James E. Harrison

Harrison though born in Virginia, served the Union cause during the Civil War. He received his appointment as a Second Lieutenant out of the District of Columbia to the 2d U. S. Cavalry in June, 1856 and his first station assignment was at Camp Cooper, Texas until April, 1858. He was detached then to Fort Belknap, Texas until May of 1858, Fort Wachita, to July, 1858, and then back to Fort Belknap from September to October, 1858. He scouted Indians in November, of that year and from December to May, 1859 he served as a company commander. In 1860 he departed Texas and was posted to Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania from February to March, 1860. He was promoted to First Lieutenant 2d U. S. Cavalry, in April, 1861 and then to Captain 5th U. S. Cavalry, May, 1861. Harrison was engaged in the Peninsular campaign, Army of the Potomac and commanded a regiment at Harper's Ferry, Virginia in September, 1862 through April, 1863. He suffered a debilitating sunstroke after the battle at Brandy's Station and was sent to Portland, Maine, until December to fully recover. In his absence, his second in command, Captain Julius Mason assumed command and led the regiment through the Battle of Gettysburg. Harrison then was assigned to the Cavalry Corps Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, to January, 1864. In July of 1864 Harrison was assigned to be the Acting Inspector-General of Cavalry, Department of Arkansas, and at some point to appointed as the Special Inspector of Cavalry, Military Division of West Mississippi, to January, 1865. At the war's end, he was assigned to Washington, D.C.

Brevet Major U. S. Army, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Hanover Court House, Virginia. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel U. S. Army, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Antietam, Maryland.

Served during the Battle of Brandy's Station, Battle of Antietem, Chancellorsville, Stoneman's Raid, Hanover Court House and many more.

Died of unknown disease at a military hospital in Washington, D.C.