Harrison was born in
Smithville, New York on June 10, 1878. He graduated from
Cornell University in 1903 and started a career in journalism working for papers in New York, including the
Brooklyn Standard Union,
The New York Times, and
The New York Herald. Harrison worked for a total of 19 years in New York, serving as city editor for
The New York Herald. In 1922 Harrison joined the staff of
The Christian Science Monitor. In 1927 the organizational structure of the
Monitor was changed and the position of editor-in-chief, previously occupied by
Willis J. Abbot, was expanded to include an Editorial Board of four members. Harrison and Abbot both served on the Board and were joined by Frank L. Perrin and Charles E. Heitman, the latter of whom also served as manager of the
Publishing Society. Harrison led the Editorial Board during this time. He retained the title and role of executive editor until 1929 when he replaced Heitman as manager of the Publishing Society. After 1939, the paper returned to an editor-in-chief organizational structure, with Harrison filling the role until 1941 under the title of administrative editor. During his tenure at the
Monitor he oversaw the planning and completion of a new publishing house building, and had a significant influence on the development of the paper during his tenure. Harrison died in 1941 and was replaced by
Erwin Canham as chief editor of the paper. Canham said of Harrison that he "was kindness and patience personified", and referring to Harrison's legacy with the
Monitor, said that he "exerted great influence on the paper's progress." ==References==