Wesley James Harrison (1896 - 1970)

Born 17 Mar 1896 in Douglas, Missouri, United States

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 22 Nov 1970 at age 74 in Springfield, Greene, Missouri, United States

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Biography

Wesley James Harrison was born 17 March 1896, the son of Turner Goodall Harrison and Mary Elizabeth (Hammer) Harrison. He was born at home north of Dora, Missouri just over the line in Douglas County.

Wesley's brothers and sisters were: Etta (1881-1966)(m. Seth V. Conrad), Esta (1881-1973)(never married), Huby W. (1890-1975)(m. Mabel E. Williams), Roscoe (1891-1910)(never married), and Susie (1893-1923)(m. Earl Syferd)

"Wes" was a prosperous farmer as was his father. Their farm north of Dora was not very productive. In 1913, the Harrisons traded their place north of Dora for a better farm on Fox Creek. Wes finished his schooling at Denlow High School.

Wes was a big man, about 6' tall and 200 pounds. He had blue eyes, dark brown hair, and was dark complected, perhaps partly due to working in the sun. He was a congenial, gentle man, honest and very well liked. He was a Democrat but politics did not interfere with his friendship with his Republican neighbors.

Wes hunted a little and liked to fish, especially in his later years. He liked traditional country music as was played on the Grand Ole Opry in the 1930's and 40's. He could jig dance when he was younger and teased his wife by doing so.

On 8 October 1916, Wesley James Harrison and Cleta Susan Lemons were married by Rev. Jake R. Luttrell at Lutterell's house east of Denlow. Wes and Cleta belonged to the General Baptist Church at Denlow. They took their christianity seriously. Cleta was the organist (a pump organ) for many years.

Wes bought the home place by Falling Springs from his father. It was one of the best farms in the area. Wes and Cleata were hard workers and good managers. They did well. In 1941, Wes sold the home place to his brother, Huby and bought another place up Fox Creek by Glendale School /Church.

Wes and Cleta ran a general farm. They raised beef cattle, hogs, sheep (at one time), chickens, turkeys, and milked cows. Crops were corn, wheat, oats, and hay. Wes used horses until after World War II; although, he also used a tractor from the middle 30's on.

Wes and Cleta sold their farm to their older son, Roy, and moved to Mountain Grove in 1961, where they lived the rest of their lives. They continued to raise a big garden.

Wes passed away due to a heart attack on 22 November 1970 in Saint John's Hospital in Springfield. He is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove. Wes and Cleta have a double stone in the south central area of the cemetery.

Sources

• Barker, Noble. A Brief Sketch of Wesley James Harrison. Dora, MO: Unpublished, 1996