But his memory has been
suffered to pass silently away, without any record being left for
the benefit and advantage of those who have succeeded him. The
following memoir includes nearly all that is known of the life
and labours of John Harrison.
He was born at Foulby, in the parish of Wragby, near Pontefract,
Yorkshire, in March, 1693. His father, Henry Harrison, was
carpenter and joiner to Sir Rowland Winn, owner of the Nostell
Priory estate. The present house was built by the baronet on the
site of the ancient priory. Henry Harrison was a sort of
retainer of the family, and long continued in their Service.
Little is known of the boy's education. It was certainly of a
very inferior description. Like George Stephenson, Harrison
always had a great difficulty in making himself understood,
either by speech or writing. Indeed, every board-school boy now
receives a better education than John Harrison did a hundred and
eighty years ago. But education does not altogether come by
reading and writing. The boy was possessed of vigorous natural
abilities. He was especially attracted by every machine that
moved upon wheels. The boy was 'father to the man.' When six
years old, and lying sick of small-pox, a going watch was placed
upon his pillow, which afforded him infinite delight.
When seven years old he was taken by his father to Barrow, near
Barton-on-Humber, where Sir Rowland Winn had another residence
and estate.
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