Private William H. Harrison

William H. Harrison was an eighteen year old native of Iowa when he enlisted on March 22, 1864 in Company H of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. He served with the regiment throughout the entire war, mustering out on August 11, 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee.

His obituary, published in the September 9, 1915 issue of the Bellevue Leader, reveals that he was a well-respected member of his community.

Taps Sounded for Old Veteran
Wm. Harrison Succumbed Friday Following Strokes of Paralysis

Another old veteran joined the rapidly increasing throng of those who have passed out of this life, when Wm. Harrison breathed his last on Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. Death was due to paralysis, several attacks having been sustained.

Deceased was born at Rockingham this state, and was sixty-nine years of age. His father was the late "General" Richard Harrison, who lived to be one of Jackson county's oldest citizens.

Coming to Bellevue with his parents in 1860, William followed the trade of shoemaker and in 1863 enlisted as a member of Co. H, 5th Iowa Cavalry, and served until the close of the war.

He was united in marriage in 1873 to Miss Gertrude Wise at Maquoketa who died last spring in California. He is survived by two sons, Edgar of Britt and George of California; also two brothers, Frank of Bellevue, Charles of Mitchell, S.D.; and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Bacon of Mitchell and Mrs. L.E. Bryant of Anaconda, Mon. He enjoyed large friendships because of his quiet, unassuming nature and his departure is mourned by a large circle.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. Levine with internment in the north cemetery (Republic Cemetery, Bellevue). The pallbearers were Philip Fablinger, Chas. Kruth, Ignatz Kelin, Chas Trude, Ell Nelson, civil war veterans and George Heckelsmillier, Spanish-American war veteran.

The Fifth Iowa Cavalry site is grateful to Nancy Mumford for making Harrison's obituary available on the internet.