James E. Harrison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James E. Harrison
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James Edward Harrison
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| Born | April 24, 1815 Greenville District, South Carolina |
| Died | February 23, 1875 (aged 59) Waco, Texas |
| Buried |
Waco, Texas
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
 Confederate States Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Edward Harrison (born April 24, 1815 – died February 23, 1875) was a Confederate States Army officer. He became a brigadier general during the American Civil War. He mostly served in the western part of the war, known as the Trans-Mississippi Department. He fought in battles in Louisiana. Before the war, he was a state senator in Mississippi. After the war, he helped lead Baylor University.
Early Life and Politics
James Edward Harrison was born on April 24, 1815. This was in Greenville District, South Carolina. His family later moved to Alabama, then to Mississippi.
In Mississippi, James Harrison became a politician. He served two terms in the Mississippi Senate. This is where state laws are made.
In 1857, Harrison moved to Texas, near Waco. He worked for the State of Texas. His job was to talk with Native American (Indian) tribes. The goal was to ask the Five Civilized Tribes to join the Confederacy. This was in case of a war with the United States. Harrison's talks went well. After these talks, he joined the Texas secession convention. This group decided if Texas would leave the United States.
Service in the Civil War
James E. Harrison served almost entirely west of the Mississippi River. He started his service in the 15th Texas Infantry Regiment. In May 1862, he became a lieutenant colonel.
He fought in the Louisiana campaign of 1863. This included the First Bayou Teche Campaign. He led a cavalry brigade at this time. His troops made a successful attack on Union forces. This happened along the Atchafalaya River in September 1863. Harrison also fought in the Second Bayou Teche Campaign.
In 1864, Harrison was promoted to colonel. He led the 15th Texas Infantry. He took part in the 1864 Red River Campaign. His commanders often praised his actions in their reports.
On January 6, 1865, James Harrison became a brigadier general. This promotion was approved by Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
From March to April 1865, Harrison led a brigade in Texas. This was part of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department. He continued to command troops until May 1865.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Harrison was an important person in Waco, Texas. He was very involved in education. He served as a trustee for Baylor University. This means he helped guide the university.
Family Life
James Edward Harrison was the son of Isham Harrison and Harriet Kelly. His parents were from Greenville County, South Carolina. He had a brother named Thomas Harrison. Thomas also became a Confederate brigadier general. James was also a second cousin to Wade Hampton III.
James Edward Harrison died on February 23, 1875. He passed away in Waco, Texas. He is buried in the First Street Cemetery in Waco.
