Miami Union - Covington Items
September 23, 1897

                                               Dr. John Harrison

   "There is a Reaper  whose name is Death,
             And with his sickle keen
   He reaps the bearded grain at a breath."

Our community was startled Thursday morning by the announcement of the death of Dr. John Harrison, one of our oldest citizens. Dr. Harrison was born near Centerville, Montgomery County, O., died Thursday morning, September 16, 1897, aged 76 yr., 5 mo., 25 da. In 1841 he began to read medicine. In 1843 his father, Isaac Harrison died, leaving him dependent upon his own resources. Unaided, he pressed onward and upward, and in 1844 graduated at the Ohio Medical College. The same year he began the practice of medicine in Tippecanoe City.  In 1864 Dr. Harrison came to Covington, where he resided, continuing in active practice until his death. Since residing in Covington, Dr. Harrison has been associated in business pursuits, thus contributing largely to the material growth of the village. January 19th, 1847, he was married to Miss Huldah M. Dunham, of Piqua. This union was blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters. In early life, Dr. Harrison identified himself with the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in later years he transferred his membership to the Christian church. In both he was ever a devoted, earnest, and exemplary member. In his death, the church loses a sincere, true, honest, conscientious and faithful member, "A just man made perfect in death." This community, in which he has lived his long and useful life, and the many friends to whom he had endeared himself, will sadly miss his presence. A loving sister, the last of a family of ten children, the bereaved and grief-stricken widow, one son and two daughters, and several grandchildren remain to cherish the sweet memories and lovable qualities of an affectionate brother, a devoted, attentive and loving husband, a kindly, thoughtful, and tender father.

A precious one from them has gone,
A voice they love is stilled,
A place is vacant in their home,
Which never can be filled.

The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at his late residence on High Street, the order of Odd Fellows officiating, Rev. W. D. Samuel, of the Christian church, preaching the funeral discourse. Quite a number of the medical profession from Piqua and surrounding towns were present to pay their last tributes of respect to the memory of Dr. Harrison. Interment in our beautiful Highland Cemetery.