 1 Michigan none
Doris Daughter 9/12 Michigan none
#133 134 Bingham, Wallace T. Head 44 Michigan Farmer Stock FarmWallace T. Bingham's obituary appeared in the Schoolcraft Express, dated 9 February 1961:
Alma E. Wife 41 Michigan none
Flora E. daughter 11 Michigan none
Doris I. daughter 10 Michigan none
Shirley M. daughter 9 Michigan none
Frances T. son 7 Michigan none
Charles C. son 6 Michigan none
Margaret E. daughter 4 Michigan none
"Wallace T. Bingham - died Thursday Feb. 2, (1961) at Ocala, Fla. born Oct. 29, 1885 in Richland, Mich. son of Frances & Susan Bingham, moved to Schoolcraft area over 40 years ago. Member of Texas Corners Congregational Church, Kalamazoo Co. Farm Bureau, member of board of directors of Midwest Mutual Ins. Co., Kalamazoo Farmers Branch."The children of Wallace T. Bingham and Alma E. Harrison:
(13.10.6.6.1) Flora E. Bingham.Alma and Wallace Bingham are both buried in Schoolcraft Cemetery.(13.10.6.6.1) Doris I. Bingham.
(13.10.6.6.1) Shirley M. Bingham.
(13.10.6.6.1) Frances T. Bingham.
(13.10.6.6.1) Charles C. Bingham
(13.10.6.6.1) Margaret E. Bingham.
(13.10.6.7) George Harrison, was born on 16 October 1892, in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. His obituary below submitted by Jan Getz:
Obit from Schoolcraft ExpressThe 1920 Federal Census of Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, listed George, age 28, occupation "farmer", wife Wave, age 22, and a daughter Beatrice, age 2.
4 December 1941"GEORGE FREEMAN HARRISON 49, at the Frank Hanner Home, son of John S. Harrison & Ruth Lillian Youngs Harrison. Born Prairie Ronde Oct. 16, 1892. Married Wave Hanner, Dec. 1, 1916, 26 yrs ago. Leaves widow, a dau Mrs. [Beatrice] Lyle Pierce Smith Chapel Buried Texas Cem."
(13.10.6.8) Infant, who died young.
