Connecting the Dots in Archives

Jennifer Scheetz, Archivist

An exciting part of working in the Archives is “connecting the dots” between our items and filling in family histories. The two items here were donated to the museum by the grandson of J.W. Harrisson. While they seem fairly ordinary – if somewhat rare – knowing their origins makes them all the more fascinating. 

Charleston Mercury Extra announcing the “The Union is Dissolved!”  This particular copy has an inscription written in pencil at the bottom. It reads: “You’ll regret the day you ever done it. I preserve this to see how it ends. Dec 21 / [18]60  [signed] JW Harrisson.” JW Harrisson is actually Joseph Whipple Harrisson, born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1815. He married a local Charleston girl, Eliza Ann Meacher in 1841. They had eleven children, seven of which survived to adulthood. JW became a local paint merchant and glazier. His shop was located first at 60 Queen Street and then 128 Meeting Street.

Presidential pardon with seal, signed by President Andrew Johnson and dated November 4th, 1865. Also signed by Acting Secretary of State, F.W. Seward [Frederick W. Seward]. The pardon is issued to Joseph W. Harrison (sic). This related document probably refers to Harrisson’s paint and glazier business rather than land. Census show that while the family owned some slaves (less than five), they never owned enough to operate a plantation. Both Harrisson and his wife’s family (the Meachers) were merchants and lived in the city of Charleston.

JW did serve in the Confederate army during the Civil War. Enlistment records are basic – especially Confederate records – but it is likely that he served in Company G, 1st Regiment South Carolina Infantry (Butler’s). Apparently while he was away fighting, the shop was declared abandoned and turned over to the Freedman’s Bureau. While all Confederates were required to sign an Oath of Allegiance, JW applied for, and was granted, this Presidential pardon to reclaim the family business.
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