John E. Harrison was born September 25, 1830. Harrison lived in Darke County, Ohio. The 1850 census lists him as a farmer, and the 1860 census lists him as a school teacher. He married Harriet Benson, and they had at least one daughter (Manervey). He was 31 years old when he and his brother Samuel (21 years old) joined the 44th Ohio Infantry Regiment, Company G, in 1861. He started as a corporal, and on January 5, 1864 was promoted to full sergeant. This regiment later became the 8th Ohio Cavalry Regiment, Company G. He saw battle in Lewisburg, Charleston, and Liberty, West Virginia, and in Dunstan Hill and Knoxville, Tennessee. His unit also spent time in Virginia and Kentucky. The 8th Cavalry was captured by surprise at Beverly, West Virginia and sent to Libby Prison in Richmond in January 1865. His regiment was discharged in August 1865 at which time he returned home to Hollansburg, Ohio. Harrison attended a soldier's reunion in 1880 and applied for a Civil War Pension in 1885 (in Indiana). He probably died in late 1911 (his widow applied for a Civil War pension that year.).
From the description of John E. Harrison diaries, 1861-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 181099850
