Ohio History Journal


268 Ohio Arch

268        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

 

PRESERVATION OF HARRISON'S TOMB.

A sentimental motive prompted Colonel Russell B. Harrison, son

of the late ex-President of the United States, to come to Cincinnati

yesterday. He had a case in the United States Court, but his important

reason for the visit was to have a conference with his distant relative,

Colonel Lewis W. Irwin, in regard to inducing the United States Gov-

ernment to take over the burying ground at North Bend, where the tombs

of his distinguished grandfather, General and President William Henry

Harrison are located.

Colonel Harrison and Mr. Irwin talked for more than two hours

and agreed upon a plan of action. A resolution will be prepared for

introduction at the next session of Congress, by either Representative

Goebel or Longworth, providing that the United States shall take posses-

sion of the cemetery at the hamlet of North Bend, make such repairs as

are necessary and keep the Stars and Stripes always floating above the

tomb of the "Hero of Tippecanoe." Every one of the hundreds of

heirs to the little burying ground, which contains about five acres, has

agreed to give a quitclaim deed to their individual interests, and there

will be no expense to the Government whatever, except the slight cost

of taking care of the property.

Many years ago the Trustees of Miami Township prohibited further

burials in the Harrison private cemetery. Shortly before this was done

one of the most shocking incidents in local history took place. Ghouls

stole the body of John Scott Harrison, father of President Benjamin

Harrison, from the grave and it was later discovered by General Harri-

son in the pickling vat of the Ohio Medical College. A great sensation

was caused by the discovery. The remains of the old man were rein-

terred in the same grave, and a guard was kept over them for several

weeks.

This was in the latter part of May 1878, and Colonel L. W. Irwin,

who is taking such deep interest in the movement to have Uncle Sam

assume charge of the cemetery, was Prosecuting Attorney of Hamilton

County at that time. Members of the Harrison family have never for-

gotten the desecration of the grave of their beloved dead, and believing

that a grateful country is willing to honor one of her most distinguished

soldiers and statesmen they proffer the graveyard, with the only condition

that it be kept free from vandalism and that the flag of the country

always float over the tomb of President William Henry Harrison.-

Cincinnati Enquirer, April 3, 1907.