c.1716
Edward Harrison (Joseph’s grandfather) was born at Swinden, Yorkshire.
‘The founder of the family was the Rev. Edward Harrison (c.1716-1786*) who came from Swinden, a village a few miles north of Skipton where he had a small farm; in later life “too poor to retain his estate, he sold it to Mr. Hammerton of Hellifield Peel” (Memoir). It may have been his father’s house at Swinden which had been licensed on 3 October 1710, and here that the Rev. Robert Hesketh of Horton in Craven conducted services between 1710 and 1736. Edward Harrison became a preacher, preaching mainly at Horton and Winterburn…Edward Harrison’s children by his first marriage included James and Joseph.’1
[*Edward actually died in 1789 as evident from his will.]
‘Edward Harrison who was born and farmed a small estate at Swinden, a village not far from Skipton. This Edward Harrison was himself an Independent, and is indeed said to have been once, an Independent minister at Greenacre, near Manchester.’2
1. Transactions of the Congregational Historical Society, Vol 20, G. Robinson, 1970. 2. History of Independency in Skipton. W. H. Dawson.
1739 May 1
Edward Harrison (Joseph’s grandfather) married Ann Fell, Gisburn Parish.1
1. IGI.
Edward Harrison of Gaizgill & Anne Fell of Slaidburn Parish May 1.
1746 Jul 15
“The Dwellinghouse of Edward Harrison of Swinden in the said Riding was testifyed by the said Edward Harrison to be a place of Meeting for Religious worship of protestant Dissenters called presbyterians which was recorded as such at the said sessions and a certificate made therof pursuant to the Statute in that case provided.”
[Yorkshire, England, Quarter Sessions 1637 – 1914]
1749 Jun 2
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) was born at Swinden, Yorkshire.
‘He was born June 2nd, 1749, and was the son of Rev. Edward Harrison, minister of Swinden, in Craven.’1
[Other dates for his birth are 20th January, 1749 (family bible) or 30th June (own chapel register).]
1. Lancashire Nonconformity, Nightingale, 1892.
1750
Edward Harrison (Joseph’s grandfather) became minister at Greenacres, Lancashire.
‘At the recommendation of a Mr. Winterbottom of Oldham he was introduced to Greenacres, Oldham…where he became pastor in 1750…Waddington, who wrote in detail about Greenacres, tells how Edward Harrison’s wife [Ann Fell] travelled pillion on her husband’s horse as they removed to Oldham and met with an accident at an inn in Rochdale on the journey. She fractured her leg so badly that she became an invalid and died fairly soon afterwards. Edward married again and after a short pastorate at Greenacres returned to Swinden in 1753, continued on as trustee of the church at Horton, and during the twenty years’ vacancy after the departure of James Scott in 1751 conducted the services.’1
‘Rev. Edward Harrison, [was] minister of Swinden, in Craven, afterwards at Greenacres, Oldham. During Mr. Harrison’s removal to Greenacres a melancholy accident occurred which terminated fatally for Mrs. Harrison. “According to the fashion in those days,” says his biographer, “I am told that they rode on a pillion, or double saddle. On their way Mr. and Mrs. Harrison stopped at an inn in Rochdale, for the purpose of rest and refreshment. As they were about to leave the house Mrs. Harrison fell down the cellar steps and fractured a limb.” She died shortly afterwards.’2
‘The Rev. Edward Harrison, a farmer and village preacher, of Swindon [Swinden] in Craven, was the next minister. He was introduced to the Greenacres congregation by Mr. John Winterbottom, of Green Lane, a woollen manufacturer, who frequently went to Craven on business matters. Invited to preach a few sabbaths, Mr. Harrison did so, and with such acceptance that the church presented to him an invitation to the pastorate, to which he acceded. The journey on horseback from Swindon [Swinden] to Greenacres was attended with a serious accident, which eventually resulted in Mrs. Harrison’s death. Thus the new minister entered upon his duties amidst the gloom of family affliction, the discouragements of “a weak and declining” church, and with the prospect of an income “small and insufficient for the support of a minister in any tolerable degree of respectability and comfort.” Amongst those of his people who showed great kindness is named Jeremiah Fielding, of Hartshead, whose sister [Anne Fielding] attended Mrs. Harrison until her death, and afterwards married the bereaved husband. Mr. Harrison lived in a house situated in a field called the Hare Hill, at the top of Strines Fold, and after remaining about three years at Greenacres he returned to Swindon [Swinden].’3
‘Hartshead Green, said to be the original mansion-house of the hamlet, lately in the occupation of Mr. Jeremiah Fielding, deceased, who, when living, was a man of very strong and retentive memory, and much attached to religious study; he died at an advanced age. The estate is upwards of thirteen acres…’4
Edward married a third wife, Isabella Hall on 12th November, 1762 (witnesses: John Sawley & Thos Kirk), only three months after the death of his second wife Anne Fielding, on 19th August, 1762.5
1. Transactions of the Congregational Historical Society, Vol 20, G. Robinson, 1970. 2. Lancashire Nonconformity, Nightingale, 1892. 3. Ibid. 4. History and Description of the Towns and Parish of Ashton-Under-Lyne, J. Butterworth, 1823. 5. St Mary’s Cemetery, Gisburn, Yorkshire.
