John Harrison (doctor)
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John Harrison (1815-1890) was an Irish physician known for his skill as a surgeon and his charitable work during the Great Famine. He was born in Roscommon, Ireland and remained there for his entire fifty-year medical career, becoming known as a "favourite son" of the town.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Harrison was born in 1815 and raised on Abbey Street in Roscommon Town.[2] His father, William, was a successful merchant and respected member of the community. William owned thirteen properties on Abbey Street and served on the Grand Jury, a precursor to the County Council. John's mother, Anne O'Conner, was likely the daughter of Charles O'Conner. He had eight siblings, including a brother named Joseph who later emigrated to Australia.
As a child, Harrison attended the Classical Academy School, which would later become the Harrison Hall. Some of his school friends went on to prominent positions in the Church, such as the future Bishop of Sligo. Due to restrictions on Catholics attending Trinity College in Dublin, Harrison completed his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He graduated in 1841.
Medical career
[edit]Harrison's medical practice was known for its diverse nature.[3] He held positions as a medical officer for the Old Jail, the Union Workhouse, the Ballyleague dispensary, and the local fever hospital while also maintaining a private practice. He became a licensed surgeon in 1840, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1840, and received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Edinburgh in 1841. His skill as a surgeon was widely recognized. In 1857, local newspapers reported on Harrison's successful treatment of a young girl with a spinal disease and his skillful removal of an injured worker's hand.
Great Famine
[edit]Harrison worked throughout the Great Famine, which hit County Roscommon particularly hard between 1845 and 1852. He served as the doctor for the Roscommon Workhouse, which saw a dramatic increase in residents during this time as people sought refuge from starvation and disease. The workhouse, built in 1843, also housed a fever hospital established in response to outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhus. Harrison worked tirelessly in the overcrowded and under-resourced institutions, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of the famine on the community. He treated many dying people, often writing their death certificates. He advocated for better conditions at the workhouse, including changes to the food provided to residents.
Charitable work and recognition
[edit]Harrison was known for his generosity and compassion, particularly towards the poor. He rarely charged his poorer patients for his services, which earned him widespread admiration. In 1865, the townspeople held a testimonial dinner to express their gratitude for Harrison's selfless service. He was presented with a carriage, harnesses, and an ebony casket inlaid with silver. [4]
Later life and death
[edit]Harrison died peacefully at home on December 24, 1890, his 75th birthday. He is buried in St Coman's graveyard in Roscommon Town. His tombstone's epitaph highlights his "distinguished medical career" and notes that his death was "universally regretted by all classes more especially by the poor." [5]
Legacy
[edit]Following his death, a memorial fund was established to honor Harrison's contributions to the community. The Harrison Memorial Fund raised a significant sum of money, which was eventually used to purchase a former courthouse and market house.[6] This building, originally constructed in 1750, was renamed Harrison Hall in 1910 and served as a community center until 1976.[7] A neighboring building, the former Presbyterian Church, later became Harrison Hall and now houses the County Museum and Tourist Office.
Harrison's legacy is also carried on by the Dr. John Harrison Memorial Trust, which was revitalized in the 1970s and continues to maintain his memory. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and service, particularly during times of hardship.[8]
Family connections to Australia
[edit]Harrison's brother Joseph emigrated to Australia in 1854 and prospered on the goldfields of Ballarat, Victoria. Joseph worked as a mining engineer and married Ellen O'Reagan, who was originally from Cork. They had nine children and eventually settled in Melbourne. Their descendants remain proud of their connection to Dr. John Harrison and his legacy of service and compassion.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Harrison, Julian (2015). The Life & Times of Dr. John Harrison 1815 - 1890.
- ^ Griffith’s Valuations 1854-1864. Primary Valuations of Tenements. p. 45
- ^ Roscommon Messenger. 30 July 1859 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/search/results/1859-07-30?NewspaperTitle=Roscommon%2BMessenger&IssueId=BL%2F0000833%2F18590730%2F&County=Roscommon%2C%20Republic%20of%20Ireland.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Molloy, David (1990). "Dr. Harrison and The Harrison Hall". Roscommon Historical and Archeological Society Journal. 3: 5.
- ^ Fallon, Norl (24 March 2015). "Legacy of Dr. John Harrison will be highlighted at Lamb Festival". Roscommon Herald. p. 50.
- ^ "Brief Outline of the Harrison Memorial Fund" (PDF). Roscommon Town Heritage.
- ^ "What future lies in store for Harrison Hall?". Roscommon Champion. 22 November 1974.
- ^ "People". Roscommon Town Heritage. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
- ^ Duke, Seamus (27 February 2009). ""I want to thank the people of Roscommon for keeping the memory of Dr Harrison alive"". Roscommon People. p. 43.