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Important! |
Searching
for Harrisville's History |
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Harrisville's
Heritage Booklet |
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There are many stories, occurrences,
experiences, and accounts that make up Harrisville's history.
There are many childhood memories that can describe the values
that our community holds; men that joined the military to serve
our country and to fight for our freedom; husbands, sons, and
brothers that worked in the mines to help bring prosperity to
our families and community; farmers that worked the land to help
feed our families and country; workers that helped pave the highways
and growth to our community; businesses that brought growth;
and many more.
But where are these stories to
share with our upcoming families and generations????? Do you
have stories and memories that you would like to share with future
generations?
If so, please pass them on to
me and I will be glad to add them to the booklet. You can do
so by sending them by email
or by sending them to:
Nancy J. Cullen
P.O. Box 43
Harrisville, OH 43974
Please take some time to do this.
Your family will cheerish it for years to come! |
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Harrisvillle holds many stories
that reveal the history of our heritage. Heritage that plays
part in the United States
history and the growth of our country. We have had men that fought
in the wars and lost lives for our country. Men that worked in
the coal mines and lost their lives in explosions trying to feed
and cloth their families. Many of these stories have only been
passed down through generations through story and memory form
only. Written documentation is scare and barely found of the
actual events of our special community.
However, below is an actual documented
account that was journalized by John Morris, Harrisville town
resident. This documentation is of the actual experience of "The
Morgan Raid Account in Harrisville" during the battle of
the Civil War.
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The Account of
Morgan's Raid in Harrisville
July 25,
1863 |
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Experience of Milton
M. Morris and his brother Samuel Morris
as written in a personal journal kept by John Morris |
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Rumors were numerous that General
Morgan and his army would pass through Harrisville. One day common
fire was heard and it seemed to be in toward New Athens, Ohio.
One evening about dusk, he and his army came marching into town,
as General Shackleford was pressing him closely. Most women and
children went to the Dan Wharton log cabin north east of town,
now known as the John Lewis land and close to the Roach woods.
People were under the impression that all would be killed. John
Morris, father of Milton stayed at home. The Morris family all
went to the old cabin. Sarah Morris carried an old yellow cat
and was crying, and said that Morgan would not get to kill her
cat. This cabin was crowded with people, mostly women and children.
Some were down on their knees praying, some crying. And the children,
some did not realize the circumstances. After most people left
town, John Morris went straight up in town where Morgan stopped.
As John talked to him, Morgan said he really did not want to
fight and lose men, but desired to get back to their line of
defense. But Morgan's men stole quite a bunch of horses, and
took 20 good horses from the John Hill barn and other places.
Later years the government paid for all taken. Only a few women
stayed in town. Mrs. Rachel Drumond was down on her knees praying
to the highest pitch of her voice as the soldiers passed on and
many soldiers yelled at her and said "Pray on sister…Pray
on". In fact no one was molested in any way. There were
quite a bunch of these soldiers and run down horses and equipment.
Yes, they were half starved but that is war in any bodys country.
Jasnok Watson was the banker here and he took all the money and
went to the basement, took up a line of brick and deposited his
earnings there until the trouble passed. John Beck, a resident
of Harrisville, wanted to fire his rifle at the enemies from
an upstairs window. He was stopped by a neighbor just in time
for this may of caused many deaths. Some people buried their
treasures in manure droppings back of old stables. Samuel Morris
did not go to the Dan Wharton cabin, as he was a few years older
than Milton and was left behind. The enemies took him to the
farm ½ mile outside of Harrisville, now know as the old
Tom Dickerson farm. Samuel just being a big overgrown boy told
them he knew where there were some nice horses. They took several
from this farm and made Samuel put a harness on one team. They
then released him and told him to go back to town unharmed. Morgan
hung around only a few hours. Then some time before morning,
in came General Shackelford, and oh what a time! Tables were
set along the streets. Baskets filled, boxes and various containers
filled with fruits, meats, bread, cakes and whatever people had.
This bunch of men were also starved. By this time people had
heard of the entering of Shackleford's men and of course came
back home. Many were very shy in entering town. And within a
few hours Shackleford and his men were on their way. |
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