1770
James Harrison (Joseph’s uncle) moved to Skipton, Yorkshire.
‘James, born in Swinden, moved to Skipton where he was a weaver and in 1770 opened his home for services. Out of this grew the Independent Church, meeting first in the Court House from 1774 and then from 1777 in a newly erected meeting house. As a deacon and a trustee he gave guidance to the church and co-operated with its successive ministers until his death [1828] at the age of eighty-four.’1
1. Transactions of the Congregational Historical Society, Vol 20, G. Robinson, 1970.
1771 Dec 16
The marriage of Joseph’s parents in Gisburn Parish, Yorkshire.
‘No. 135 Joseph Harrison Husbandman & Mary Beezley Spinster 16th December 1771. Witn: Thomas Harrison, James Garthwaite.’1
They had issue:
Edward Harrison my son born 11th April 1773 and died 30th August 1773 buried at Leigh [near Manchester]. Baptised by Mr. Priestly. Ann Harrison my daughter born 10th November 1774 and died 14th January 1775. Buried at Wendon Essex. Baptised by Mr. Johnstone. Mary Harrison my daughter born 30th December 1775. Baptised by Mr. Johnstone Stanstead. Sarah Harrison my daughter born 13th January 1778. Joseph Harrison my son born 7th July 1779. Baptised by Mr. Curtis. James Harrison my son born 19th July 1780. Died 7 weeks buried at Clavering Essex. Thomas Harrison my son born 24th February 1782 at Foulmire Cambridgeshire. Elizabeth Harrison my daughter born 18th May 1783 at Foulmire Cambridgeshire. Martha Harrison my daughter born 5th July 1785 at Foulmire Cambridgeshire. Lydia Harrison my daughter born 15th June 1787 at Harston Cambridgeshire. Lived 20 weeks Buried there. Hester Harrison my daughter born 25th March 1789 at Harston Cambridgeshire.2
[Note: Thomas Harrison b. 1782 was later a schoolmaster and lived at Tottington near Bury.3]
1. Gisburn Parish Register, Volume 118 By Yorkshire Archaeological Society. 2. P.R.O. RG 4/3936 Wilsden Independent Low Chapel Register 1795-1805. 3. 1851 UK Census.
Wilsden Chapel Register.
1773 Apr 11
Joseph Harrison senior and family are living at Bedford, Leigh near Manchester.
On April 11, 1773 Joseph Harrison senior’s first son Edward was born and baptised by Mr. Priestly.1
Most probably Rev. Timothy Priestley who was minister at Cannon Street Chapel, Manchester, and younger brother of Joseph Priestley, the famous philosopher, scientist and dissenting minister.
Joseph Harrison senior was known to have preached at Cannon Street Chapel. His son John later wrote ‘ We are at present in Canon Street Chapel where Dear Father sometimes preached. Having met with several who remembered him very well and speak very highly of him. They consider he was rather too open but attribute it to his great anxiety and concern for the good of his fellow creatures.’2
1. P.R.O. RG 4/3936 Wilsden Independent Low Chapel Register 1795-1805; England Deaths and Burials. 2. Letter from John Harrison, Manchester to William Harrison, Yorkshire (Joseph’s younger brothers), December 22, 1823.
