My Grandfather, Ernest Harrison
My grandfather Ernest Harrison was born in Burton in Lonsdale in 1880 to John Parker Harrison a master tailor one of 3 boys and 12 girls (some died young). My grandfather told us of a time when he skated on a local pond with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ernest's sister was a post mistress in Burton and recalled talking to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when he posted letters. Does anyone know when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stayed in Burton in Lonsdale? My Grandfather and his brother John competed in the Grasmere Sports, they walked to Grasmere so I believe from Burton. In 1905 Ernest came first in the open long jump and joint 3rd in the high leap. In 1906 John came first in the long jump and Ernest came second, Ernest also came joint 2nd in the high leap. In 1907 John came third in the high leap, second in the open long jump and 220yards. Ernest was in Egypt by then I think, as a tailors cutter in Cairo, he was in charge of a camel corps in the First World War in Egypt. I have the book 'David Copperfield' that was presented to E Harrison by the men's bible class, Burton in Lonsdale, first class prize in 1905. Ernest visited Burton and Ingleton with his family on a few occasions, my father continued this by taking his family, I remember. I have visited the graveyard with my family and found my great-grandparents' grave with the mention of 3 of their 15 children, the oldest son died in the Boer War in Modder Spruit, South Africa from dysentry, I myself have a photograph of John and Nancy Harrison and their 7 youngest children. In the 1911 census John and Nancy are living alone, only 7 of the 15 children are still alive. the family bible went to Australia, I have the front pages with births of the 15 children. My grandfather Ernest claimed that one of his ancestors was John Harrison who invented the chronometer, unfortunately I have had difficulty tracing the family tree back any further than my great-grandfather's mother Nancy Harrison who I think was born in Ingleton.
Memories Links
See more memories of Burton In Lonsdale
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How does Burton In Lonsdale feature in your personal history?
What are your best memories of Burton In Lonsdale?
How has Burton In Lonsdale changed over the years?
Share memories about your local community, its history and people.
Comments
2 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "My Grandfather, Ernest Harrison".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.


Comments
RE: RE: My Grandfather, Ernest Harrison
Arthur Conan Doyle lived with his mother in Masongill. The vicar in Ingleton was the Rev Sherlock at the time in the 1870s. He also preached in Burton and Thornton, where ACD was married, as was his sister. I have some more history if interested. Andy Ive, Burton resident
Comment from Andrew Ive on Saturday, 6th August 2011.
RE: RE: My Grandfather, Ernest Harrison
Thanks for that information, I would love to hear more. Where is Masongill?
Is it far from Burton? How long did he live in Burton? Also any other information you think would be interesting. Thank you, Elizabeth Orr
Comment from Elizabeth Orr on Monday, 8th August 2011.