General Richard Harrison
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1821-1876) One of a trio of brothers--great grand-nephews of U.S. president WM. Henry Harrison--who all gained rank of general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Richard Harrison was a physician and statesman prior to Army service. Won his general's commission in Jan. 1865 in Mississippi. Moved to Texas, 1866, settling near older brother, Gen. Jas. E., and younger brother, Gen. Thos. Harrison. Practiced medicine, farmed, helped rebuild Texas economy, was a church leader. A trustee of Waco University, a forebear of Baylor University.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Richard Harrison was one of three brothers — great-grand-nephews of President William Henry Harrison — who each rose to the rank of general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. A physician and statesman before his service, he won his commission in Mississippi in 1865, then moved to Texas in 1866 to join his brothers near Waco. There he practiced medicine, farmed, helped rebuild the shattered postwar economy, and served as a trustee of Waco University, a forebear of Baylor.
Why it matters
His life bridges the Confederacy's collapse and the difficult work of rebuilding Texas, showing how former officers turned to medicine, farming, and education in the Reconstruction years.
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Related people
- · Richard Harrison
- · James E. Harrison
- · Thomas Harrison
- · William Henry Harrison
Themes & tags
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