1774 – 1775
Letter from `The Church of Christ at Saffron Walden’ during vacancy in ministry requesting Clavering and Wenden[s Ambo] to allow their minister to preach on the first Sunday in October 1774, and draft letter from Clavering and Wenden[s Ambo] to Melbourn (Cambridgeshire) inviting them to send minister and messengers to the induction of Joseph Harrison as minister, [1775] (D/NC 35/8)
1775 May 30
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) chosen pastor at Clavering, Essex.
‘Joseph Harrison had no college training, and his first settlement was Clavering, in Essex, about 1775.’1
‘We as a Church of Christ, having had sufficient tryal [sic] of the Gifts and abilities of our brother Joseph Harrison and he haveing [sic] accepted of our call to him to take upon him the pastoral care over us in the Lord we have appointed Tuesday Year of the Lord 30th of May…’2
1. Lancashire Nonconformity, Nightingale, 1892. 2. Clavering Congregational Church records, Essex Records Office, D/NC 35/8.
1778
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) caused a division in the Clavering/Newport Church.
‘In 1778, it was proposed by the minister, MR. HARRISON, that the WENDEN meeting should remove to Newport, which raised opposition which threatened to disrupt the church. However, the removal was affected by the autumn of 1778, and the first sermon was preached at Newport in May, 1779. Mr. Harrison was succeeded by Mr. Bailey in 1781, when a division in the church occurred which resulted in the permanent separation of the two congregations.’1
1. Clavering Congregational Church records, Essex Records Office, D/NC 35/8.
1782
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) chosen pastor at Foulmire Independent Chapel, Cambridgeshire.
‘The Meeting House was erected at the expense of Mr. Wedd of Foulmire and opened for public worship in the Year of Our Lord 1782. Mr. Joseph Harrison was chosen Pastor.1
‘Foulmire [Fowlmere], Cambridgeshire…a dissenting congregation was formed in 1781. Joseph Harrison came to preach to them in 1782, but some problems in his ministry led to a group leaving and forming a Baptist meeting at Harston, which Harrison led.’2
At Foulmire the Harrison’s lived next door to the “Red House” occupied by John Winter. The properties were owned by Mr. Wedd.
1. P.R.O. RG 265 Foulmire Register 1812 – 1831. 2. Baptist Autographs in the JRU Library of Manchester 1741 – 1845, T. D. Whelan, 2009.
1786
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) was dismissed from the Foulmire Church.
‘This comes to 1786 at which time Mr. Harrison being charged with very improper conduct & not being able to give any satisfaction to the enquiries which were made at a Church meeting he was dismissed from the oversight of the Church. It appearing to the judicious part of the Church & Congregation, enjoined upon them, to separate, from a Brother who had brought disgrace on the cause of God by improper conduct.’1
‘[Joseph Harrison] was popular, but not conducting himself with all that prudence which is a most indispensable ingredient in the character of a minister of the gospel among Protestant Dissenters, the church and congregation resolved on a separation, which was effected, and gave rise to a new congregation of the Baptist denomination in the neighbouring village of Harston, where he established himself.’2
‘In 1781 an Independent church had been established in Fowlmere by a Mr Joseph Harrison. People from several villages used to gather at these meetings and a considerable number of the inhabitants of Harston were accustomed to attend. Joseph Harrison then came to Harston and succeeded in raising enough support to form a church and congregation over which he took the oversight. This he continued until October 1790 when he moved to Yorkshire.’3
1. P.R.O. RG 265 Foulmire Register 1812 – 1831. 2. Lancashire Nonconformity, Nightingale, 1892. 3. Booklet on 200th Anniversary of Harston Baptist Church, 1986.
1789 Jan 12
Edward Harrison (Joseph’s grandfather) died and was buried at St Mary’s Gisburn. He left five pounds to his son Joseph.
