The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Liberty Township, pages 640-641
John Harrison, merchant, Clayton, Ind., is a native of Knox County, Ky., born Oct. 30, 1830. He was the eldest of seven children of Thomas and Nancy (Bryan) Harrison, his father a native of North Carolina and his mother of Tennessee. In December, 1832, Thomas Harrison moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and located on a tract of heavily timbered land in Liberty Township, where he lived till his death in 1846. His wife still lives on the old homestead, aged seventy-eight years. She was hurt while milking a cow sixteen years ago, and is still lame from its effects, but with this exception has good health. Of their children two daughters and our subject are the only ones living. John Harrison was but two years of age when his parents moved to Hendricks County. He was reared on his father's farm and in his boyhood attended the district schools. On reaching manhood he engaged in dealing in live stock, and although having but limited means he was successful, and by 1867 had acquired sufficient means to buy the store and stock of goods of J.R. Ballard. He was associated with A.N. Clark, under the firm name of Clark & Harrison, four years. He then bought Mr. Clark's interest and conducted the business alone till 1880, when he sold a half interest to his former partner and the firm has since been Clark & Harrison. They carry a full line of general merchandise and have one of the best stores in the county. Their store, which was erected by Mr. Harrison in 1874, is a two-story frame building, 22 x 60 feet in size, the upper floor used as a Masonic Hall. Mr. Harrison has built two residences in Clayton, the last, in which he lives, being a model of taste and convenience. He was married in 1862 to Margaret E. Clark, a native of Putnam County, Ind., a sister of A.N. Clark. They have had two children, but one of whom--Katie M., is living. Mr. Harrison is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Clayton Lodge, No. 463. He and his wife are daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.