Sutter-Yuba County Biographies

WILLIAM HARRISON

Transcribed by: Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


 
            Prominent throughout Yuba County for his work in developing the 
agricultural resources of the district, William Harrison ahs been active as farm 
advisor for the Farm Bureau of the county, organized in March, 1918.  Mr. 
Harrison received his appointment in June of that year, as farm advisor for Yuba 
County, which position he has held ever since, to the great satisfaction of his 
fellow citizens and with a remarkable development of the county�s 
productiveness.  A native of England, he was born in the southern part of that 
country on October 1, 1862, and was apprenticed to the nursery trade at the age 
of fourteen; so he early received his training along the lines he has made his 
life work.  From 1884 to 1896 he was manager of the Turnford Hall Nurseries, 
near Broxbourne, England, among the largest nurseries in Great Britain, and 
built two large glass-covered plants.  He went into business for himself at 
Merrivale, conducting the Merrivale Nurseries from 1896 to 1908.
            In 1908 Mr. Harrison decided to transfer his activities to the newer 
country, and came to the United States, first locating in Colorado, where he was 
county agriculturist at Grand Junction, Mesa County, for two years, and farm 
advisor of that county for two years.  Coming to California, in June, 1918, he 
was appointed farm advisor of Yuba County, the first man to occupy that office 
in the county � and preeminently the right man, in view of his ability and 
experience, as is proved by his work among the farmers, which has been extensive 
and of great advantage to the farming interests of this section of the State, 
already noted for its productiveness and with a future before it of even greater 
possibilities.  The functions of his office include:  Development of the various 
departments of the Farm Bureau, such as the demonstration department; soil 
improvement; field crops; crop production; seed production and marketing; 
orchard and vineyard crops; live-stock production; farm economics; home 
betterment; boys� and girls� club work; and the appointment and helping of 
project leaders for different sections of the county.  In his work he has gained 
the confidence and cooperation of the people, who know him for a hard worker, 
with only the best interests of the county at heart.
 
History of Yuba and Sutter Counties, Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, 1924
p. 1293-1294