Will of Edward Harrison:
‘ In the Name of God Amen the sixth day of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and Eighty Eight. I Edward Harrison of Swinden in the parish of Gisburn and County of York being somewhat disordered in Body but perfect in Mind and Memory do constitute and appoint this my last Will and Testament in Manner and form following. First I commit my Soul into the Hands of Almighty God and my Body into the Dust to be buried at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named. I Will that all my funeral expences and just Debts be fully discharged and paid by my Executors. Imprimis I Give to my three Grand Children of Son Thomas deceased three pounds to be divided amongst them by an equal Dividend. Item I Give to my Son John the Sum of Twenty Shillings. Item I give to my Son James the Sum of four pounds. Item I Give to my Son Joseph the Sum of five pounds. Item I Give to my Daughter Mary now the Wife of Isaac Garsed the Sum of five pounds. I will that all the Legacies herein before mentioned be fully discharged and paid within twelve Months and a Day after my decease by my Executors – Item I will that the Residue and Remainder of my Effects after my decease be equally divided and one half thereof to be given to my beloved Wife Isabel for the Support of herself and her two youngest Daughters and if any Thing remains after her decease to be equally divided amongst her Children. The other half of the Moiety to be divided by an equal Dividend amongst my Children had by my Wife Isabel. Item I constitute and appoint my Wife Isabell and my Son Edward Joint Executors of this my last Will and Testament confiding in them that they will duly and truly execute and perform all the herein written Conditions and Covenants of this my last Will and Testament And I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other former Testaments Wills and Legacies Requests and Executors by me in any ways before this time named willed and bequeathed, ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the day and Year first above Written. Edward Harrison Sign’d seal’d publish’d pronounc’d and declared by Edward Harrison as his last Will and Testament in the presence of us. Henry Brigg – Jno Sawley – James Clark – past 22d Decem 1789.’1
1. Records kept at Borthwick Institute.
Note: Mary Harrison married Isaac Gartside, occupation Clothier, 1 Jan 1776, Saddleworth.
1790 Apr 8
Joseph Harrison’s mother Mary died at Harston, (Hauxton) Cambridgeshire and buried there with her daughter Lydia (Lidia) d. 14 Nov 1787, in the Churchyard. Joseph would have been only 10 years old.1
1. P.R.O. RG 4/3936 Wilsden Independent Low Chapel Register, 1795 – 1805.
1790 Oct
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) became minister at Skipton Independent Chapel, Yorkshire.
‘In 1789 the Rev. Joseph Harrison, of Saffron Walden, brother of the James Harrison who was one of the founders of the cause, and who now acted as deacon, accepted a call to the pastorate [of Skipton], and he threw his whole energies into his work. His enthusiasm indeed led to persecution, but over this “his Christian temper ultimately triumphed.”’1
‘Joseph Harrison. 1789 to 1793. He was a younger brother of James Harrison, and is said to have been called to Skipton from Saffron Walden, in Essex…One account, says of him that “he was a candid and laborious minister. He underwent some petty persecution over which his Christian temper ultimately triumphed…” According to another account, “he was a man of rather warm temper, but very liberal in sentiment. He was a laborious and zealous minister, frequently preaching in the streets and the surrounding villages.” He resided part of his time at Gargrave, where he kept a school; preaching there during the week and at Skipton on the Sunday.’2
[Saffron Walden appears to be a mistake by Dawson, but Joseph Harrison senior did hold pastorates at nearby Clavering and Wenden.]
1. History of Skipton, W. H. Dawson, 1882. 2. History of Independency in Skipton, W. H. Dawson.
c.1792
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) preached on Christmas day at Skipton and had a powerful effect over his nephew John Harrison’s faith.
‘The following passage from the MS memoirs of Mr. John Harrison relating to the year 1792 or thereabouts, shows the influence of Mr. Harrison’s [Joseph Harrison senior] preaching…
”The manner in which the great change was brought about in his heart, when he became a converted character was this. When he was a young man of about 20 his uncle Joseph Harrison, who was then for a short time the minister, went on the Christmas-day to the Methodist Chapel as they had no service at their own, and my father [James Harrison] went also. The minister preached from Isaiah and 6, the former part, Unto us a child is born.’ There does not seem to have been anything particularly striking in this, sermon, but in the evening his uncle held a service in his brother’s (James Harrison’s) house, and took as his text a further part of the same text, ‘His name shall be called Wonderful.’ My father said that the preacher showed so many wonders in Jesus that he himself was almost overwhelmed with wonder in hearing of them.”’1
