James T. Harrison (lieutenant governor)

James T. Harrison was born on May 21, 1848, in Columbus, Mississippi.[1][2][3][4] He was the son of James Thomas Harrison.[3] In 1863, the age of 14, Harrison enlisted in the Confederate Army to fight in the American Civil War.[2][3] Harrison served until the end of the war, obtaining the rank of Sergeant, and twice refusing further promotion.[3][2] Harrison attended Princeton University and then attended Washington and Lee University, graduating from the latter in 1867.[5][2][3] He then took a special course at the University of Mississippi in 1868.[2]

After graduating from college, Harrison became a lawyer and joined his father's law firm.[3] Harrison was first elected to represent Lowndes County in the Mississippi House of Representatives to serve in the 1884 session.[6] In that session Harrison helped the effort to pass a bill to establish an industrial college for female students (now the Mississippi University for Women), which was located in Columbus due to his influence.[3] He was appointed to be the chairman of the college's board of trustees.[3] Harrison was re-elected for the 1886 session, and in that session, he served as the Chairman of the House's Appropriations Committee.[3][6] After serving in the House, Harrison temporarily retired from politics to focus on his law career.[3] In 1891, Harrison was elected to represent the 25th District as a Democrat in the Mississippi State Senate for the 1892-1896 term.[7][8] Harrison was re-elected in 1895, and served in the 1896-1900 term.[9][2] In this term, Harrison was also elected to be the Senate's President Pro Tempore.[10][2] On August 28, 1899, Harrison was nominated by the Mississippi State Democratic Convention for the office of Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi, and his nomination was chosen on the first ballot.[2] After being elected, Harrison held this office from 1900 to 1904.[1][10][11] Outside politics, Harrison was involved in many institutions in Columbus, including directing several railroads.[3]

Harrison was a deacon of the Baptist Church.[1][6] He was a Grand Commander and Knight Templar in the Masonic Order and also belonged to the Odd Fellows.[3][12][4] Harrison married Fannie S. Moore in 1884.[3] They had at least two children, including James T. Jr. and Nellie.[3] Harrison died at his home in Columbus, Mississippi, on May 17, 1928.[12][11]