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Milner Harrison was born near York, England, in 1816. His father was engaged in the sea-faring business, trading to Russia.
In 1820 the family removed to Canada, settling in London town- ship, which at that period was rapidly being taken up by emigrants from the old land.
In 1842 Mr. Harrison married Catherine Howard, whose father had come to London in charge of a surveying party, and where he afterwards settled in 1822.
The Howards were related to the eccentric Col. Talbot, who founded the Talbot settlement on Lake Erie.
In 1844 Mr. Harrison arrived in St. Marys, then fast becoming an important trading centre.
Here he opened a general store on Queen Street, with a stock of such goods as were in demand by the settlers.
The staple articles of trade in those early days consisted of potash and black salts, as being the principal products of a new farm.
As time increased his wealth so his business extended, until he was able to retire with a considerable fortune, the result of hard work and careful manipulation of his affairs.
Mr. Harrison was in many respects a clever man, with all the qualities that lead to success.
If he had been a farmer he would have been a good one, and made himself rich.
If he had been a labourer he would have earned the highest wages.
He was plain and simple in his tastes, jovial in his manner, and had the most perfect contempt for the nambypambyism of those who affect what is called high society.
He was honest in his convictions, and in all his transactions.
He knew no standard of manhood but that set up by Burns - "The rank is but the guinea's stamp, the man's the gold for a' that."
In the discharge of those duties appertaining to public-spirited citizenship he did his part, and his work in this department will be found in the local histories of Blanshard and St. Marys.
From History of Perth County 1825-1902 by William Johnston, 1903.
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