1. History of Independency in Skipton, D. H. Dawson.
1792 Sep 4
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) married his second wife Elizabeth Elliot at Skipton.1
They had issue:
Daughter Harrison of Elizabeth my wife 27th July 1795 William Harrison son of Joseph and Elizabeth Harrison born at Harden 30th March 1796. Baptised by Mr. Calvert 11th April 1796 in the parish of Bingley. William Harrison son of Joseph and Elizabeth Harrison born at Harden Parish of Bingley 30th March 1796. Baptised by Mr. Calvert within the month in my own house. John Harrison son of Joseph and Elizabeth Harrison born at Harden Parish of Bingley 2nd June [30th June family bible] 1798 about nine o’clock in the morning. Baptised by Mr. Calvert Skipton Minister. William John Harrison my son born 3rd December 1799 Jane Harrison daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth born 8th October 1800 at Wilsden Chapel House baptized 5th November 1800 by Mr. Calvert. Ann Harrison daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth born 18th March 1804 at 12 o’clock baptized by Mr. Calvert 30 June 1804 being my birthday.2
1. P.R.O. RG 4/3936 Wilsden Independent Low Chapel register, 1795 – 1805. 2. Ibid.
Below are birth & death records from Joseph Harrison senior’s (1749 – 1821) New Testament which was passed down to his son William Harrison (younger half brother of Joseph). The records are mostly from his second marriage to Elizabeth Elliot and some records from William’s children. There are some transcription errors. e.g. 1769 should be 1749.
1793
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) became minister of Bingley and Wilsden Chapels.
‘After remaining at Skipton until about 1793, Mr. Harrison removed to Bingley; where he had a charge of a Baptist congregation, for a short time…Afterwards – it was probably in the same year – Mr. Harrison became the Independent minister at Wilsden…The Rev. Joseph Harrison was the first minister, and I find that he was residing at Harden Beck early in the year 1793…The services at this time were conducted in farm houses and barns…Mr. Harrison combined tuition with preaching for a short time. The school house in which he taught at Bank Bottom is still standing, but it was long ago converted into a cottage. The parsonage was built for Mr. Harrison by his people…In the year 1801, Mr. Harrison went to London on a begging excursion for the reduction of the chapel debt. He obtained subscriptions to the amount of £154.’1
‘The Independents [at Bingley] date their origin from the year 1793, when a society was formed, and their first minister, the Rev. Joseph Harrison, was appointed. He at the time resided at Harden Beck. In 1795 a small chapel was erected.’2
‘[Bank Bottom school] situated near Harden Beck Bridge, it was intended to serve both Harden and Wilsden and Benjamin Ferrand of Harden Hall made a grant of £1 per annum towards the schoolmaster’s salary. No records have been found from its erection until 1793 when the Rev. Joseph Harrison came as a teacher. He was a non-conformist minister of a strong evangelistic temperament and within two years of his arrival a non-denominational church and minister’s house was erected in Wilsden, to which Harrison was transferred.’3
‘The Rev. Joseph Harrison, a native of Craven, had held pastorates in Essex and Cambridgeshire; became minister to the Baptist congregation at Bingley, but a Baptist minister officiated at the bi-monthly communion service. He was a plain-spoken, earnest man, inclined to Baxterianism. He then kept a school, and formed an Independent congregation at Wilsden before 1793, during which year he resided at Harden Beck. In 1795 Wilsden Chapel was built for him, and a parsonage erected soon after… The Rev. Joseph Harrison, who had been independent minister at Skipton, settled over the Baptist cause here [Bingley], and occupied the pulpit with great acceptance for about three years, during which time galleries were erected in the chapel. He was, however, never ordained pastor of the church, nor did he administer the Lord’s Supper. Troubles began, and his ministry ended abruptly about 1800.’4
‘The Reverend Joseph Harrison a native of Craven had settled at Wilsden as Minister combining with his duties the work of tuition which he conducted at the old school at Myholme. A parsonage was soon after built for Mr. Harrison and ground for a minister’s garden and a graveyard was given by Benjamin Ferrand Esq., Lord of the Manor.’5
[The young Joseph Harrison would have been about 13 years old and would most likely have attended the school at Bank Bottom where his father taught.]
1. History of Independency of Skipton. W. H. Dawson. 2. Chronicles and Stories of Old Bingley, Harry Speight, 1898. 3. Bradford Antiquary, Vol 5, 1964. 4. Ancient Bingley, J. H. Turner, 1897. 5. Round About Bradford, W. Cudworth, 1876.
