Harrison, Jonas, 1777-1836

U.S. customs and tax collector residing in Geneseo County, N.Y., who later emigrated to Shelby County, Tex., where he practiced law.

Born in Woodbridge Township, N.J., 11 Oct. 1777; admitted to the bar in 1807, while in the Michigan Territory. He lived in Lewiston, N.Y. from 1809-1813, where he was collector of customs for the District of Niagara, and master of chancery for New York State. He married Betsy Cooke in 1811. They moved to the Village of Buffalo after the War of 1812, where he practiced law. Ruined in the panic of 1819, he abandoned his family and, by Dec. 1820, was in Texas, married to Ellender Shannon of Georgia. In Texas he practiced law and became active in politics. He died on 6 Aug. 1836.