1794
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) attended Gildersome Chapel on Sacrament days.
‘Mr. Joseph Harrison, an Independent minister, once of Foulmere, near Cambridge, administers the Lord’s Supper to the latter, and occasionally changes with Mr. James Ashworth, the Baptist Minister, of Gildersome.’1
1. Baptist Annual Register, Vol2, 1794.
1796-1802
Joseph Harrison senior (Joseph’s father) attended Mixenden Chapel on Sacrament days.
‘Mixenden…In 1796 Mr. David Howard, a local preacher with the Wesleyans in Ripponden. He was not ordained and exchanged with Rev J Harrison of Wilsden on Sacrament days.’1
[Soyland near Ripponden is where Joseph was residing when he married Sarah (Sally) Hanson of Barkisland in 1801. Joseph’s occupation at the time was swandown weaver. Two of Sally’s brothers were members of the Wesleyan Church at Ripponden.]
‘[Sally Hanson’s] parents were in humble life, supporting a family of nine children…by weaving and spinning. Both father and mother were nominally members of the Church of England. The latter, with her children, on the Sabbath, regularly attended at the Episcopalian Chapel, Ripponden; but the former did not consider it a duty to attend any place of worship himself, nor did he require the attendance of his children; and yet, singular to relate, this Sabbath-profaning father would assemble his sons and daughters twice every week-day, and read to them two chapters in the Bible, assigning as his reason that he wished them to have a little rest from the toil of weaving, expressing also his hope that by this daily practice they might be led to consider reading the Scriptures a privilege rather than a task…several of the elder brothers, who had become thoughtful and truly pious, had connected themselves with different religious denominations. One of the members became a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Society…Having two other brothers, who were members of Independent or Congregational churches, the family conversation on a winter’s evening, and especially on a Sabbath day, would, as might naturally be expected, often turn on questions of Christian doctrine and church polity.’2
‘…[Sally’s younger brother] John went to the Wesleyan chapel when he was eighteen years of age [1800], and heard words whereby he was saved, and joined the society. The Discussions of the brothers (some of whom had become Wesleyans, others Independents), on Calvinism and church polity, led [John] to inquiry, and he became an Independent, and joined the church at Sowerby… [John] was invited by a ministerial relative [Joseph Harrison] into Essex to preach in cottages at Great Camfield…’ 2
‘[Sally’s younger brother] John Hanson, of Takeley, Essex, was born in a village near Halifax, July 17th, 1782…Straightened circumstances withheld from this family the advantages of a liberal education, and the only instruction the subject of this memoir received was from a young man [Joseph Harrison perhaps?], who at that period resided in the neighbourhood, and employed much of his time in teaching the poor and the ignorant. On that kind friend removing to a distance, young Hanson mingled with gay companions, often rambling with them in the woods on the Sabbath day; but while thus engaged, the Bible, which he had heard his father read from day to day, convinced him that he was sinning against God…In January, 1806, [he] joined the Congregational church at Sowerby, then under the pastoral care of Rev. James Hatton…the pastor and other Christian friends encouraged him to exercise his talents by exhortation and prayer in public…At this juncture Mr. Hanson, quite unexpectedly, through his connection with a minister by marriage [Joseph Harrison], received an invitation to preach for a short time at a village in Essex…Having now a wife to provide for, and his means being very limited, the expense of a journey so far…appeared to him a serious difficulty, when, to his great surprise, a letter arrived from his Essex friends inclosing the very amount required for his journey…he left Yorkshire for Essex, and spent thirteen weeks at the village of Great Camfield, preaching the Gospel in a cottage…the prospect of raising a congregation sufficiently numerous to support a regular ministry was felt to be of a doubtful character, and Mr. Hanson, at the close of his temporary visit, made up his mind to return to Yorkshire. Having, however, to spend a few weeks at the village of Henham, to serve a ministerial brother there [Joseph Harrison], the friends at Great Camfield made it their earnest request that he would settle among them…’3
1. Halifax Books and Authors, T. J. Horsfall, 1906. 2. The Christian Witness, 1857. 3. Congregational Year Book, 1858, p. 206.
Parson Harrison - Peterloo Reformer 